Yup, my (original) Eames chairs have that. The also have dirt in the wood grain, which doesn't come out with cleaning, chipping on the edge of the veneer, and a little bit of separation between the veneer panels. I've always figured it was because my parents had them stored in the basement playroom (!) for years.

I've also been told that it would lessen their value to refinish them. Not that I'd ever sell them, but I just figured they're a little piece of history, so it's ok if they look like it. Can you even refinish them?

interesting.. I have an original eames chair that did something like that. The finish seemed to flake off on the back piece, like your photo but worse. though my family always blamed my mom for leaving a wet bathing suit on it.

I have a DTW set (it was in the family basement for years,) had it refinished and can now see the beautiful warm walnut instead of the yellowed, peeling finish. It simultaneously increased my enjoyment, and it did lessen the value.

So which do you value more if you are keeping it for yourself :how it looks or how much it is worth on the open market?