A fabulously glam estate sale, new acquisitions!

About once a year I get invited to an estate sale that is a time capsule of kitsch and a Mecca of mid century madness.  This weekend I was shopping in a neighborhood I have driven by many times in my life never knowing that these awesome mid century splits even existed.  A very cool layout that was disguised by the curb appeal of a ranch.   

Inside were treasures so great I was thrilled just to see them in person.  Have I had a bigger budget I would have bought more!  Many items need rehab, cleaning and TLC, so I will get through them and then list.  I have some folks already claiming things so I will be working in order of request.  Have a look at the fun!   

The first item I already listed in the bunch is a gorgeous brass finish Hollywood regency bar cart.  It features two removable brass shelves, caster wheels.  Some oxidation to the finish which did not clean with a polish.  Could be painted over if you don't like the patina.  Available now in the etsy shop.

Already claimed is a really cool plastic plant with orange fronds ala Horton Hears a Who.  I had an interested party who spotted it in one of my pics from the sale and although it was claimed, I got there yesterday to find the claimed only took one of the 2. I will be removing the cement from the pot, cleaning and getting this sent to Buffalo.   

It does not get any kitschier than this!   PURCHASED FOR JOYCE. 

Next up is something I picked for my own foyer!  A fabulous 24 arm Sputnik chandelier!   

It's going to look great here after a rewire and polish! 

Guess what?  I have a 16 arm Sputnik I was going to use in my dining room which will now be up for grabs!  I have it listed in all my markets.  I priced at $350 including your shipping.  A Brooklyn competitor has the same light st $550, so I think I am under value.  You will need to buy bulbs which gets expensive.  Voltage meter tested with no shorts and all sockets viable.  It will work as is but you may want to rewire for current standards.   

UPDATE SOLD!  Great size for dining room at standard height ceiling. 

Speaking of lights, I got more!!!!! I invested in many unique lighting pieces at this sale.  Period lighting is always a treat but mass quantities is overwhelming!  I got some great pieces, all of which will require rewiring and rehab work and even some parts.  I will invest in getting them back in working order.  The first beauty is an impressive suspension pole lamp that feautures hanging bullet planters under the lights.  A total unique piece!  I have an interested buyer so will be working on this one first and offering her first shot.  If she declines, it will be listed in my markets.  

THIS PIECE HAS TWO ON THE WAIT LIST  Absolutely amazing!  This one will need minimal work, just checking over and rewiring if my husband deems necessary.  The plastic plants are saved and will ship with the lamp.

The next suspension pole lamp is in need of globe replacement.  One is missing, one cracked and one good.  I will keep my eyes peeled for replacements in the coming weeks.  it's the lamp in the right.

This awesome lamp was left behind by the claimer because it had no guts! I was able to snag it yesterday.  It needs total rehab including paint, wiring and sockets but those fiberglass shades?  THEY ARE PERFECT and just need cleaned. Will be working on this in the coming weeks!  

 I have claimed this fixture and will be removing it next weekend then rewiring.  You don't find stuff like this anymore! 

My favorite acquisition, though, is a stunning tufted custom 3 PC sectional.  I have already gone over the end pieces and cleaned them and evaluated.  Structurally we are about 100%.  The only issues are some stains on the seat cushions and minor wear to the velvet.  I will be replacing the seat cushion foam but hoping I can find a fabric match because I would have new covers made as well.  This will be an expensive undertaking though, so will have to save up before I attack or find someone who is serious and would pay half deposit so I could fund the work.  This is such a stunning piece and I am in love!  

As it sat in it's home since the 1950's.  

The pillows are mint! 

The skirt can remove to show MCM walnut peg legs but I am really digging this particular skirt! 

It's a great color!  You can see how bold it is out in the natural light on an overcast day.  If you are interested please reach out!  I would, of course, deliver in my region with shipping available through my chairish shop.  It truly is a gem and I am thinking finished price will be around $2000.  

I hope you enjoyed the tour of new items!  Email me if you want to inquire or claim anything and I will put it in the queue and keep you posted on status.  Local pick ups at Fleetwood Antique Mall available just give me a few days notice to get your item out there!  Have a great week! XO Malissa

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

Happy New Year!

Just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy New Year!  I have had a stellar year bringing MCM joy to many homes across the country.  It truly has been my pleasure serving you, my friends!  

I am still adding new items to the shops even though I am enjoying my holiday time.  Please check in so you don't miss anything!  The etsy sale (10% off all except furnishings) will continue through Jan 12th.  No coupon required.   

Stop by chairish and claim a $40 credit now through midnight Jan 31st. 

My kids and I got to spend the day visiting the Philadelphia Art Museum this week. My main motivation was the Mexican Modernists exhibit, which ends Jan 6.  If you get a chance to see it here or elsewhere, it was breathtaking to see these works in person!  Enjoy a few pics. 

Enjoy the 2016 finale and I look forward to 2017!  XO Malissa

Frida Kahlo's first self portrait which no doubt put her on the map in the art scene.  The details are just phenomenal.  

Van Gogh

Rodin 'the kiss' at the Rodin Museum

We even found some MCM! Mies Van de Rohe MR 20 Lounge Chair

💗