Medium Armshell X (four leg base)
27 1/2" H by 24 7/8" W by 24" D
Seat height 15 3/4"
Weight 14 lbs.
This chair was introduced in 1954 with the following catalogue description, as to the need it addressed.
"Appropriate for either reading or relaxing is the comfortable "in between" height of this molded plastic armchair. Shell colors: elephant hide grey, greige, parchment (THIS EXAMPLE), lemon yellow, sea foam green, or red. Legs" bright plated (THIS EXAMPLE) or black rod. Order by catalogue number MAX and specify shell color and finish."
The MAX chair appears in Herman Miller catalogues from 1954 through 1959. It does not appear in the 1962 or later catalogues. We can date this chair to the earliest year of its production by the so-called "x-base," the larger shock mounts, and the rope edge, along with the early Zenith Plastics label.
In addition to the Zenith Label, it was marked MAX on the underside, before it left the factory, perhaps to associate it with a particular order that included a variety of designs. The MAX marking would distinguish it for personnel who were responsible for double-checking the order.