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Original Eames Zenith rocker all the way?  

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analogdialog
(@analogdialog)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 12
21/06/2012 3:12 am  

Hi all, I was hoping to field some thoughts on what might be my first real investment Eames piece. I've had a mix of new and old (but hardly rare) RARs in the past with which parts mismatching I was less concerned.
A local dealer/friend is offerring the following near-perfect condition chair to me at a reasonable price. Reasonable if it's through and through an all original Zenith rocker though. The price isn't so low that I can just roll the dice, however. The obvious right things are there - rope edge, remnants of the checkered label, thicker wire base, wide shock mounts but a few of things throw me off:
*there is a very faint shadow of an X between the shock mounts
-the shock mounts don't have X base indentations however
-could this have been a byproduct of the manufacturing?
-if it was on an X base, why would it have left a shadow?
*the shock mounts are definitely old, but are in (too) good condition?
-no drying of the rubber or epoxy
-no evidence of a shock mount replacement job
*the runners are flat edged instead of the rounded that I usually see
-they're definitely old, but not as worn as I expected on a chair this old
Lastly, am I being too picky? As it is right now, does it detract from the value if it is a marriage of parts - even vintage parts?
Thanks for any insight you might be able to give.
-Chris

http://www.flickr.com/photos/creativeintheory/sets/72157630212159372/


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analogdialog
(@analogdialog)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 12
21/06/2012 4:58 am  

shock mount indentations
Thanks tynellbuyer.
That's the curious thing, the shadow points to it having existed as an X base, but I would think there would be indentations on the shock mounts. If it is a shock mount redo, it's the cleanest I've seen - no sand marks, discoloration or old reminants.
My dealer/friend and I were trying to construct an explanation for the seeming visual inconsistencies, but one thing kept ruling out the other. My best guess, if it is a marriage of what looks like vintage parts, is that they converted it to a rocker in the late 50s per the patina of the base.


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Joshua F (USA)
(@joshua-f-usa)
Prominent Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 167
21/06/2012 5:08 am  

Well it is a marriage
Yeah much later runners.
So as was pointed out, I would buy this only based on the shell value.
Nice shell though.


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TinyArmada
(@tinyarmada)
Famed Member
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 361
21/06/2012 11:57 pm  

The welds
I am sure there was a very comprehensive thread done on the bases of RARs and the variations seen in them. There are some genuine well-informed people on here.
I have seen half a dozen first year editions from reputable collections with welds like those.
Of course, the shape of the tabs matters too etc, etc. but the welds by themselves don't tell the age of this RAR.
I have seen four RARs (two first editions x base with rope edge and 2 done about 6-9 months after production started where the X was replaced, but still rope edge) and all had welds like this one the fellow has photographed.
These 4 RARs spanned 3 collections with provenance on 3 of them. Of note however is in all those examples, the tabs were rounded and none had a flat edge.
Having said that, it would be interesting to see a shot of where the screw enters the runners are if it is recessed or not also tells a great deal.
I have seen at an auction a marriage of the two in Cincinnati and even though it was a marriage, the base was still from the 50's.


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analogdialog
(@analogdialog)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 12
22/06/2012 12:16 am  

Base
Thanks for all the replies. I remember reading a post long ago regarding bases and runners, but I couldn't seem to dig it up.
I'm fairly convinced of the marriage as well. He's offered me a lounge X base if I ever wanted to make it closer to an original setup, but I suppose then it would still be a marriage. If it is a late 50s rocker base, is there any value there?
tinyarmada - the screws are recessed.


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Mark
 Mark
(@mark)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 4586
22/06/2012 2:26 am  

Your dealer believes in swapped marriages.?..
And I don't. I play for keeps. Call me an old thang...but if it doesn't come with the original base..than the marriage is obviously heading towards a divorce. Why bother spending that many hardbacks on a convoluted chair? Is it me?? or am I being silly? Pass on this one.
just thinkin'
ps always have a shot of vodka before making any decisions. It helps.
pss maybe I'm wrong?


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analogdialog
(@analogdialog)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 12
22/06/2012 5:32 am  

Whiskey Neat
I'm a whiskey man myself, but probably a better seller's tool than buyer's.
I've decided to wait for the right all-the-way rocker to come along. My dealer's an honest fellow and isn't going to sell it as the full Zenith that he thought it was. Seems it's now worth all the same whether it's on an X base or rocker. Shame, because it's a spectacular piece in person otherwise.
Thanks again for the responses.


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Joshua F (USA)
(@joshua-f-usa)
Prominent Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 167
22/06/2012 8:39 am  

maybe it is just me
But the shell alone would be enough reason to buy it unless you are in the 4 figures.
But I know what you mean marriages even with correct to the piece bother some.


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tktoo
(@tktoo)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 2287
22/06/2012 8:44 am  

Shame.
It's such a beautiful shell from the photos.
If it's investment-quality you're after, it's probably best to move on. Hard not to look back at that one, though.


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rbjr326
(@rbjr326)
Trusted Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 54
23/06/2012 12:41 pm  

rar rocker marriage - no way original
Nice looking but it is a marriage - the shell is Zenith all the way & very nice - If my memory is correct the rope edge was used for 2 years 1950 - 1952 then Eames got rid of Zenith - right after or somewhere in between the base was redesigned. I agree with several above comments that the base is definately wrong a knock off or off a later model. If you are looking for an investment then this rocker most likely is not for you - If you're looking for a really nice Zenith Shell - and at a later date you'll replace the base to an original and the price is "really right" You really like this rocker then take a shot - it may take a while to fine the right original vintage base. I also agree the welds are bad - I have not seen welds like this on almost any original base. Hope this helps - take care.


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analogdialog
(@analogdialog)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 12
26/06/2012 12:41 am  

The more you know
Thanks for the list of lookouts. Though I won't be going with this chair, it's a shame to hear that the base might not even be original HM.


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TinyArmada
(@tinyarmada)
Famed Member
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 361
27/06/2012 8:50 pm  

The Base
I agree with what people are saying about an investment grade piece, original all the way is head and shoulders above any marriage regardless.
Still, the Zenith chair with rope edge has an intrinsic value and always will and it is always worth obtaining it if you can get it at a reasonable price.
I don't want to argue with anyone on the welds issue, it is too greater of a subject with variations and circumstances also inclusive. My sources are reliable on it and I feel comfortable with those sources seeing as they have been quoted in literature on the subject.
Of course, re-welds can and have been done and I have seen those also.
If this guy buys the chair, I would be interested in the rocker base, any rocker base form the 50's (if it is indeed from that period) is a base I like more so than others (dowel base excluded - goodness I love those!).


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