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

Split Personality: It's a couch. It's a bed. No matter how you use it, a most versatile piece!

Unveiling my latest restoration is always so exciting!  I am so pleased and smitten with this beauty.  A great MCM day bed, studio couch, settee on a steel spring frame, hairpin legs.  Simple yet stunning.  As found, this piece was improperly stored and had mold issues, missing buttons and worn upholstery.  I knew it was just the piece I could reimagine into a whole new life.  

As found with issues.  Moldy cushions from being stored in a basement with issues, missing buttons, worn fabric, rusty frame.

The first decision I made was to talk to my upholsterer.  I love to do this stuff myself, but there is also a time to work smarter, not harder.  Plus I felt I could afford to hire him for this piece. He agreed to take on the project and away I went to study the Joybird fabric swatches. 

My criteria for the fabric included soft, pet/kid friendly, luxurious and sturdy.  The first swatch I fell in love with is not available by the yard.  I was really bummed but quickly settled on the Bentley line.  It came in a few colors, not all available for purchase.  I settled on the indigo.  A neutral, more colorful than a safe grey, but not as daring as some pieces I have available now.  I feel the deeper than cobalt shade would go great with golds, blues, kelly green.....the possibilities are endless.  I also felt like the soft velvet would make for a nice napping surface, although I would expect to put a sheet over when using as a bed.   

Although the original fabric was more of a tweed, I opted for a softer velvet.  More inviting for napping and lounging!

Well, my vision came to life!  It is amazing!  Beautiful upholstery featuring a tufted large cushion and 2 back pillows which will set against the wall.  Details like piped edges and zipper access to the smaller pillows are exactly as the original.  The frame was sanded and scuffed then painted gloss black.  It is ready for it's new home! 

I envision this piece in a den, spare bedroom or even a nursery!  How many new parents are exhausted, want to nurse and lay with baby without disturbing a spouse?  This piece is stylish enough to be a welcoming piece of furniture that can quickly accommodate the needs of the sleepy!  Couch by day, comfy bed by nap time!  

I should be able to pack this for bus shipping across the country.  Allow a week for my chairish listing to go live, but they can accommodate white glove delivery requests.  As always, I will deliver or meet up in my region including Eastern/Central PA, NJ, NE MD, DE areas.  Reach out to discuss!  See listing here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/476457728/restored-mid-century-hairpin-leg-day-bed  Enjoy a scroll through to see this fabulous piece! 

Hen On Nest Collection up for sale.

When I first decided to hang out in Antique shops looking for treasures, my kids were very young.  In order to keep them entertained during the exploration of sometimes very large co ops full of merchandise, I decided to bait them into looking for glass hen on nests.  My mom had one my whole life (which ironically she sold at a yard sale prior to us collecting!) and we had gotten chicks that year.  We were consumed with all things chickens.  It was a natural progression to make the hunt a family affair.  Needless to say, I have a china hutch full of them and I decided I would do better making room for something else, like my growing stash of pyrex that does not get a proper display space.  So with that said, I am going to be offering these for sale as this month goes on.  Here is my first grouping, the smallest of the hens, called SALT CHICKS or SALT CELLARS, they are all 3" or less, super cute and the best way to learn about them is listen so I made a little video going through them.  I have a variety of glass makers represented so if you give it a listen, I will go over some facts about them and things I learned collecting, plus discuss any condition issues of the piece, which I figured would be helpful.  Please have a look if you are interested in seeing them.  I think I will be swapping out my booth space to accommodate many of the larger chickens for the holidays this week.  I plan on clearing out many things that have been there for a while.  Of course, I will gladly ship any of these hens and combine shipping for you on multiples.  Please reach out!  I will be posting what I will be taking out prior to that so please act fast as I don't like to cross list smalls that are in the booth.....it gets a bit confusing and would hate to have a disappointed customer.  View the video here (from my facebook page):  https://www.facebook.com/madformodmalissa/videos/799956980142055/

3" and under SALT CELLARS selection.  They are so cute!  Make sure you check out the video above to learn about them and I discuss condition issues, etc.  If you are new to vintage glass collecting, you might find some information of interest about the makers and markings.

Stay tuned to my social media for more listings.  If you aren't following me, here is the run down! Many times, my updates will hit there first.  Also, keep in mind that not all FOLLOWERS see all of my posts!  If you don't want to miss anything, make sure you select to see all posts on Facebook! 

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/madmodworldvintage/

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/madformodmalissa

TWITTER https://twitter.com/mad4modmalissa

NEW ITEM!  Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group SOFT PAD executive arm chair featuring swivel reclining seat, casters and beautiful COBALT blue fabric is really good condition!  Very comfortable making a classic bold statement for your home or office!  Available NOW in my etsy shop....click pic to go there, and almost live in my chairish shop. should you require white glove delivery.  GREYHOUND BUS SHIPPING AVAILABLE ON THIS ITEM!  Reach out for more info!

RESTORATIONS IN PROGRESS

DAY BED RESTORATION.

The day bed cushions and fabric have been dropped off at the upholsterer and will be completed in the next few weeks.  All new foam plus the gorgeous navy blue PET and KID friendly fabric from Joybird.  I cannot wait to see them all done.  In the mean time, I will do some touch ups and clean up on the metal and wood frame.  I do not have the final priced worked out yet, but if you are interested in having first dibs on the finished piece, please reach out and you will get the first information when it is ready!

EAMES SHELL RAR ROCKER.

I have selected the rocker base for the black fiberglass (Summit Production) Herman Miller Shell with black vinyl upholstery.  It will be receiving a ZINC base with NATURAL BIRCH runners.  I think the lighter wood and metals will set off the black on black nicely.  I will be replacing the missing Shock Mounts and have parts and supplies on order with Modern Conscience which will be coming with the base in the next week.  This one (along with the other finished RAR I have available) will make a FABULOUS holiday gift for that special someone!  I will also be posting updates on these restorations via my social media outlets so jump on in if you'd like to see them coming along. 

HOLIDAY SHOPPING.

You may think we are far away from the holidays, but in reality, they are coming quick.  Please note that any items shipping via GREYHOUND BUS will take about 2 weeks to go cross country.  Please keep this in mind when you are ordering gifts or items you plan to use for your holiday décor!  I do my best to get most items packed and shipped within 24-48 hours but delivery time frames are definitely out of my control.  PICK UP of any of my online items can be arranged WED-SUN 10-6 at my booth space at FLEETWOOD ANTIQUE MALL  14129 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood, PA 19522.  My day availability for deliveries currently is TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS.  I will gladly meet up or deliver furnishings in the Philly Metro, central and eastern PA, NJ areas and maybe beyond.  Please reach out to discuss!  If I can do anything to make your gift giving extra special, please ask!  My priority is safe shipping so sometimes it is not possible for me to wrap your items, but I would gladly enclose a card or ship directly to your recipient!