Thursday, July 28, 2011

German 1950s Starburst Modernist Wall Clock

This quality timepiece screams mid century modern, with the starburst design and simplistic brass "pins" for numbers.

Made in Germany, the clock's large size and modern design would make an impressive focal point of any decor, modern or otherwise.

The clock's diameter is 30", and is signed "Germany" on the lower face.

The clock is battery-operated, uses one size D battery, and keeps perfect time!

Outstanding vintage condition - almost like new. This is a clock you can use and enjoy immediately!

$75






Set of 2 Danish Teak Nesting Tables

This stylish set of nesting tables would be the perfect compliment to a nice mid-century chair or sofa.

Solid teak with dovetailed joinery, they are a quality pair of tables.

Very good vintage condition, with minor scuffs here and there.  Very sturdy and solid.  They slide together easily.

15" x 16 1/2" and 17" high.

Stamped on the underside "Made in Denmark by Mobelfabrikken Stoften"

SOLD.  Thanks, Carl @ Chicago!







Sunday, July 3, 2011

A Salterini Look-alike: A Pair of Orbit Chairs

When you first gaze at these chairs, what do you think?  Designer:  Maurizio Tempestini or Pierre Paulin?  Manufacterer: Famed Italian maker Salterini or legendary Dutch house Artifort?

Or maybe your mind takes you in a different direction.  Gee, that's looks like an orange slice, you might think.  Or perhaps your thoughts turn marine:  My gosh, it looks like a clam shell!

Regardless of what you think, these chairs are certainly design heavyweights. Witness the wonderful proportions with gently curved frames and wicker seats and backs.  They exude a European sophistication -you can easily picture yourself sipping a limoncello poolside at some quaint village in the Cinque Terre while sitting in this chair!

While these chairs definitely have impressive modernist DNA, the truth is they are very much this century.  As in 2006.  As in Pier 1 Imports.  Huh?

These terrific chairs are called Orbit chairs, and they had a brief stint at Pier 1 several years ago.  Modernists rightly praised them for their design and comfort, but Pier 1 quickly - and sadly - discontinued the line.

Today, nearly five years later, the Orbit chair has enjoyed a resurgence among design-concious folks who adore the curvaceous lines and fun orangy or clammy profile.  One problem:  there are not that many around.

The chair frame is made from thick steel (very solid), with wicker seats and backs.  This pair was used outside, and the wicker is faded and showing slight wear along the edges.  You could repair the wicker, or do what some savvy folks are choosing to do with these chairs: upholster the frame in a fabric of your choice.  If you choose the latter, Gotcha Modern! will be happy to recommend a fabulous (and very affordable) upholstery firm that specializes in mid-century furniture.

Who knows - maybe by 2030 the Orbit chair will rank right up there with seating designed by Eames, Jacobsen, and Juhl.  Time to get ahead of the curve!

SOLD.  Thanks, Jared @ Chicago!




1960s Dyrlund Danish Teak Credenza

Gotcha Modern! loves Danish teak credenzas, and here is a very nice example that could stand alone as an entertainment center, or nicely compliment a teak dining table.  Its compact size makes it the perfect choice for a smaller living space where extra square feet are at a premium.

Featuring a platform base, the credenza has desirable tambour doors, which slide completely into the sides of the unit - you needn't worry about have enough room or banging things when you open the doors.  The door fronts possess lovely teak graining, with solid teak pulls.

Three beautfully dovetailed silverware drawers with green felt bottoms ajoin one shelf, with two compartments below it.  The area below the drawers can also be used for storage.

The credenza is in fine vintage condition and is very solid. There are a couple spots on the top, and a small chip on the back lower corner.  The tambour doors slide easily back and forth.

The credenza was made by noted Danish manufacturer Dyrlund, and is signed, "Dyrlund, Made in Denmark."

59" long x 19" deep x 31" high.

Gotcha Modern! happily offers free delivery of the credenza within a 15 mile radius of Park Ridge (although we request that payment be made prior to delivery).

SOLD.  Thanks, Anne @ Winnetka!








Set of 4 Molded Fiberglass Armchairs - Krueger vs. Eames

Gotcha Modern! has just sourced a set of fantastic maize and blue molded fiberglass armchairs.

Made by Wisconsin-based Krueger Metal Products in the 50s and 60s, these chairs were made to compete with the Charles and Ray Eames-designed fiberglass arm chair manufactured by Herman Miller.  Looking at the two different versions side-by-side, it's difficult to tell them apart.

Vintage Eames fiberglass armchairs in like condition command $300 and up apiece.  While folks may aspire to own Eames, limited resources (and perhaps a dose of common sense) may preclude a pair of Eames in the living room.

Savvy design mavens and budget-conscious modernists have in recent years gravitated toward the Krueger fiberglass chairs.  Same great look at a fraction of the price of an Eames chair.  Some of these folks will keep their Krueger's forever, while others use and appreciate them until the time they spring for Eames.  Either way, they enjoy living with great design - and, isn't that what it's all about?

These chairs are in very good vintage condition.  All shock mounts are present, as are the gliders on the legs.  A few scruffs here and there (as one would expect with 50 year old furniture), but all-in-all, the set is in excellent shape.  Great graining of the fiberglass on the back of the chairs, as well!

Note:  these chairs would be A-M-A-Z-I-N-G for your favorite University of Michigan alum.  They can can kick back, watch the game at the Big House on the flat screen, and belt out "Hail to the Victors" in seating style.


The two blue chairs are SOLD.  Thanks, Richard @ Chicago!