Eames Universal Base Arm Chair, Eames EC432 Chair

Quick Intro

What are the Eames EC432 to EC437 arm chairs?

The coded Eames EC432 Chair through to EC437 range of fiberglass arm chairs were released in 1971 to meet the demands of Herman Miller’s workplace seating market. The range utilized the ‘universal base’ introduced to plastic chairs that year and lasted on the market for approximately 22 years.

The new range of 70’s work desk seating included two side chair versions, the EC430 and EC431. Essentially the range of arms started with a swivel desk chair (EC432), the same but with added height adjustment (EC433) and the same again but with a full tilt/swivel action (EC434). EC435, 436 and 437 were essentially the same chairs but each using a wider and deeper version of the fiberglass arm shell.

The series was only available in 3 shell colors, Dark Tone (Black), Parchment (White) and Neutral Light (Off White) but was available in countless fabric and Naugahyde upholstery options. These chairs have often been confused as generational changes to the PAC and PACC arm chairs however they were available alongside this range.

The universal base was added to the Eames Universal Base Arm Chair range following it’s success in it’s introduction to the Alu Group eames chairs back in 1968. The base was versatile and could be fitted with either castors or floor glides.

Non upholstered and older fiberglass colors are sometimes found on these bases, but they tend to be either a case of a custom order or a marrying of shell and base.

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Specification

What are the original sizes of the Eames EC432 to EC437 Arm Chairs?

Height	32.25”	81.92 cm
Width	24.875”	47 cm
Depth	24”	55.88 cm
Seat Height	18.5”	47 cm

The Materials that went into producing the EC432 arm chairs were?

Top	Molded Plastic Zenaloy (fiberglass re-enforced plastic), foam & upholstery
Base	Cast Alu Universal Base, Some With Height & Tilt Adjustment
Feet	Castors or Glides

Buying Tips and Authenticity

The EC series tops will all have labels and stamps which will help to date and verify authenticity.
The universal base doesn't have a maker mark on it but it has not been a combination target of reproducers. Although reproduction universal bases exist they tend to be on copies of the alu group.
Often you will find this range of chairs in the secondary market labelled as PAC or the castor based PACC chair but the universal base work chairs were released and sold alongside those.
Most of the chairs in this range were made with upholstery but some are found with fiberglass too. The upholstered versions are only in 3 possible colors whereas the fiber versions had a few more options.

The EC range arm chairs with height adjustment and tilting tend to hold a fraction higher value over the others due to the desirability of those features.
The slightly enlarged version of the arm shell does not tend to have any higher value than that of the normal size. In most cases the size difference is barely visible but there are some shape differences.
The upholstery options on these models tended to be geared towards the work place and it is unlikely for any special Alexander Girard fabrics to be found on these models.
Check always the functions of the base are still in good working order (if they apply) and overall value will depend on the condition of the upholstery base and the colors.