Summer Sale, Current Projects and New Pics.

The following sale opportunities are now happening!  Take 10% off order in the etsy shop now through July 31st, use code PYREXSWAP at checkout.  madmodworldvintage.etsy.com 

Also you are invited to take 10% off all items in stock at my booth 2R09 at the  Fleetwood Antique Mall in Fleetwood, PA  I will keep this sale on through July 4th for sure.  Please note Mall hours are 10-6 Wed-Fri with SPECIAL HOURS during the Kutztown Folk Festival!  They will be open Monday and Tuesday that week, July 6th and 7th!  The Mall has also combined forces with Berks County icon GRQ Used Furnishings so you definitely want to pop by the mall and have a look!  Great eclectic shop with items from all eras, unusual finds and so much more.  I really love my mall so come take a look.  Don't forget, if you are close enough to visit the mall, I can have ANY of my online inventory there for you to pick up!  All you have to do is give me a few days notice and I will take what you want to see out for you!  My space is not that large, but I will do my best to accommodate!  

DINING SET- new pics, seats redone!

The Drexel set I have is all cleaned, touched up, new black sueded fabric on the seats and ready to deliver.  It really is beautiful!  Sad that I do not have the 4th chair, but knowing this seats 10 anyway, you can totally add a set of different chairs to pull off the look and I suggest something totally different like a set of Bertoia wire chairs.  I am sure if you continue to look a matching set will pop up but in the mean time, the mix up look is pretty hot right now and you can use that to your advantage!  If you know anyone searching for a set, please send them my way!  I have this priced very low under market value and would love to find it a great home.  etsy listing for pick up/delivery (REGIONAL buyers) please, Chairish.com/shop/madmodworldvintage for white glove shipping.  My chairish listing will probably be live in the next day or 2.  

Many touch ups, lacquer applied and new seat covers in sueded charcoal have been added.  Such a great set!

Heywood Wakefield restorapolooza!

I am in the process of sanding my first 2 tables of 6.  My stains are here and this will be the first time I am trying the wheat finish so am looking forward to that.  I have a lot of hand sanding left, but spent some time after work today using a sander on the larger flat table tops.  Plus I got some tips from my boss and coworker.  The beautiful tiered cocktail table is reserved and going to be refinished in wheat.  I will also do one pair of the floating top step end tables in wheat and they are up for grabs.  I will then do the 2nd pair of step end tables in champagne.  The corner table could go with either set so will do that one last to match either stain.  I am excited to make these pretty again!  Of all of the things I find, restore and find homes for, Heywood is what I choose to keep in my home and that is why I choose to save it. If you search back through my blog posts, you can find some recapping my Heywood restorations.  It is probably about a year old now!  It is amazing how many projects come and go in a year!  Click on the PAST SAVES tab to see pics and info from some of my prior Heywood Wakefield restorations.  

Pole lamp is serviced, brass polished and it is ready to use!

My husband got to go over the pole lamp and it is ready to use.  A word of safety advice on these things.  Both pole lamps had wiring issues.  You will not find them unless you take apart the pole and inspect.  My husband has test sets to check for shorts, etc.  Any loose fixtures were tightened.  I still would not leave any vintage light on unattended.  Please note with this light there is damage from a hot bulb on the gold shade.  Using LED bulbs can help prevent that in the future, but once again, keep a check on your vintage lamps so that you know they aren't getting too hot for the shades.  It is a real shame to find damaged items and surely you will not want to be responsible for that.  Many people used bulbs with too high a wattage, but in general, a light bulb gives off a lot of heat.  Be smart and stay safe!  

I just shipped out the adorable blonde record cabinet!  That beauty had some of the most views of anything I have ever listed on etsy!  Glad she finally got herself a home!  So many more awesome items are available!  I know I have been sourcing some higher end items lately and I do love being able to bring those things to my shop, but I am aware that they are not for everyone.  Thanks for following along in my adventures and please share my info with folks you may know in the design field, mcm enthusiasts and people looking to redecorate.  I appreciate the support and referrals!  

xo Malissa

New Dining Set and Previews of upcoming restorations.

Summer has arrived with a vengeance here in PA!  I went from not wanting to hang out in my garage all day because I was freezing to death, to sweltering in the sun!  Progress is being made slowly and I will work through my projects.  My latest save is a gorgeous 1959 Drexel Counterpoint dining set by John Van Koert.  It is amazing!  Great lines feature a cherry top and mahogany ends and legs.  It has a very Danish look to it.  It is not mint, but cleaned up well.  I only have 3 chairs and not sure how easy it will be to add to them but any walnut or teak chair would look nice and currently trending are fun mismatched looks in the dining room.  I priced this set less than a recent sale for the table alone and am happy to be able to offer such a great set well under value.  I am also willing to recover the seats for you in black vinyl or any fabrics I have in stock.  You are welcome to do it yourself with fabric you have or buy as well.  My etsy listing is for pick up or regional delivery only in eastern pa, nj, ne md and de areas.  If you are in love and require shipping, my chairish listing should be live shortly and they will arrange your shipping.  

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/385045644/drexel-counterpoint-1959-dining-table-3 click here to view the etsy listing.  This is for pick up or regional meets/delivery.only. This gorgeous kilim rug is also available!

Shop chairish for shipping.  Chairish.com/shop/madmodworldvintage The original linen seat covers are stained with some holes, but I will recover to order!  Choose from black vinyl or some colorful fabrics I have in stock.

The table is totally customizable!  40" wide by 60" in length, but add three 12" leaves to max out at 96" long!  Great for entertaining!  Also note there is a great locking feature to lock in the top when using no leaves.  No accidental separation!   

Profile with all 3 leaves inserted. 

The locking device is easy to reach at one end of the table.  Turn the handle to lock or unlock when you are not using any leaves.

View of top. 

Items in the queue. 

i am sitting on 2 awesome Heywood Wakefield end table sets that will be refinished.  4 total floating top step end tables, 1 large corner end table and 1 coffee table.  I will probably sell in sets of 3.  If this is something you are looking for, reach out!  I can use either wheat or champagne and will refinish to order.  I also have a cool Heywood magazine table in my booth space at Fleetwood Antique Mall that is priced 'as is' or with me refinishing it.  Reach out if it is something you are interested in.  

Recent acquisitions in the restoration queue. 

Keep your eyes on the etsy shop!  I can tell you my last few listings sold fast!  A pole lamp in under 24 hours!  I have another ready to list!  Here is a preview!

Kick ass atomic pole lamp listing soon!   

Consulting.   

You have some items you want to sell but have no idea what it is worth!  Fear not!  I will gladly do market research for you so you know what you can expect and what your selling options are.  I have been available for friends and family but would gladly spread the love to my clients and fans. Reach out if you would like assistance and we can come up with plan of attack at a reasonable fee.

 Thank you!  

Thank you to all who have purchased from me!  I enjoy working with you and the best compliment you can give is sharing my info with your friends!  Your referrals are welcome and appreciated!  Xo Malissa  

Dunbar Discovery Day!

The kids enjoying the fine chairs on the 6th floor of the Van Pelt Library at UPENN.  Beautiful space!

Here with William Penn on UPENN campus. 

Finally, I was able to peruse both of the books I originally ordered from storage a week ago.  After the snag of UPENN having lost the book that I was positive I would be able to find my chairs, I found the only other copy within a reasonable drive, was also in Philadelphia at the Phila Art Museum Library.  Learning my lesson on the lost book, I called ahead.  Was told that yes, indeed the book was in their possession, but a staff member had it checked out.  The awesome gentleman at the desk promised to notify me when it would be available and I told him I would be in the city Friday.  Thursday I got the email it was on the shelf waiting for me, so away we went! 

Genevieve and Trent skipped swim team practice so we could get a jump start on the drive and we had some backups to deal with on the Schuylkill Expressway, but we arrived by 10am, found street parking and walked 4 or so city blocks to the Van Pelt Library.  We checked in as guests at the front desk, headed to Circulation and was given the first book, The Dunbar Book of Contemporary Furniture (Hockaday).  Much of this looked familiar, to the newer and most reasonably priced book I already own.  I do believe they reprinted the text in the new book.  I do enjoy this book because of the specs in the back.  It even tells you yardage for upholstery, which I find very useful if you need to work on a piece.  Alas, as I already knew, this book (published in 1956) was not going to contain my twins.  It’s ok, because I only requested it because I was going there for the other and thought I’d still follow through even after I found out the Dunbar Book of Modern Furniture was no more. 

The Van Pelt Library is a gorgeous space.  Trent (9), decided he wants to go to college at UPENN after the campus visit.  I assured him he should start a gofundme now to start saving as there is no way that is in our budget!   J  On recommendation of the front desk clerk, we rode the elevator to the 6th floor for a fabulous view of campus.  There were some exhibits up there, mostly of medical equipment, a Shakespeare Library room, and what appeared to be banquet space for weddings and such.  After, we headed back to the car. 

The residential area surrounding the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is super adorable and offers free parking up to 4 hours!

A short drive later, we were scanning the residential streets behind the Phila Art Museum for parking.  The library clerk had told me there are usually parking on the side streets and I was hoping to avoid a parking garage.  The first street I picked had a few open spots and I quick asked a resident if it was ok I park there.  She said, yep, you can park for up to 4 hours without a permit.  SCORE!  We then walked into the museum, checked in, was issued a visitor pass and up we went to the 2nd Floor Library. 

I did not hear angels singing when I felt the book in my hands, but I’m sure I had a huge smile plastered across my face!  I waited until we found seating in a lounge space before I opened it up.  It is hard cover and the binding had some issues, but my first impression was….wow, there isn’t a lot of pages in this thing!  I spent the next half hour or so reviewing the pages, snapping photos and enjoying the catalog.  

Here it is!  This hard to find book is selling for $700 currently on First Dibs!  Glad there was a copy regionally available for viewing!  It was worth the trip!

Some things I found out.  My chairs are No. 4580, with the arm chairs being No. 4581. They are described as:  Side Chairs, cane backs, buttoned foam rubber seats.  The write up on the page says:  ‘In modern furniture, various materials are often strikingly combined in a single piece. The chairs on this page, for example, use woven cane panels in the backs. ‘  The page prior says ‘The furniture on these pages is from the Dunbar Continental Series, named in honor of Berne, Indiana, which recently celebrated it’s hundredth birthday….’  Nothing on the next pages about the line name, so don’t want to assume it carried over to the following pages.  Also, this book was published in 1952.  Which dates my chairs around the late 40's-early 50's.

Here they are!  Check out the awesome table they were shown with!  It's totally angular and not at all what I was expecting these more traditional looking chairs to be shown with!  Also glad this pic shows the cane being lighter as I did not want to stain the new cane.  I think it looks great 2 toned!

Other interesting facts.  Dunbar used mainly mahogany and walnut as it’s ‘standard exposed woods’.  Other woods and laminates or veneers were used in case work, tables and desks as well.  All furnishings were hand made with the utmost care and the factory operated as more of a custom style workshop.  Some components were machined, but drawers and door fronts were fitted by hand for a precision fit.  The finishing procedures were mostly hand work as opposed to spraying and machines.  Their skilled finishers were able to produce this after many steps and coats.  Some pieces were in finishing for up to 2 weeks to attain the final finish. 

According to the dedication, this book was donated by the Dunbar Company!  Very happy they did this or this book would be out of reach for the average mid century lover! 

I must say, I am even more in love with these chairs after reading all of this.  Working for a high end custom millwork shop, I can also relate to the hand finishing as some of our work is done to the old standards depending on what is required for the job.  I am so happy to be able to make these chairs comfortable and pretty again!  They truly are a wonderful piece of mid century design history and Edward Wormley’s adaptation of a classic design really makes for a stunning piece to feature in your home.  I hope to get started on the upholstery shortly, so please check back for updates!  If you would like one or both chairs to be held for you, please email me at malissa@madmodworldvintage.com.  The listing is in the shop, so please click on the shop link to review. 

One final note!  There is an INCREDIBLE Scandinavian Design exhibit at the Perleman Annex of the Phila Art Museum right now.  I am not sure how long it is there, but as I asked about paying admission to see, the desk clerk informed me that since I had a visitor's pass, I was able to explore the museum!  I do sort of feel guilty, so I promise to make a donation to the museum in the future!  Lots of Hans Wegner chairs and Arne Vodder.  Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area!  So neat to see the Papa Bear and Wish Bone chairs in person!  This chair whore wanted to touch them, but alas, not proper museum etiquette!   Click on the photo below to scroll through some shots of the exhibits.  Lots of Hans Wegner pieces, Arne Vodder and more.  The kids found a Minecraft station, appropriately designed by in Sweden.  The first photo, is local, Philly artists (husband/wife) who create cool and colorful visuals with rattan papa san chairs!

Philly Reseach Mission Part Deux!

So excited to be heading to Philly tomorrow to finally lay my eyes and fingers on these Dunbar books!  I have one on hold at UPENN, the other is at the Philly Art Museum.  I plan to hit both places tomorrow to review, photograph interesting pages and enjoy these beauties!  I will have much to share upon my return!  xo Malissa

Dunbar twins.

The Dunbar chairs the day I picked them up.

Kicking off my new website with the story of my latest in process restoration.  I acquired a pair of 40s era Dunbar for Modern dining chairs in mahogany, with caned backrests and upholstered seats.  In perfect Edward Wormley style, they are a fusion of modern lines and traditional styling. They are the most generous seat of any mid century chair that has crossed my path yet.  70 years old and still as solid as a rock.  All of the issues have been cosmetic.  I decided I was going for it.  After consulting with my local upholsterer, I decided I was going to attempt cleaning the upholstery and turning over to him for foam and cane installation.  I then attempted to clean the upholstery and realized it was in sadder shape than I thought.  The foam had totally degraded, but the fabric was not far behind.  I could totally see the fibers coming apart as I scrubbed.  I disassembled the seats.  

Plan B.  

I got to work removing the old upholstery and was thrilled to see the details of the seat.  The construction was 1 and 1/2 (possibly thicker) foam on the seat covered with a muslin liner, covered with batting, covered with upholstery.  13 buttons on each seat were threaded through the whole she bang and through a drilled whole in the board.  Underneath, there was a system of tacked strings, where the buttons were hand tied.  I left the whole system in tact and plan to tie the new buttons up like the originals!  There is piping on the top and bottom of the seat upholstery, but it does not look too complicated.  I decided that with my mother helping, this would not be a bad job.  She is a whiz at the sewing machine and with patterning so I know I have the right gal for the job.  

Seat demolition.

On to the Wood.

I work in a shop full of woodworkers, so when I have questions on how to proceed, I usually take my projects in to run my options through with my friends.  I spent a few hours in the finishing room after work cleaning and doing some minor touch ups to the wood.  It was decided that I could fill some flaws and I got the wax fill stick filling lesson.  It went well.  Matt also determined that the original finish was shellac.  The good news is that after my touch ups, I could apply a few coats of spray lacquer and save the original finish and patina!  Next, I had to deal with removing the old broken cane, replace, then spray my lacquer.

The arrangement for the cane was I had to source my own supplies, and the upholsterer would install.  I watched a few youtube videos and decided I was totally game for the removal.  I ordered a $40 steam cleaner and got to work steaming the spline.  It did not take long for the glue to loosen and out came the old cane.  I got them both removed in a jiffy.  I found a local basket and cane supply store, The Country Seat and set out to find my supplies.  They were super helpful as I took the chair and samples of the old spline and cane.  I was hooked up with glue, wood spikes and tips.  I got this!   

Spline removal after steaming.

All out!  I also had to clean out the channels before inserting the new cane.  I used some sand paper to clean out the area of old glue.

Caning 101.

My first attempt at replacing sheet cane was awesome!  I didn't even swear!  I watched the video and got right to work.  Soaked the cane sheet while I got the other supplies ready, found and emptied a work bench in my garage and planned my attack.  I worked the now pliable cane sheet into the track with the wood spikes, starting in the centers and working out to the sides.  Once I got the tracks filled, I put the spline in to soak.  After about 20 min, I pulled it out and doubled checked the track that it fit and planned my attack with the glue.  Once I was convinced that all was going to fit.  I started putting the glue in the track, inserting the spline and hammering in with a rubber mallet.  I worked my way around making sure I mitered the ends for a smooth butt where they met.  Everything worked like it should and I was very pleased!  I would definitely take on another sheet cane project in the future!

New cane and lacquer!  Ready to rock!

Next step.

I let everything dry and put my lacquer coats on.  The wood is done.  Next up will be the upholstery.  I have to wait a week to get started as my mother is in charge of the Bible School program at our church next week and forbid me to convince her to start the project.  Next stop….Granny and her sewing sweat shop!

LISTING IS UP.  I will reserve one or both of these chairs for serious buyers.  Please message me to put the listing on hold for you!  

I am going with a blue velvet!