The Holy Grail 1st Gen 1950 Eames Sax Armchair — Rope Edge, Checkerboard Label, Domes of Silence

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Description

The Holy Grail. This is not just a chair—it’s a rare artifact of American design history. Offered here is an … Read more The Holy Grail. This is not just a chair—it’s a rare artifact of American design history. Offered here is an exceptionally early 1st Generation 1950 Eames SAX (Side Arm X-base) armchair featuring the holy trinity of collector’s markers:

• First-generation, Early Production Model 1950
• Coveted Rope Edge

• In-tact Zenith Checkerboard label

• Original Domes of Silence feet
• Large Shock Mounts in Excellent Condition

• Standard Arm Chair Height (discontinued early)



The original first generation of chairs released in 1950 had 3 size options which were DAX (Dining), Standard (SAX) and Low (LAX). With only a 1-inch difference between the SAX and DAX, the choice was refined to 2 sizes in the early 1950’s, keeping the DAX but losing the SAX & LAX and replacing them with a middle version called the Medium (MAX) Arm X Base Chair.

THIS IS THE RARE SHORT-RUN/DISCONTINUED SAX MODEL!



Not only is this particular X-base (SAX) the earliest leg configuration designed for armchairs, this base remains structurally solid, showing no signs of rust and still retains all four Original Domes of Silence, in-tact and undamaged — another ultra-rare survival detail, all in its own right.



The checkerboard label is remarkably well-preserved—legible and vibrant—clearly reading “Designed by Charles Eames” and “Zenith Plastics / Herman Miller Furniture Company.”
Another true unicorn feature.


This hard to find first-generation Lemon Yellow fiberglass shell now has a beautiful patina of a golden yellow sheen with rich, visible textured fibers. I have never seen an Eames fiberglass shell age this beautifully. The finish is completely original and untouched, with no restoration or pigment enhancement. The shell is fully intact with no cracks, no edge chips, and retains all of its original factory parts.


This exact combination—rope edge, checkerboard label, Lemon Yellow, domes of silence, and SAX base on large shock mounts—places this chair firmly among the earliest and most rare fiberglass shell production units ever made- much less still in existence and in this pristine condition.

This piece absolutely belongs in a museum. It is fully suitable for a private collection, gallery, or serious investment-grade acquisition.


Located in Manhattan, NY — White glove delivery available.

SAX

Height : 29.5” (74.93cm)

Width : 24.875” (63.18cm)

Depth : 24.5” (62.23cm)

Seat Height : 16.75” (42.55cm) See less