Eames PSC Chair, Eames PSC Pivot Chair

Quick Intro

What is the Eames PSC & PSCC Side Chair?

The Eames PSC Chair is the abbreviation for the Pivot (P) side chair (S) on Cast Alu Base (C). The later PSCC version is with added castors (C). Part of the fiberglass series of side chairs, the PSC was visually very different from the other bases with its black sleek single column design tailing off into a star shaped cast alu and steel base.

The Eames PSC Pivot Chair was made to the same height as the other side chairs and were sold as both work and dining variants although it is likely most of the sales were for the latter.

The pivot action had replaced the defunct DSW by the mid 1950's and created a solid and stable rotating option for the plastic chair series. With the DSW discontinued the PSC was sold alongside the Eiffel DSR, four legged DSX and the scholastic DSS.

The first generation of the PSC was a 4 legged star-base very similar to that later used on the lounge chair ottoman, with shiny alu top, adorning black stem and lower base.

In 1957 the base of the PSC was replaced with the more versatile contract base (and European lounge chair base) with rounder ends and a wider floor spread. This new base was able to have castors as well as floor glides and therefore the Eames PSCC Pivot Side Chair became possible.

The post 1957 PSC base added a new dimension to the chair because this type of aluminium base with the rounder feet could take both glides and castors, and thus, the PSCC was also born. The newer, more versatile contract base would be then go on to be used for the entire duration of the product.

The chair was available in many colors of fiberglass or upholstered with fabric from Alexander Girard, the chief textile designer of Herman Miller.

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Specification

What are the original sizes of the Eames PSC Side Chair?

Height	32.25”	79.4 cm
Width	18.5”	47 cm
Depth	22”	55.88 cm
Seat height	18.5”	47 cm

What materials were used to make the PSC & PSCC chairs?

Top	Molded Plastic Zenaloy (fiberglass re-enforced plastic)
Base	Cast steel & Alu 1st gen base, Full Cast Alu Contract Base (post 57)
Feet	Domes of Silence (to 57), Nylon Floor Glide Or Castors (post 57)

Generations

First edition spider cast aluminium base PSC (1954)

First Generation

The first generation base is made from cast aluminium, black sides with polished leg tops

The 'spider' cast base had 4 legs, criss-cross, thicker at the center column, push on boot feet.

The base was brought in to replace the defective DSW and swiveled 360 degrees

Base ran from 1954 to 1957

Check shell generations here

Second generation contract base with castors (PSCC)

Second Generation

From 1957 the newer 'contract base' was used for the PSC

The contract base could use both push in floor glides and castors.

With castors the PSCC (pivot, side chair castors) was born

Base ran from 1957 to late 1980's

Check shell generations here

Buying Tips and Authenticity

As far as we are aware the PSC has never been copied by reproduction makers.
All shell tops have labels and stamps to help with authenticity.
Neither version of the PSC is marked with the manufacturer name but reasonable ageing should help identify them.
The PSC was made with both naked fiberglass and upholstered side chairs.
Aged markings on the fiberglass will help to determine if the base is original to the top.

Less common first generation bases are a small degree more sought after than the post 57 second generation.
Check the first edition PSC base for all foot boot glides present.
Check nylon glides are fully intact on second generation bases although they can be easily replaced. Broken Castors are more difficult to change.
Shell prices are generally based on the desirability or rarity of the color of the fiberglass or pattern design of the upholstery.
The PSC eames chair with upholstery in exceptional original condition are very desirable.