Eames RKR Chair, Eames RKR Rocking Chair

Quick Intro

What is an Eames RKR Wire Mesh Chair?

The Eames RKR Rocking Chair, part of the wire mesh chair series, is the abbreviation of model Rocking (R), K-Wire (K), on Rod (R) Base chair. The chair was released at the first generation of the wire mesh series and manufactured by Banner Metals of Compton for Herman Miller.

The rocking bases had already proven popular with the plastic series arm chairs developed and released a few years before though this was the first time a ‘side’ top had officially been used with the base. The contrast of wire top, upholstery cover and base were a creation of pure beauty and has become one of the most sought-after collectibles of the original wire mesh designs. The wire chairs were available in other bases originally used on the plastic series including the Eiffel DKR, Dowel DKW, Cat’s Cradle LKR and X-base DKX.

The wire chairs, including the Eames RKR Chair, were all released with full upholstery, designed by Alexander Girard for Herman Miller. The upholstery covers were designed to be removable and came in two styles, a full front fitting cover and a two-piece buttoned in the center, affectionately known as the ‘bikini’ cover.

It may be considered a design classic today, but sadly the rocker base was discontinued in 1968 as sale demands for it lowered. The wire series itself had already been discontinued the year before after 15 years on the market. The re-issue of wire chairs in recent years was sadly without a rocking option although it is possible to customize it this way and was also made available without a cover.

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Specification

What are the sizes of the Eames RKR Rocking Wire Chair?

Height	29”	73.66 cm
Width	19”	48.26 cm
Depth	27”	68.58 cm
Seat Height	17.25”	43.82 cm

What was the Eames rocking RKR wire chair made from?

Top	Molded and Resistance Welded Steel wire – Black, later Zinc and White
Base	Welded Steel Tubing Frame, Black then later Zinc and White
Feet	Rocking Runners In Birch or Walnut

Buying Tips and Authenticity

Is my Eames RKR authentic? What makes it valuable?

None of the wire series have makers marks in the seat or frame and this includes the RKR
The only identifying label can be found on the upholstery, on both the full and bikini covers
Full and complete chairs are easier to authenticate, many are found without upholstery which gets damaged over the years.
For original RKR, there should be clear ageing to the metal frame and especially the rocker base and runners. The base should always fit perfectly.
The RKR variant was not re-released by Herman Miller post 2001 therefore anything not entirely vintage is likely a marriage of parts.

Vintage original rocking wire chairs have a good secondary market value.
Those fully complete with original upholstery will always yield a much higher value.
Upholstery that is free from tears, rips, lifting or damage to the foam only add to the value and special designs by Alexander Girard even more so.
Check the seat for breaks in the welds and the overall finish as both will determine the value, especially if there is rust present.
There is value in 'naked' RKR eames chairs, especially as any vintage rocking base is valuable, but not anywhere near as those still upholstered.