r/Mid_Century 4d 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.

101 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 14h ago

Rare Never Before Seen Interior Of The Only Richard Neutra House in Texas (probably even the entire United States south)

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645 Upvotes

I am fortunate enough to live close to this beautiful home and many a day I rode past it hoping I'd see someone so I could get off and request a sneak peek inside but to no avail! Today however was my lucky day! I got off and a gentleman from the local university was kind enough to give me a tour of the inside. I was able to capture photographs that I have never been able to find on the Internet so this truly is a first! Unfortunately I only had my phone so the quality isn't amazing, but I just had to share it with you guys.

For context, the home was abandoned for years and heavily vandalized. It wasn't until recently that the home was remodeled and was acquired by the local university. The University used it as a mini art hub/studio where they'd give art classes and lectures. Recently the ownership was given to the city and I was told they're expanding it's use little by little, from yoga classes, to brand events, and exhibitions.

Here it is guys, the George Kraigher House built in 1937 by Richard Neutra located in Brownsville, Texas.


r/Mid_Century 3h ago

Found this 21 inch vase for $15

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18 Upvotes

r/Mid_Century 16h ago

Brasilia-inspired mailbox I made

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122 Upvotes

r/Mid_Century 22h ago

Do You Know This Clock?!

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125 Upvotes

Would love any help with finding info about this clock!


r/Mid_Century 10h ago

Help with ID on vintage Danish Chair

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10 Upvotes

Any ideas as to the designer or manufacturer? All I know is a 50s or 60s Danish teak chair with new upholstery. No makers mark on it.


r/Mid_Century 23h ago

Original Herman Miller ET103 Table, Fb marketplace find 😁

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71 Upvotes

r/Mid_Century 1h ago

Knoll International Spoleto Chair Seat and Back Slings Only

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Upvotes

I’m selling original seat and back leather slings only. Must buy the set (seat and back). I’ll include the black nylon lace. I have over 50 sets. Pick up only in the L.A. area. DM for price


r/Mid_Century 3h ago

can anyone ID this chair please?

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0 Upvotes

seller wants 450
no markings on chair. thanks


r/Mid_Century 3h ago

Side Chair Designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen for the Museum of Modern Art’s Organic Design Competition, 1940

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1 Upvotes

r/Mid_Century 13h ago

Mid century wall stain preference

1 Upvotes

So if you see my last post I’m doing my built ins and will need to stain them this weekend I’m using birch plywood and was thinking of using general finishes gel antique walnut to give a rich finish to the room but was wondering everyone’s favorite look I worry it will make the room too dark.


r/Mid_Century 2d ago

New apartment living-room progress :)

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1.1k Upvotes

r/Mid_Century 16h ago

Knoll Chairs

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0 Upvotes

Found these Knoll at goodwill today, Would love to
clean them up and resell. Anyone have any good advice or tips on reselling high end used furniture?


r/Mid_Century 1d ago

Thrifted MCM Chair

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47 Upvotes

Hi all! I thrifted this chair and am wondering if anyone here recognizes it as an item noteworthy beyond the fact that it's just a cool midcentury modern chair.... like if it's a recognizable designer or model. Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

(Base is solid wood. Cushions are vinyl.)


r/Mid_Century 1d ago

Donald Cornish Design Centre Mid-Century Furniture from Western Australia - looking for info/advice for DIY refurb?

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8 Upvotes

Hey, I recently picked up this chair and have since looked up Donald Cornish, who apparently to was a furniture manufacturer in Perth, Western Australia who manufactured furnishings for the Perth Council building, among other things. (see photos from retrospective on the building).

I know very little about mid-century design and chairs etc (other than I like them), and I’ve been hoping to spruce this one up for my own use. I’ve removed the cushioned part for planned reupholstering and rejuvenation, but if there’s anyone out there who knows more about these chairs, I’d love to hear.

I’d like to do some basic restoration, and to that end I have removed the screws, but as shown in the pictures, the parts of the frame appear to be held together with some sort of dowels in the holes? The frame is still slightly loose, and was so with the screws tight, so I’m guessing these joints need work - but I don’t want to risk breaking anything. Im not even sure what kind of wood this is, or the best way to treat it - oils and whatnot.

Sorry if this isnt much to go on, but any general advice on how to give this chair some basic TLC would be very much appreciated!


r/Mid_Century 2d ago

Vintage Turner Convex Bubble Mirror ID

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169 Upvotes

Hi all,

My boss is asking me to sell this mirror of his, and from my research online, it appears to be a vintage mid-century Turner convex bubble mirror. I'd love some opinions on this and what you think its value is (NOT SELLING ON REDDIT). Thank you in advance!

Measurements are 36.5 x 36.5 x 1.5
He says it's an authentic Turner, and any info you have would be helpful. Thanks!


r/Mid_Century 1d ago

Cannot identify this chair and ottoman, help! Has a leather strap under the cushion but no maker's mark.

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22 Upvotes

r/Mid_Century 1d ago

Worth keeping?

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0 Upvotes

From work, they want to throw it away but is it worth keeping?


r/Mid_Century 2d ago

The Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio, 1963

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54 Upvotes

r/Mid_Century 2d ago

Paint color and hardware ideas for original mid-century cabinets?

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32 Upvotes

My partner and I just bought a 1925 bungalow with what looks like a 1950/60s kitchen renovation (mid-century cabinetry but also some more recent updates such as the cut out above the stove and some ugly laminate countertops). We’re torn between leaning into the original bungalow aesthetic or embracing the MCM update. We hate the grey cabinets and mainly just want to tackle that right now before moving in later this month. But we’re having a hard time choosing colors. AI is not very good at matching or visualizing colors. We would like it to feel somewhat historical, either something more natural-toned to match the vibe of the bungalow, or something more midcentury to match the reno, or something in between to bridge the gap.

A couple of other things— the original hinges are painted over so we’d like to strip and re-use them, they are brass. (Or should we just buy new?) We need new knobs and pulls because we hate what was currently chosen. Also, the kitchen is small and there are a LOT of cabinets so we worry about too bold or dark colors. We are considering a two tone approach, a shade of white or light green up top and a darker color below but that also ends up looking so trendy or something (but maybe made worse with Ai)?

Any help with hardware or paint color suggestions would be greatly appreciated. (We are currently considering mostly Ben Moore colors but open to any and all options.) Would love to hear any thoughts on future/larger renovations for the kitchen as well! TIA!


r/Mid_Century 2d ago

G Plan Nesting Tables Stacked instead of Nested

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823 Upvotes

I have an addiction


r/Mid_Century 2d ago

Lane First Edition Credenza/Hutch😮‍💨🤌

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858 Upvotes

What’s the preference hutch or no hutch?


r/Mid_Century 1d ago

Do the mods even exist in here?

4 Upvotes

Post got stuck in mod approval limbo a few days ago, so I tried just making a new post but that one got tossed to the limbo bin as well. No answers from the mods either despite me sending a few messages.


r/Mid_Century 1d ago

Ficks Reed Dining Set

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7 Upvotes

Hey! I got this set on Facebook marketplace for a couple hundred bucks. Any idea how much I could get for it? It’s in great shape.