I have been out of the loop buying any Eames chairs in the last year, but yesterday at junk shop, i saw a wire side chair with a original dow base, the guy who owned the shop knew nothing about it and what it was, he had 350.00 on the chair, not that i need any chairs for the rest of my life, is that a high price or about right?
I bought two years ago 4 wires for 100. each and stands from Modernica for 90 each for out doors, so I guess to answer my own question, I would be paying at least 250. for a original dow base, what do you guys and gals think too much or the right price?
Depends
Are you talking about a vintage chair with a dowel base? They are pretty hard to come by, especially in good condition.
I don't think you can compare Modernica with vintage. Apples and oranges. You have to look at what vintage ones bring.
I just paid more than that for this one and I think I got a very good price. Of course, the one I got is all original, in excellent condition and has the leather seat pad and swivel base (worth more than the fixed base).I have not been following them on eBay, but one like mine but in pretty rough shape and with a fixed base brought $920 at Wright
If I was you and it was in decent shape, I'd have snagged it and had a happy day.
http://wright20.com/auctions/search/ALL/ALL/eames%20dowel/1/2
Weak spot
Many of the dowel bases fell victim to a weak spot in the legs, where the wire comes through the wood. That area was prone to breakage - which makes a vintage dowel base in good condition somewhat of a rarity.
This is one of those things that I would love to see, but probably wouldnt want to own for fear of breaking it.
when i went back to buy ...
when i went back to buy the chair with my 350.00,. The owner said looks like they wanted that chair for that there Eiffel base,
i just said yep that Eiffel base is where it is at. knowing that it was dowel leg base, not Eiffel tower base. no need to ruin his day.
He left at least 500. bucks on the table from what you nice people say it is worth, and I missed out too.
If you need any help, please contact us at – info@designaddict.com