Eames RSR Chair, Eames RSR Rocking Chair

Quick Intro

What is an Eames RSR Rocking Chair?

The Eames RSR Rocking Chair, a fiberglass side chair in the plastic series, is the abbreviation for Rocking (R), Side Chair (S) Rod Base (R). Unlike the armchair version, the Eames RAR, the RSR came about as more of an anomaly than anything else.

The Eames RSR Chair was non existent in Herman Miller's advertising and has only been found as a purchasable option in one release of the sales catalogs, 1963. It was therefore more of a customization by a purchaser mixing and matching the various tops and bases available. Some are likely to be new purchases of top and base from Herman Miller (customized) but the majority of what would be found in the marketplace are more likely a case of base swapping.

Despite its low-key, almost non official beginnings, the RSR is still very recognizable as an Eames fiberglass Side Chair classic. Available on the rocking rod base, with runners available in Birch. Shell spotters may find the RSR in any of the available shell colors or Girard upholstery, through the generations of the chairs.

The side chair RSR version of the rocker does have a smaller ‘foot print’ than its sister arm version and this gives it the possibility of being used in different spaces and for alternative effect. The rocking base was sadly discontinued for general sale in 1968 and has been widely copied over the more recent years.

Herman Miller brought the rocking base back in the 2001 plastic chair re-launch however it didn’t release a side chair version once more.

Marketplace

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Specification

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

Height	27”	68.58 cm
Width	18.5”	47 cm
Depth	27”	68.58 cm
Seat Height	16”	40.65 cm

What materials were used to make the Eames RSR rocking chair?

Top	Molded Plastic Zenaloy (fiberglass re-enforced plastic)
Base	Welded Steel Tubing Frame, Zinc or Black
Feet	Rocking Runners In Birch or Walnut

Generations

1st generation of Eames Herman Miller RSR rocking base

First Generation

The generations of the unofficial RSR mirror that of the RAR with the exception of the very first 'ankle breaker' generation of the RAR which was obsolete before the side chair was designed and released to the marketplace.

The first generation (second RAR generation) was made with either a black or zinc plate frame and in either Birch or Walnut runners.

There will be clear ageing on the both the base frame and the runners. The base was in production from 1951 through to 1968.

Check the shell generations here

Second generation Herman Miller RSR Rocking base post 2001

Second Generation

As with the RAR, the unofficial RSR may be found on post 2001 made bases from Herman Miller

In 2001 the plastic chair series was re-released into the marketplace and the rocking option was one of those

These more recent generations have been made in black, chrome and even white frames as well as Ash, Walnut and Maple runners.

Herman Miller bases do not have a makers stamp. It is often difficult therefore to determine one from a higher quality reproduction version.

Check the shell generations here

Buying Tips and Authenticity

Is my Eames RSR Rocking Chair real? What makes it valuable?

It is likely that 99% of RSR chairs found in the secondary marketplace are the marrying up of top and base and did not start life as an RSR which was never advertised and very rarely offered as is.
The tops, like all shell chairs, can be authenticated through the many labels and stamps that spanned the generations of the plastic series.
You can check the shock mounts for base impressions to see if these match the attached RSR base but then you will need to be looking out for whether the mounts themselves may have been changed.
By considering most RSR chairs are marrying of parts, the other consideration is whether the parts are genuine over reproductions. First edition aged bases will be zinc or black and have clear aged frames and runners. The later editions too will be well made high quality. All Herman Miller RAR bases have rectangular attachments with indentations which can be identified.
Authentic vintage and original RSR chairs are very difficult to come by, most have been 'married together'.

As with all eames chair shells, the color desirability and rarity generally determines the value.
Genuine aged vintage rocking bases made between 1951 and 1968 have great re-sale value which in some cases can be higher than the top itself.
Post 2001 Herman Miller RAR bases are the next best option as they are high quality and made to the standards which are expected. Reproduction bases and parts, while they may be functional, essentially are worth nothing.
Check the fiberglass for chips and cracks and that the mounts are well attached. Check any upholstery for tears, rips and especially lifting which are all signs of poor condition.
Check the rocking base runners, especially around the attachment screws for any cracks. Also check the metal joints and base attachments for re-welding.