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

Eames love!

S IN CIRCLE SUMMIT PLASTICS MARKED SHELL WITH BLACK VINYL UPHOLSTERY

My base and supplies from Modern Conscience have arrived.  I am not sure if they make to order or not but this order took quite a while to reach me.  I do select the cheapest, slowest shipping option though!

Once again I am thrilled and this shell is shaping up to exceed my expectations!  She really is a beauty!  I did not think the vinyl upholstery was attractive but with the base added, it is glorious!  

I have work ahead of me.  First I will be removing all the old epoxy and the one remaining original shock mount.  Here is an interesting tidbit.  I ordered the 60s and later version (the threads changed) hoping they would match and I would just add 3 new ones.  Everything I read about Summit produced shells dated them mid 60s and later. I found a thread on Design Addict the other day which challenged this and said Summit came into the picture earlier, like late 50s.  The first thing I did was try the new screws and sadly, mine are the earlier thread style.  No worries I will swap it out.  So now I am suspecting this to be a late 50s/early 60s shell.  I also read that the best fiberglass texture was in the earlier shells which would make sense as this one has beautiful Snowy white flecks throughout the black and it is really stunning.  I am very pleased with the chrome base and natural birch runners I selected.  As hoped, it offsets the black on black nicely.  I will be working on this one and hope to have it ready in the next week or so.  

Both of my Eames rockers are beauties and iconic pieces of MCM design history.  Preserved for the next generation, they are truly a delight.  My source has no more rogue arm chair shells so unless I find them elsewhere, I do not expect to have any more in my future.  I have one side chair left in tan with a stackable base in SCHOLASTIC MOUNT that could be changed out to a dowel base easily or new shock mounts installed to make it a NARROW MOUNT which would allow any of the reproduction bases to work.  I might just get that listed in case anyone wants to enjoy it.  Here is a preview with the seat just sitting on top.

Gorgeous black fiberglass features lots of snowy white fiberglass flecks

The reproduction base from Modern Conscience was made to exact specifications as the originals.  They are top quality and feature tung oiled runners.  They are recommended for parts and restorations by Herman Miller for vintage pieces.  I am thrilled with their quality!

We wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!  Please review my holiday updates in the previous blog post.   

XO Malissa

Giveaway promo, Black Friday promo updates

FUN CONTEST!

I am currently running a Giveaway promo and encourage all to apply!  I am 7 facebook LIKES from 300 and my blog is hovering around 50 followers (of which there is a small percentage of loyal readers and I THANK YOU for that!).  I am kind of sad that social media folks are quick for the hearts but not quick to follow along.  I do not pay for followers or any of the other gimmicks that go along with that so my small crew is here because they want to be.  THAT SAID, I am curious if I can snag a few more by offering a bribe of sorts!  I have a set of 4 Indian Kantha placemats that I would like to give away.  I sold out of the others and these were in my booth for a while.  They have a $30 retail value for the set.  I would love to send them to someone to enjoy!  Here is how it works.  Please sign up to follow my blog via my mailchimp which is the annoying pop up that comes up when you head to madmodworldvintage.com , which is my mailing list.  Then head to my facebook page at  facebook.com/madformodmalissa  and click LIKE.  Then send me an email malissa@madmodworldvintage.com so I add you to the drawing.  I am thinking that I will probably offer consolation prizes as well depending on the level of participation.  If you already follow both, please just send the email and you are in!  I know not everyone sees all Facebook posts so that is why I am hoping to get some more loyal blog readers because that is the best way to get all my info out.  DEADLINE TO ENTER IS THANKSGIVING!  I will draw the winner in the evening.  Please invite your MCM loving friends! 

HOLIDAY SALES

Booth 2R09 at Fleetwood Antique Mall, 14129 Fleetwood PA 19522 WED-SUN 10-6 OFFERING 20% INVENTORY for CASH SALES except anything marked FIRM THROUGH the month of NOVEMBER.  The only item I have currently marked FIRM is my Herman Miller rocking chair.  I plan on changing out some more items so please stop by if you have not checked it out in a while.  I have selected many lower price point gifts and items to feature so if you are in need of something for your holiday gift giving, don't forget to SHOP SMALL! 

ETSY SHOP Gift with purchase Black Friday through the holidays while supplies last!  I will throw a little special something in every box this holiday season!  I do have a coupon code active right now through midnight Thanksgiving night....15% off shopwide code PYREXSWAP.  Please feel free to use it to get a jump start on your holiday shopping!  Please do not use it on any furnishings I have listed ON SALE, but anything else goes.  This is a special thank you for being my loyal followers!  Use the code at checkout and I will enclose the special gift for you early!

EBAY SHOP I am currently featuring 3" and under HEN ON NESTS from our collection and a fabulous selection of pyrex!  Please stop by and check it out.  I also am able to offer CHOOSE YOUR BEST SHIPPING of the larger sets!  That's right!  I have been doing this long enough to know my way around getting the best shipping rates and so many sellers rip people off.  You will be able to choose from USPS and FED EX at 35% off rack rate.  Pick the best one for you!  Please make sure you check them both!  USPS will be cheaper for east coasters and mid westerners but south central and west coasters will need to use Fed Ex to get the best price.

CHAIRISH    I cross list my best furnishings on Chairish.  Although I will bus ship almost anything to save you money, I will also say, there are a few things that I feel would be best sent fully insured with white glove and chairish definitely has better shipping rates negotiated than what I or you could get on our own.  You can get an instant white glove quote on my chairish page!  If you are interested in larger furniture items and need shipping cross country, reach out to me and we can definitely discuss the options.  I want to save you money and if I can do that for you, I will!  In most cases, I have not actually packed and quoted an item and will only do so once a serious shopper contacts me.  I work to get you options fast! 

DELIVERIES  I am generally available currently on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays to schedule meet ups and deliveries in the region. 

I will continue to try to get most items packed and out the door within 24 hours as is what I am accustomed to and what my returning customers expect. 

I will be working on the next Herman Miller rocking chair this week as the base and shock mount supplies are en route to me as I write!  Expect it to be listed by the weekend if all goes well!   I am also trying to get as much fresh inventory listed as I can and will be adding more to the booth space in Fleetwood!

xo Malissa