quick and dirty Eames shell question  

Dumb?
Not sure what you mean exactly. All Eames shells (with or without shock mounts) attach to the base via four screws or bolts.

I've heard that if you leave ...
I've heard that if you leave a screwdriver mark on the head of the original screws, you will devalue your chair by about 40%. I would suggest apply tape to the screwdriver first to prevent marring.

Good to know.
By how much is the chair devalued if you polish away a screwdriver mark that was on the head of the original screws when the chair left the factory?

I guess
my question is one of ease/issues. It looks quite straight forward. I don't think all of the screws are original anyway, so value isn't as much of an issue. Someone in Gay Paris wants one of my chairs and if I can make the package compact enough I can save them quite a # of Francs.
- I take out the screws, it comes apart easily
- I pack in cleverly
- The new owners screw back in the screws and
Viola
An American (chair) in Paris

so
the group think consensus is that I can take it apart at the base/shock mounts fairly easily. Correct? No evil surprises?

If by surprises..
you mean the possibilty of a shock mount coming with it, then maybe. Sometimes heat, weight, age, can adhere the shock mount to the base. If you incorrectly pull it off the shock mount might come with. If you detach, find something like a screwdriver with a protectant, such as a cloth or plastic piece to prevent scratches, and wedge between base and shock mount after screws have been removed. Lightly tap to spread apart base from mount without mount coming with base. Odds are though if the mounts are that weak they will need to be replaced anyway. Just a question of you or them.
Hope that helps.
I am no expert though, so adhere accordingly.

these
shock mounts appear to be well attached and it great shape so I think I might get away with it. I will let the pleasant Parisians in on our conversations and see how they feel.
Thanks tons all

only shell to ever worry...
only shell to ever worry about devaluing is the Zenith rope edge shell. otherwise still millions out in the world $200.00 tops.