The MCM Inventor, Robert Karoff of Karoff Originals

Typical tags that would be found on a Karoff item. 

Hope everyone had a great holiday!  I am happy to get back on track with an informative post as I just picked up a fabulous foldable cocktail table that was so unique, I knew I had to add it to my inventory!  It has it's original label from Karoff Originals, NY.  A quick search showed me that Karoff Originals was well known as a purveyor of hostess gifts and other kitchen and knick knack tchotchkes.  The company also was known for a line of perfume packaged in unique bottles similar to the collectable Avon varieties. These perfumes were sold as early as the 1930s and into the 1950s for sure. The amazing discovery was that Robert Karoff boasts a slew of patents to his inventions and designs during his years and even patented the process to cut and fry carrots  to turn them into a crunchy chip like snack!  This was in the 1980's by the way, so he must have been competing with the famous Ron Popiel, infomercial King.  

A selection of clever perfume packaging designed my Robert Karoff for Karoff Originals. 

I quickly found the patent to my table, officially registered as "HANDHOLD ACTUATED FOLDABLE TABLE".  It appears that there are 2 different styles as the first page looked like my metal legs, and a 2nd page showed what looks like wood legs.  The metal legs swing together and fit inside when the sides are dropped.  Very clever.  The woman I bought the table from said it was her mother's so my guess is she used it as a permanent table and quickly decided the eyelet bolt that was to serve as the carry handle was an eyesore and in the way as it was clipped off.  Because this appears to be a custom fabricated item, there is no way we can replace it, but perhaps a determined collector could attempt to have one made.  The good news is the veneer top is in excellent condition with only the most minor wear and does not have any stains, eyesores and or finish issues. I do think the boards are solid walnut.  The legs have some oxidation on the gold tone finish so I will be painting them to make them attractive again.  All feet glides are in tact which is always exciting!  This table folds into a very manageable size and is perfect for me to ship to far away places as the majority of my inventory gets shipped.  I have extensively searched for days and have not located any photos or write-ups on any in existence.  Mr. Karoff's obituary also states he was an 'inventor of foldable furnishings' but besides a collapsible bar cart entitled 'VERSA', and this table design, I have found no other references to furniture he designed.  There is a small table top folding buffet server which seems to pop up most in the secondary market and the bar carts are available.  This table, however, is a gem and appears to be quite elusive.  Would definitely love to hear from folks who may remember this table from their past or even have one of the 2 types of designs that show up in the patent!  

Meanwhile, this beauty will be finished up and listed in my shops.  If you are interested in it please reach out and I could give you first offer before I list. 

Blueprint sketch of the table as submitted with the patent. 

The table as found.  The metal disk in the center functions as the bolt that is also the swivel point for the legs.  Sadly the owner had clipped the eyelit loop that would serve as the carry handle when the table is folded. 

The horizontal leg set is on a center pivot and will sit tight on the wood wedges when in position.  Then swivel back next to the fixed legs so the table top can be folded for transport. 

A view of the legs swung ready to collapse the top. 

Folded up in a cute and tiny package for transport or storage.  

Original label intact.  Yes, this could easily have been lost over the years.  I will spray adhesive on this one to make sure it stays attached. I did search generically knowing that others may not know the maker and still no luck finding another!   

Keep your eyes peeled for Karoff Originals in your hunts!  I bet now that we know about them, we will find more items in the wild!

XO Malissa

Just in! Living Room Must haves!

I spent a lot of time this week at the most fabulous estate liquidation ever!  An adorable time capsule, clean and tidy and in my area.   It was a pleasure just to see the home but even better was to be able to leave with some very fine items!  I invested in a great living room set and have split it up only because I feel it hard to place together, but I would love too keep it all together!  This is up for regional meet ups and deliveries only at this point but I have submitted to chairish and they can arrange shipping.  It will take a week to go live.  If you are out of the area and serious, I will help you with shipping options so please reach out.  I will not bus ship this set.

4 PC living room seating set by Carson's of High Point.  All vinyl upholstery in excellent condition.  From clean and tidy home. 

Offering the 2 PC settee sectional separate from the 2 club chairs.  I would love for someone to take them all, but realize the full set might not work for everyone.  Here are some more pics.   

2 love seat sized settee's make up this versatile seating set that can be arranged to create a fabulous nook area. Great Aqua color features black plastic legs with gold trim.  Very comfy! 

A pair of great coordinating club chairs!  The addition of black to the mix really breaks up the set nicely.  These are available as a set of 2. 

Carson's of High Point is still in business focusing on the industrial seating needs of hotels, retirement homes and public spaces. 

I also picked up a super large set of Boontonware melmac in pale yellow and grey!  Service for 8 with massive selection of service pieces and extras.   

Also a must have in a MCM home!  Lucite grapes and matching candlesticks in Amber.  This home had a turquoise room and an orange room! 💕 be still my heart! 

I am working with a buyer already, but I did go back and take the end table set that was with my chairs.  It's not final, but I am packing for shipping today.  

The etsy listing is marked On Hold right now as I work with a client.  Feel free to reach out if you want next dibs.  I will have them packed for shipping today. 

I know not everyone sees my Facebook posts so I will recommend TURNING NOTIFICATIONS ONwhen you are on my page and further, follow my Instagram @madmodworldvintage as these are the fastest ways to see my latest acquisitions and projects.  Jump on it is you see something you like and you can snag it before I list it.  ✌🏼️ 

Back to work for me!  I have tables to pack and more sanding to do!  Enjoy your Father's Day and stop by the mall today if you are in the area antiquing!  

xo Malissa

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend.

Welcome to the grand finale of my latest restoration!  I spent Friday trekking to my friend's to retrieve my diamond chair, now all welded and super shiney in it's gloss black powder coat finish.  I started the trip by swinging by WXPN's free at noon because it is totally free and a great place to hang out when in Philly on a Friday!  ​I almost talked myself out of stopping for foam thinking I could fill with cotton I already had. As I was waiting to get on my ramp to cross town I realized that was a dumb move as the supplier I go to in Philly is a wholesaler and if I get home and decide my cotton idea sucks, my only choice is Joann's and that place is overpriced with a not always stellar selection.  So I got off 676 at 8th and headed to Katz's Upholstery.  I decided on 1/2" foam and got 2 yards.  I took my roll and headed to NJ.  My friend was at work so I collected my chair, left him a Vanagon part I picked up for him the night before at our local supplier, used the restroom and headed to an estate sale he tipped me off about.  Due to my slow recent sales and our strike situation, I was not in the market for much but I did snag 2 pair of vintage Sears binoculars and a cool melmac ash tray.  

I left town with a kick ass cherry pie and headed back to PA, just in time to take my kids to a dance at their school.  ​Of course I was thinking about my chair while my kids were dancing to 'shake it off' but the work would have to wait!  

Saturday I got to work on the cover.  Over the last week I opened the seam maybe 12" or so, then dumped out the powdered foam, scraped as best as I could at what was stuck to the fabric inside and washed in the tub by swishing in cold water with a mild detergent and rinsing a few times.  I did test the fabric and it is indeed wool.  I hung over the side of the tub to dry so as not to stretch the fibers.  

Washing the cover.  Yuck, eh? 

My first step was to cut the foam.  Remember, I am using in a 3-D contoured situation, so I realized I would need to compensate.  I started by cutting the left side to match the side of the chair.  Using a bag of flour to weight the seat down, I followed with the right side. There is excess foam now that needed to be removed so I decided I would cut a V out and the center top and bottom, then spray adhesive to close it up.  ​

Removing the foam excess to contour the seat. 

My spray adhesive idea worked well once the glue started getting tacky.  I placed the foam inside and evaluated.  I thought a little cotton would help fluff it out a little so cut a piece the width of the chair and put on top of the foam.  The kids tested and said yes, the chair was comfy and they loved it!   

Kid tested. 

So this morning I got to work sewing it all back up and then took my pics.  I did decide to list the chair because I have a lead on another I could repeat this on and would like to save it if I find a home for this one.  So here are some pics, see listing on etsy for more details if you are interested and please send friends! If you know anyone looking for furniture and appreciates my era, please send them to my shops!  I would greatly appreciate the referrals! ✌🏼️  Thanks a bunch and thanks for all your support!  I had a great April in the mall!  Xo Malissa https://www.etsy.com/listing/279478194/knoll-harry-bertoia-large-diamond-lounge

Naked.  Look at her shine! 

In her threads. 

Besides the foam deterioration, the cover is in great condition!  Charcoal wool with some orange ombré into white threads through like stripes.

The shock mounts were cleaned and conditioned.  They would be expensive to replace but luckily, these are still in great condition.   

Original label dates this to the 50's.  I suspect this is an early production chair.  So happy I could help it get ready for it's next 70 years! 🎉 

Birthday week!

Another year older for me this week!  My week has started off great with my first sale on Chairish.com last week and my second sale this week! 🎉🎁✌️. That said, I am meeting my buyer in Elizabeth, NJ midday This Friday, so if anyone in the area would like to meet up for something delivered, please reach out!  Also anywhere on I78 through NJ and ABE.  It's a birthday road trip for me!  I will find something exciting to do on the way home for sure.  

BARWARE!

I will be picking up some fabulous barware soon from a collector downsizing.  I mean nice sets of 40's era Hazel Atlas.  These are high end collector pieces.  If any of you are interested in barware, please shoot me an email and I can let you know first what I have available after I collect and go through it. I promised I would find good homes for this collection and I may keep a set for myself, because, well PINK ELEPHANTS!  😍😍😍. 

NEW CHAIR! 

I just added a GREAT chair to the etsy shop today.  It is US made by Norwalk Upholstery Co and dated 1974.  Norwalk is still in business making custom upholstered pieces and weathered many ups and downs but are going strong.  Always good to support these companies manufacturing in our country!  This chair is styled like a Danish lounge chair, made of heavy hardwood (maple or birch, my guess), stained a medium pecan with gloss finish.  A little chunkier than their Danish cousins, I am liking the gracefully sculpted arms.  So many companies made chairs of this style and unless marked, it is sometimes impossible to figure out it's origins.  This one is tagged.  Upholstery is really in excellent condition! No tears or stains!  Structurally, the seat could take some web tightening but at this point it is not bad off and I do not want to disturb.  I did have some webbing and foam done on my England chair and it was very inexpensive at a local upholsterer. (That cutie is still available as well!)Have a look!  It is a lovely khaki green with orange tweed.  I took the pics in the rising sun so a tad warmer than reality but you get the idea. 

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/271417550/norwalk-upholstery-co-lounge-chair

Inside light last evening. 

The Heywake chairs are still in my booth and will be for at least another week unless they sell online.  Please stop by if you are in the area and see them!  I would love your feedback! Have a great week! 

Xo Malissa

Etsy shop ON SALE

Just an FYI that my entire etsy shop is ON sale for the month of February!  10% off every listing, even new stuff I am adding.  No coupon code required!  

My first month at Fleetwood Antique Mall has been great!  I am so glad I followed my dreams!  Stop by if you are in the area!  Select furnishings are available from my online inventory but I can have anything there for you to see if you reach out in advance.  It's not too late for Valentine's Day and I made some great little sets with the Fransiscan Starburst themed pillows and a matching wooden wine tag....all wrapped in a red ribbon!  $18 each set.  

Here's a view from my Instagram feed!  Are YOU following? 

I also added more Indian Kantha Quilts...there are 4 to choose from at the shop and 1 online in the etsy shop.  I can think of many uses including picnic and festivals, draped over a chair, camp bedding or throw.  The colors are gorgeous!  Here is a peek! 

I will gladly ship any of them if interested. I also picked up an array of placemats!  They are just as awesome!  Available in sets of 2 in the etsy shop and I left a few sets of 4 in the shop.  They are awesome and reversible just like the quilts. 

Placemats!  So cute for home or glamping! 

Afew other items I added this week include awesome VW camper wood wall plaques!  We love our 89 Vanagon and love VW kitsch!  Brought these back from my wholesaler to share the love! #westylife  

And HAPPY CAMPERS LIVE HERE kitchen towels! 💗💗💗💗 

I would gladly ship any of these new items, but they are not eligible to list on etsy so please reach out if you can't get to the store and I can mail to you via PayPal invoice.   

I am meeting up in Cinnaminson, NJ this Saturday to deliver a few items.  If you are in the area and would like something reach out!!!!  

I guess that covers everything!  My  

Vibe Sunkissed fabric arrived today so will start taking apart the next Heywood Chair this week! Yea! 🎉. Hope you all have a fabulous Valentine's Day!  

Xo Malissa

The Eames chairs are in the shop.  The bases remove with a Phillips head screw driver for easy packing.  They have some issues but if you always wanted one or 2, you can score them $200 each or both for $350 at the shop! 

Don't forget the best pyrex selection in the mall!!! 

That tweed suitcase is new too!  Orange/Avocado tweed! 😍