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Knoll Saarinen Tulip Table  

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Dodolah
(@dodolah)
Eminent Member
Joined: 2026 years ago
Posts: 38
24/10/2015 6:47 am  

Hello,
just wondering if you all can help me identify whether this is authentic Knoll Tulip Side table. This is bought 50 years ago according to the seller.
Everything looked right. But, I have no label attached whatsoever to give the final confirmation that it is indeed authentic.
I asked Knoll directly and never got a direct answer from them.
Do you all know if Knoll ever produce a 17 3/4" width and 20" height Saarinen side table? Every google search for authentic Knoll Saarinen Tulip table yield a search result of 16" and 20" diameter. And, never an 18" (45.72 cm).

Any info will be appreciated.

Thank you.


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vintagestique
(@vintagestique)
Prominent Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 187
24/10/2015 9:55 am  

I don't think it's Knoll as the base has a much longer parallel part.


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Dodolah
(@dodolah)
Eminent Member
Joined: 2026 years ago
Posts: 38
24/10/2015 11:57 am  

Thanks, Vintagestique
Would you say that one is actually Burke?
I kinda suspect it is especially since the width of the table is 17 3/4" as opposed to 16" and 20".
The seller is trying to pass it of as knoll. But, i had a bit of doubt; that is why i post it here for identification help.


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Spanky
(@spanky)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 4376
24/10/2015 5:55 pm  

I don't think it's Knoll for the reason Vintage pointed out, but I don't think it's Burke either. Below is a Burke table (they came with plain white tops, too). Unless Burke changed the design of the base at some point---but it's just as likely that some other company copied the design, too. Seems like a pretty easy thing to knock off...?


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(@deleted)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 973
24/10/2015 6:22 pm  

The Knoll/Saarinen tulip table underside should look or close to the first image. Burke tables should look like the second one. What does your table underside look like?



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lexi
 lexi
(@lexi)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 1293
24/10/2015 6:55 pm  

The measurements you have given(17 3/4 for diameter and 20 " height) match the arkana side tables I have just checked on Google.
Lexi

Knowledge shared is Knowledge gained


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Dodolah
(@dodolah)
Eminent Member
Joined: 2026 years ago
Posts: 38
24/10/2015 9:42 pm  

I finally got the picture of the base. You guys are right. I think it's Burke. Thanks a ton, fellow design addicts.
I have another one in question, can i post it here or should i make another thread?


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Dodolah
(@dodolah)
Eminent Member
Joined: 2026 years ago
Posts: 38
24/10/2015 9:58 pm  

Here is the other table in question. The base looked like Knoll. But, the marble top quality look off. No Label whatsoever found on the table. This one I got from an estate sale in the past for a quite decent price.
Since, like spanky said, there are SO many company do a knock off version of Saarinen Tulip, I purchased it without any expectation other than it is a nice piece for my living room.




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jesgord
(@jesgord)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 1879
24/10/2015 11:36 pm  

Some images from a Burke catalog to use for comparison. Not sure it helps all that much-but nice to look at.




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Dodolah
(@dodolah)
Eminent Member
Joined: 2026 years ago
Posts: 38
25/10/2015 8:48 am  

Thank you for the Burke catalog references. Anyone have thought/ opinion about the second tulip table in question?


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tktoo
(@tktoo)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 2300
25/10/2015 4:14 pm  

Possible Knoll. I think I've seen them with and without the wood-composite piece between the marble and base. You'd need to do a side-by-side comp if the dimensions match. There are knock-offs that are close.
What's not to your liking about the top? Not enough veining?
If it were mine, though, I'd replace the felt pads with something thinner. That 1/8th-inch reveal is keeping it from appearing firmly grounded to my eye, at least in the photo.


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Dodolah
(@dodolah)
Eminent Member
Joined: 2026 years ago
Posts: 38
25/10/2015 5:08 pm  

The dimensions match with Knoll's (20" diameter, 20" heights). The way the stem tapered to match Knoll.
It is the top that made me wonder. And, u are right about the top not having enough clear veining. Mine are fuzzy. The bevel cut also feels slightly rounder instead of steeper angle straight cut (i am comparing it with the new Knoll Tulip table @DWR). I wonder if i am just being nit picky?
I even consider replacing the top. ebay sold one at one point.
As far as the table not grounding enough, it is the felt's that preventing it from firmly ground to the floor. I figure since the table is pretty heavy, overtime the felt will be squished flat haha. I will find a replacement soon. Thank you.


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tktoo
(@tktoo)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 2300
25/10/2015 6:47 pm  

I noticed, too, what appeared to me to be a convex bevel in your photo and that is an odd detail based on every other Knoll tulip I've seen. Curious if the base is iron or aluminum and whether the switch coincides with the intermediate wood composite piece.
It's a nice looking table, IMO. Like with my Noguchi table of undetermined origin, I'd happily use it, shrug my shoulders at questions about authenticity, and call it "close enough for the girls I go out with".


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Dodolah
(@dodolah)
Eminent Member
Joined: 2026 years ago
Posts: 38
28/10/2015 4:13 am  

Hi tktoo,
The base is aluminum. No reaction from magnet test.
You are right. I am pretty happy with having that table in my living room. :p


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tktoo
(@tktoo)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 2300
28/10/2015 1:09 pm  

Good approach, Dod. Sometimes, it's best to just not know. Like the time a colleague asked me to put her shiny new surprise diamond engagement ring under my microscope, for instance. But, if it ever gets to the point where your curiosity won't be denied, you could always disassemble it, take a photo of where the shaft attaches to the top, and send it off to Knoll for confirmation.


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