Eames PAC Chair, Eames Pedestal Arm Chair

Quick Intro

What is an Eames PAC or PACC Arm Chair?

The abbreviated PAC stands for Pivoting (P) Arm (A) Chair on Cast (C) Base with the additional C added for the version on castors. Developed in 1952 and released to the market the following year, the Eames PAC Chair and PACC were essentially a first attempt at office and desk chairs using the fiberglass plastic series.

Released alongside the full tilting DAT, the Eames Pedestal Arm Chair was a worthy replacement for the dowel-based pivoting PAW which had been fraught with manufacturing problems. It was also Herman Miller and the Eames Office’s first venture into chairs intended for office and desk work.

Released in 1953, the original first PAC was available on a cast ‘spider’ base much like that found on the ottoman of the Eames Lounge Chair and the speaker designed for Stephens Trusonic. This original version was available only in this form and was not available with a castor option at that time.

The second generation of the PAC and the addition of the castored PACC occurred in 1957 with the introduction to the market of the Eames Alu Group series. This brought about the super versatile cast aluminium ‘pedestal’ base which could be fitted with either floor glides or castors.

The PAC, PACC and the side chair PSC version were all mainstays until the fiberglass chairs were finally discontinued in 1993. They were available in all the colors of shells available as well as in the countless upholstered versions offered from Herman Miller and designed by Alexander Girard. Neither the PAC or PACC have been re-released since the 2001 plastic series re-launch.

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Specification

What are the original sizes of the Eames PAC Arm Chair?

Height	32.25”	81.92 cm
Width	24.875”	63.18 cm
Depth	24”	60.96 cm
Seat Height	18.5”	47 cm

What materials were the Eames PAC and PACC arm chairs made from?

Top	Molded Plastic Zenaloy (fiberglass re-enforced plastic)
Base	Cast Alu Spider Base (pre 57), Cast Alu Pedestal Base (post 57)
Feet	Domes of silence (pre 57). Castors or glides (post 57)

Generations

First generation PAC base from release in 1953 to 1957

First Generation

First generation PAC base was cast aluminium with black painted sides, polished top and push on boot feet

This base was introduced in 1953 and ran through to 1957

The base pivoted 360 degrees and was a perfect replacement for the defunct PAW

The base design would also be utilized in the lounge chair and speaker designs

Check shell generations here

Second generation PAC base from 1957 until 1993

Second Generation

The second generation PAC base arrived in 1957 in the form of the contract base

This base was introduced in 1957 and ran through to the very end of the fiber chairs in 1993

The second generation had the ability to have either floor glides or castors fitted to the base

The new contract base with castors would be classified as the PACC

Check shell generations here

Buying Tips and Authenticity

Is my Eames PAC or PACC chair real? What makes it valuable?

You can more easily check the authenticity of the fiberglass top by using the labels and stamps.
PAC bases are not marked by the maker but are not widely copied either giving a good chance of being authentic.
The 1970's EC430 eames chair series with universal base is often confused as being a PAC/PACC but the two ran concurrently.
The second edition contract base's polished alu is often aged with dulling and pitting of the material which in turn helps to identify it as being aged.

The first generation based version of the PAC has a negligible higher value than the more commonly found second contract version.
Check the fiberglass for cracks and chips which can negatively impact the value of the chair.
The color of the fiberglass top will largely determine the value of this chair.
If upholstered, check it for rips, tears and lifting which will lower the chair's overall value.