Have it delivered hassle-freeBuyer protectionAll Designer items curated by WhoppahDownload the Whoppah App – get alerts & sell with ease.
1950s 1st Gen. Eames Zenith Fiberglass PAW Chair, Armchair, Swivel Dowel Base
€2,900Bid from €2,300
Curated
Buy with confidence
Shop & pay safely with Buyer ProtectionDesigner items curated by WhoppahWe only pay the seller once you have safely received the itemTrusted payment methods
About this seller
Private sellerProduct description
A piece of design history!
Offered is Fiberglass Plastic Arm Chair by Ray and Charles Eames from the first generation. The chair is part of my own small collection – I am not a dealer. It is the PAW version (Pivot Armchair on Wood Base), sometimes also referred to as the swivel dowel base model.
THE MODEL
This generation was produced from 1950–54 by Zenith Plastics in Gardena, California, for the renowned American furniture brand Herman Miller. The chair features the characteristic rope edge: a hemp rope was worked into the edges to round them off and give them a stable shape. The checkerboard label that distinguishes this generation is also still present. The fiberglass is in the color Lemon Yellow (the color is a touch more intense than in the photos) and has faded evenly and slightly, giving the shell a beautiful patina.
The base is usually referred to as the Chicago base, swivel or pivot dowel base, or PAW base. It was produced between 1950 and 1953 by the Seng company and is today one of the rarest bases of this series. The “Seng Chicago” mark, with which these bases were always stamped, is clearly visible. It is most likely an early version of the swivel-dowel base: the vast majority of examples have an additional cross-shaped metal brace on the underside, which this base does not yet have (structurally identical examples do occasionally appear on the market, so it is a regular production version). I conclude from this that the chair is an early example even within the first generation – but I cannot verify this with absolute certainty.
Further information on the model:
* https://eames.com/en/articles/shellgenerations
* https://eames.com/en/daw
DIMENSIONS
Seat height approx. 45.5 cm (17.9 in), width approx. 63 cm (24.8 in), depth approx. 61 cm (24 in), total height approx. 79 cm (31.1 in).
CONDITION
Please read the condition report and take a close look at the photos. I am happy to answer questions and send additional pictures.
Shell: The seat shell is in age-appropriate used but excellent condition. It has faded evenly and slightly, which only adds to its appeal. There are only a few light discolorations, no cracks, and no rough spots. The shell has never been tampered with and is still perfectly suitable for sitting. The shock mounts are the original ones (!) and are also in good condition – neither brittle nor deformed.
Base: The base is fundamentally in good and stable condition, but shows heavier signs of use than the seat shell. The ball bearing is complete. The paint on the metal is partially worn, and there is superficial rust in some places. There were glides added at a later point (?). The wooden dowels show signs of use, marks and scratches.
The only minor flaw: Two of the four washers that are inserted into the shock mounts are not original. Their inner diameter is too small. This is neither visible nor does it affect the use of the chair. Replacements can be ordered here: https://www.modernconscience.com/store/page188.html
This sale is made under exclusion of any liability for material defects (private sale, no returns).
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsCreme, YellowMaterialFiberglassNumber of items1BrandHerman MillerHeight79 cmWidth63 cmDepth60 cmSeat height45 cmSigns of usageScratches, Stains
Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since July 2026 • 0 sales