Charles and Ray Eames

Acquired directly from the manufacturer
Thence by descent to the present owner

John Neuhart, Marilyn Neuhart and Ray Eames, Eames Design: The Work of the Office of Charles and Ray Eames, New York, 1989, pp. 126-129
Martin Eidelberg, ed., Design 1935-1965: What Modern Was, Montreal, 1991, p. 60

Overall excellent condition. Considering the inherent fragility of the 1st edition ESU series, this example is in terrific shape, and has been carefully maintained by the present owner, who has lived with the piece since childhood in the 1950’s. The Elkin family originally owned several different ESU models, and during childhood the present owner switched one of the drawers with another unit, thus creating the striking two black/one white pattern. About 20 years ago, the present owner personally restored several aspects of the piece to ensure its stability, and all restorations are reversible. As seen in the photograph, the feet were replaced, as were many screws, mostly on the backside, but the original rubber feet and screws have all been kept and are included with the piece. The delicate angle-steel legs are in superb shape, and the structure is extremely tight. As with all early ESU pieces, the plywood laminate sliding “dimple” doors are extremely fragile, and the owner re-glued the individual sheets that comprise each door when they started to separate. The doors are interchangeable on the unit, and two of them, as seen in the catalogue photograph on the right side of the unit, are lacking plywood strips on their right edges, which might be original to these particular doors. The proper way to display them might be to switch both of these doors to the left side, and hide their unfinished sides behind the doors that have both of their edge strips. Otherwise, three of the four doors have noteworthy losses to the outer layer of plywood on their corners, and all four doors have minor losses to their edges. Otherwise, the doors have a reddish patina from age, extremely minor crackling to the surface varnish in some spots, and one of the doors has a dimple with a noteworthy reddish stain encircling it, possibly from internal glue, visible in the catalogue photo on the lower left door. The birch plywood shelves and drawers are in excellent shape, and the four horizontal plywood strips on the front of the piece have losses to their finish, reddish patina, and surface dirt. The lacquered Masonite panels are in four neutral colors and are in superb condition, with only a few minor scuffs and surface dirt. There are some losses to the zinc-plating on the steel supports, which is barely noticeable. The perforated aluminum panel is perfect. n One of the finest examples of the model to appear on the market in many years, and with impeccable original family provenance.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.