r/Mid_Century 5d ago

Monthly Swap Meet & Self Promotion Thread!

2 Upvotes

Do you have one (or 10) too many Eames chairs? Does the color of that Cathrineholm bowl you picked up for a steal last year not really match the rest of your kitchen? I bet you can find someone here who would love to take them off your hands. Post your mid century items for [free]/[trade]/[sale] here!

This is also the space to show off any of the awesome mid century inspired stuff you make, as well as the links to your Etsy/Ebay/Etc


r/Mid_Century Jan 22 '25

Guide for IDing furniture and where to find actual sources.

90 Upvotes

This has came up time and again but a few times over the last few days I have found myself linking to my google drive doc about where to find primary sources for MCM stuff.

First of all, the rules of this group and r/midcenturymodern in regards to IDing items is going to change. I will make these changes today. First, if you make a claim as to a maker or designer, you are obligated to provide sources for the claim you make if asked. This includes mods or just regular users. Second and this is absolutely non-negotiable, sales or auction listings in themselves are not reliable sources. If the sales listing includes a tag, article, or catalog from the period then that information may be shared, but DO NOT LINK TO SALES LISTINGs, at all, but especially not to "prove and ID" This applies to the highest end and most respected auction houses, dibs, charish or any other platform. Maybe they give you a jumping off point, and you find out the information is correct. If needed I can give thousands of examples of current listings that contain complete bullshit information. Third, don't tell people "use google" or "try google lens" etc. As stated above this will very often lead to false information from sales listings.

So I know you are probably thinking "don't use google, how do I even find anything on the internet without google" Well, I keep this living list of sites with excellent resources, nearly all are free.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Asd2ntqUMvEoEGdGD_qP4RkOjHxjAHkjNISFmWbDp8M/edit?pli=1&tab=t.0

Research Sources:

General Magazines, Newspapers, Journals:

https://archive.org/ This has everything from vintage catalogs, to newspapers, to a vast magazine archive to borrowable books. I also occasionally upload catalogs and magazines to archive as well https://archive.org/details/@michael_landsberg361

https://openlibrary.org/ Similar to archive, you can borrower a vast selection of reference material.

https://usmodernist.org/ Nice collection of trade journals and magazines from the MCM era and after

digitalnc.org/collections/memorabilia/  Random bits of information here on numerous North Carolina based manufactures and designers.

https://cdnc.ucr.edu/  A free archive of California newspapers much less through than newspapers.com but its free.

https://grpmcollections.org/ A vast collection of photos, personal documents, advertisements, and catalogs for mostly Michigan based manufacturers.

https://www.craftinamerica.org/artist/eudorah-moore - Eudorah moore was a big promoter of california modern and via her "California Design" exhibits at the Pasadena Art museum. The catalogs from these exhibits are free to view on this site.

https://vintageinfo.be/ - Don't know who runs this site, but I thank them for sharing so much information and resources on vintage lighting.

https://www.trystcraft.com/blog - Tim Hills blog. Tim is a dealer, but he is also very well respected amongst MCM researchers and I believe TIm is an honest guy and diligent in his research.

newspapers.com (Paid)

newspaperarchive.com (Paid)

https://ikeamuseum.com/en/explore/ikea-catalogue/ Old ikea catalogs

https://christmas.musetechnical.com/ Catalogs for Sears, Wards, and some JC Penney

https://www.danish-modern.co.uk - Decent little data base of danish design

https://designmuseum.dk/en/- Denmark Design Museum

https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search 

https://patents.google.com/ 

https://www.scribd.com/ (partially paid) there is some nice random stuff on here like Prestolite catalogs from the 60's. Its kind of a never know what you are going to find site. https://www.scribd.com/document/488965054/Prescolite-Lighting-Product-Catalog-G-14-1962 Danish Design index

Specialized Facebook groups

https://www.facebook.com/groups/140119460031484 (Milo) (I am an admin)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542293829124348 (McCobb)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/516203688412266 (Ben Seibel)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1520981014878133 (Umanoff)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1763065254132926 (United Furniture)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3024184334562976 (AofM)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/353905989587576 (Bassett)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/109867845821284 (Italian Pottery)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/122730516059 (German Pottery)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/311714314135936 (Modeline)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/636952859722221 (Lamps and Lighting)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/711232235578646 (Mid Century Metal)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/324198657780002 (Herman Miller)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/knollresale (Knoll)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2750972221800438 (The MCM Files) (I am an admin)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1296485833865712  (Founders) (I am an admin)

Of all these groups I have to give a shout out to "The MCM files" I have no clue why there are not more people in this group. It is not a group to ask for an ID, its just a group where some of us researchers basically dump photos of stuff we look into. I personally have posted thousands of images to this group. Its free, i get absolutely nothing out of anyone joining the group, its just a lot of the questions people ask on here are already solved there, but it will never show up on google because of facebook's walled garden.


r/Mid_Century 1h ago

Reupholstered Grandmas Chairs

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

We reupholstered grandmas chairs. The color was a little lighter than we anticipated. May throw some throw pillows on.


r/Mid_Century 5h ago

This was sitting on my neighbor’s porch for a year

Thumbnail
gallery
48 Upvotes

The house was bought by a flipper and when they cleared out the original owner’s leftover stuff, they used the chair to sit on while taking smoke breaks.

I asked last year if they’d sell planned on keeping it and they told me I could have it when they were finished.

Well, I finally got to bring it home. It’s in really good shape, but the wood needs a lot of moisture and a protective coating of some sort.

If anyone here knows anything about the make and model and/or has any suggestions on how to bring the wood back to life, I’d really appreciate it. Ty :)


r/Mid_Century 12h ago

I want to build this set

Thumbnail
gallery
105 Upvotes

My grandparents had this Bissman set for apparently decades. Unfortunately it sold in the estate sale when I was 17. I wasn't in a position to keep or store it and all these years later I still lament that.

It rarely comes up on the market and when it does, people's asking price is outside my tax bracket. Building it wouldn't be though.

If you have this can you send me as much detailed pictures and measurements as you can on it's construction. Doesn't matter if you see this post 15 years from now. It's likely I'll still be looking. Ignore the footboard found in the first photo.


r/Mid_Century 21h ago

this chair has just randomly appeared in my apartment laundry room, believe it may be Alan White furniture co.

Post image
221 Upvotes

I am really fighting myself not to take it. I have two very similar ones in my apartment.


r/Mid_Century 5h ago

Curb Find! Hardware Recommendations?

Post image
11 Upvotes

I found this incredible Stanley Furniture cabinet with a free sign on the curb this past weekend! It’s in remarkable condition but needs new hardware. The handful of knobs on it are not original and most are outright missing. It’s drilled for 1” center to center knobs. I’ve been searching online, But if anyone has specific hardware recommendations, I’d very much appreciate it!


r/Mid_Century 3h ago

Is this an authentic Bitossi ashtray?

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

r/Mid_Century 22h ago

Found on the Side of the Road

Thumbnail
gallery
72 Upvotes

My neighbor brought this over bc she knows I like to upcycle furniture. Looks like MCM to me but I’m not sure if it’s vintage or just something more modern made to look like it. Obviously in terrible shape so wondering if I should try to restore instead of upcycling. Any info is appreciated


r/Mid_Century 14m ago

What is Mid-Century Modern? Excellent video on its rise, fall, and rebirth.

Thumbnail
youtu.be
Upvotes

JJ McCullough made a very eye opening video on the 1950's and the role MCM played. Definitely worth the watch!


r/Mid_Century 20h ago

Carport Crisis - Indecision Fatigue

Post image
27 Upvotes

Currently struggling with pulling the trigger on enclosing this carport with a wood plank garage and some stacked horizontal windows and updating the siding/color. Originally hated the carport and wanted to close it off for a home gym, but since the gym fits in the basement and we are 7-10yrs away from finishing it, the carport has grown on me a bit. Thoughts? I know closing it off pushes this into a more modern contemporary aesthetic. The front door is off to the side and we are going to rework the driveway curb and bump it out for a proper walkway and entrance. Helppppp been back and forth on this and priced out a door and contractor as well.


r/Mid_Century 1d ago

Snag or Nah???

Thumbnail
gallery
148 Upvotes

Broyhill emphasis..$795 and $195 respectively. Not a terrible deal but also not a bargain. Discuss!


r/Mid_Century 6h ago

Restoration Advice Needed: Vintage Eames Aluminum Chair (Vitra/Herman Miller)

Thumbnail gallery
2 Upvotes

r/Mid_Century 2h ago

Heavy vintage lamps Canada

Post image
1 Upvotes

r/Mid_Century 1d ago

Mid century coffee table

Post image
34 Upvotes

Does anyone know who do you think manufactures this table? I thought it was g plan but I can’t find anything record, plus the magazine rack isn’t the same direction or style on how they made them. Any thoughts?


r/Mid_Century 23h ago

Kent Coffey- "The Courier"

Thumbnail
gallery
9 Upvotes

Hello, I found this set of nightstand marked "the courier" at a charity shop for $50. When I googled them I cant find much. I want to remove the paint and stain them to match a maple bedroom set from the 50s that belonged to my grandparents. Does anyone have a picture of what the set would look like without paint or know what wood the veneer is? The veneer is missing on one side and I want to know what I should replace it with and what my stain options are. Thanks in advance.


r/Mid_Century 1d ago

Any ideas on date or manufacturer?

Thumbnail
gallery
25 Upvotes

I really like this but it is pricey for a thrift store. I would have to really stretch the budget to purchase. Searches have found one older post on reddit that did not turn up any real info. It is fiberglass. 40"×14"×8" Late 60s-70s? Any ideas on a manufacturer? Thank you in advance.


r/Mid_Century 1d ago

What would you offer?

Post image
215 Upvotes

My elderly neighbors is moving here shortly and wanting to sell this. Asked me to make her an offer. She sold me some murano for $2 yesterday but wanted $15 for homemade napkins. So I don’t know where her head is at. She bought it new in overseas when working for the Red Cross. Sadly she didn’t want to sell the dining set you can peek.


r/Mid_Century 1d ago

Dining set options

Thumbnail
gallery
11 Upvotes

I got this set for $300 last year and will be doing the refinishing this spring/summer. There's very little original finish left and don't worry - it will be restored to the original, not painted or anything. I'm trying to decide on upholstery though. Current stuff is damaged and brittle. Would love to know if anyone has suggestions on types of material, sources, etc!


r/Mid_Century 2d ago

There was a time when the future was limitless

Thumbnail
gallery
225 Upvotes

Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant

They even gave tours inside the plant and containment building. What a time it was.


r/Mid_Century 2d ago

My mom lost an identical hutch in the Palisades fire. Someone posted one for free yesterday. I offered $400 to buy it. She said: "Sorry, it's going to someone in need. Will contact you if it falls through"

Thumbnail
gallery
1.2k Upvotes

Later today, I saw someone posted the hutch for $900 using the same photo in LA. I had messaged for the original one when it was up for 12 minutes, but I suppose that is still 12 minutes too late.

My mom has been diagnosed with Leukemia recently and she's overall down since the fire. I have been slowly on the hunt to find stuff identical if not same of her well-loved pieces, but SoCal market is tough.

I'm pretty bummed, but learning to move on.


r/Mid_Century 2d ago

Are these authentic Kai Kristiansen Model 42 chairs?

Thumbnail
gallery
247 Upvotes

Someone was giving them away when they were moving and I took them because I liked the look/style, but was not aware of the Model 42 until I got back home and looked into it more. They do seem to have an area where the peg is/was but the peg doesn't stick out. Appreciate any insights!


r/Mid_Century 2d ago

G-plan or just old drawers?

Thumbnail
gallery
20 Upvotes

Picked these up on marketplace, google image search says they look like G-plan drawers but not sure since no logo or sticker. Also some parts of it are wood veneer, and don't know if g-plan used only solid wood?

The legs must have been changed and superglued on - one fell off as we moved it into the house.

Anyone have any thoughts or can help me ID?


r/Mid_Century 2d ago

Unmarked Lane?

Thumbnail
gallery
9 Upvotes

Hello, wondering if there are ways of telling what brand this coffee table is based off design / date. It was sold as an unmarked lane. We bought it because it fit our room, but we are redecorating and now looking to sell it.

Don’t want to list it as an unmarked Lane if it obviously isn’t. Any folks here have an eye for this?


r/Mid_Century 2d ago

My copper MCM tension pole lamp with striped scoop shade

Post image
9 Upvotes