Contract Base Dining & Work Tables

Designed and developed in 1957, for release in conjunction with the Alu Group series a year later, the Eames Contract Base table range provided a great versatility with its neutral appearance and array of finishes. The range was ideal for use as either a home dining table option or a workplace conference, multi utility table. The range would be usurped by the later Segmented and Universal Based tables but they were largely maintained on the catalog of Herman Miller over the years.

The Eames Contract Base table range was a natural successor to the Model 650 Dining Table. It retained the top styles and pedestal style of the 650 but replaced the older 'spider' base with a new cross pattern which became known as the 'Contract Base' The base was rolled out with the Alu Group chairs as well as fiberglass models such as the PSC and PACC. The base could be fitted with either glides or castors, something which was a possibility with smaller side Contract Base Tables if not the dining variants. 

The first releases in the range had model 660 and 662, a laminate plastic top table of two size options, as well as 690 and 692 which were outdoor versions made with glass or marble tops. The Alu Group was first marketed as both an indoor/outdoor range until it developed to a largely workplace product into the 1960's and the Contract tables followed the same chronology.

Into the 1960's and the Eames Contract Base table range would be increased with natural veneer tops as well as further sizes and heights in both the dining and side/coffee table variants. The options would largely remain until the 1990's when they would be reduced but would see a resurgence in the 2000's. Some options of the range remain available today.

• The Eames contract base table has been the subject of copying by reproduction makers in the last 15 years though most tend to pick the Universal Base type.
• The best way of authenticating a Contract table is with the label. All Contract Tables made by Herman Miller will have had a label and even on those where it has been removed should leave residue where it once was.
• Even though the cast Aluminum bases were highly polished when made they will tarnish with age. Age related patina is the next available tool to try and confirm an authentic table. Anything that looks as good as new could very well be.
• The biggest factor when it comes to the value is the top finish. With a multitude of neutral and wood laminates, veneer and stone there is no exact science to decoding it. The more typically found white or grey laminates with dark edging or the faux wood grain laminates are more common and offer better value for money. The older outside tables with glass, slate, marble and onyx will yield the highest prices and are most certainly the rarest in the marketplace. Then the natural wood veneers including Oak and Walnut but the Rosewood tables will likely be the most desirable and realize higher auction prices.
• Wear is important, an old table should have patina. It should have tarnish on the metal, and signs of use on the top and sides and central column but ultimately the overall condition will always be an additional factor to raise or decrease the value of the table.

The distinctive base of the Contract Table is made of one piece cast Aluminum, with legs in a lateral cross raised in the center and circular feet