PAW Fiberglass Swivel Chair, Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, circa 1953

• Grey fiberglass PAW chair (Pivot Armchair Wood base), designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller. First-generation production (known as “generation 1.5” due to its half-checker label), molded in Zeeland, Michigan, circa 1950–1953. Shell with clearly visible fibrous weave, characteristic of early production, with original swivel mechanism marked Seng Chicago.
• Shell edge with “Rope Edge” finish, specific to the earliest editions produced by Zenith Plastics and Herman Miller. Original label present.
• Highly sought-after configuration with wood base and black Eiffel rods, paired with an original swivel mount, a feature that is rare today.
• Like the RAR model and the PAW version (off-white) with Zenith label also offered, this is an iconic Eames design piece.
• Very good condition, smooth rotation.
• Dimensions: H 78 cm × D 59 cm × W 63 cm × seat height 41 cm.
• Some normal wear marks (on one edge), see photos.

The so-called “half board” label

The Herman Miller “half-checker” label

Some fiberglass chairs feature a so-called “half-checker” label, corresponding to the earliest production phases.

This label appears mainly on early ESU and EDU models, but is also found more occasionally on arm shells with “rope edge” trim from the same period.

Its use corresponds to the very beginning of production and does not indicate any generational change or technical modification.

It seems to have been used on a transitional basis, possibly as a replacement for the usual full checker label, with the application method remaining identical.