Eames PKC Chair, Eames PKC Pivot Chair

Quick Intro

What is an Eames PKC or PKCC wire side chair?

The Eames PKC Pivot Wire Side Chair is the abbreviation for the Pivot (P) K-Wire (K) on Cast Alu Base (C). As with all the wire mesh series, the chairs had numbered extensions (PKC-1, PKC-2) which represented the upholstery type, with 1 for the full cover and 2 for the ‘bikini’ two-piece. The extra C in the PKCC was for added castors which were available post 1957.

The first Eames PKC Chair was released on the first generation cast alu ‘spider’ base which was available from 1954. This pivoting base of the Eames PKC Pivot Chair was brought in to replace the defunct dowel bases of the PKW, DAW and DSW. The base was only available in a black finish with aluminium plating of the spider legs, a very industrial and modernist design, different from the rest of the plastic and wire series. The base was replaced in 1957 with the contract aluminium base that could carry a choice of either floor glides or castors. The PKCC therefore was available post 1957.

The upholstery, designed by Alexander Girard for Herman Miller, was available in either a full cover or a two-piece ‘bikini’ cover. All wire mesh chairs were released with upholstery though many are seen today without due to them bearing the most wear over the years. All the upholstery covers were removable and available in either Naugahyde’s, tweeds, hopsacks or special Girard patterned fabrics.

The most collectible versions of the chairs are those found with the full covers still intact and those with some of the more spectacular Girard fabric patterns.

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Specification

What are the sizes of the Eames PKC and PKCC Wire Side Chairs?

Height	32.25”	81.92 cm
Width	19”	48.26 cm
Depth	21”	53.34 cm
Seat height	18.75”	47.63 cm

What was the Wire PKC and PKCC made with?

Top	Molded and Resistance Welded Steel wire – Black, White Or Zinc Plated
Base	Cast Alu Spider Base, Contract Base
Feet	Domes Silence (54-57) Nylon Glides or Castors (post 57)

Generations

First generation PKC 'Spider' base with boots

First Generation

First generation base made from cast aluminum, black sides and stem with polished tops

First generation base was a replacement for the defunct pivoting dowel leg bases

The first generation PKC bases had domes of silence feet, some are found threaded

This base ran from 1954 until 1957 and are found in much less numbers in the secondary market as the post 57 contract base.

Second generation PKC 'Contract' base on glides

Second Generation

The contract base was introduced in 1957 and used on a whole host of chair models including the PKC

The second generation contract base was able to be fitted with either castors (PKCC) or floor glides.

Base is made from polished alu base and stem

The second generation base ran through till 1967 when the wire chairs were discontinued.

Buying Tips and Authenticity

Is my PKC or PKCC real? What makes it valuable?

As far as we are aware the PKC has never been copied by reproduction makers that tend to favor the Eiffel and dowel bases
Wire chairs do not have makers stamps or marks on the frame or metal of the chair
The only label of authenticity can be found on the underside of the upholstery cover
Wire eames chairs were also sold with upholstery covers but many are found without

Despite not being quite as flexible, the earlier spider bases command a slightly higher value than the later contract type
The most important factor in the value of a PKC is that all parts of the chair are present and complete including the upholstery.
Check the condition thoroughly ensuring there are no visible repairs or breaks in the frame welding
Special fabric versions by Alexander Girard will always yield a higher value than 'factory' fabrics