I have recently started research about Saarinen?s dining table. I am overwhelmed to say the least. I recently looked at a table at a vintage modern store. It is described as ?EERO SAARINEN FOR KNOLL TEAK TULIP DINING TABLE? with the price tag of $2800. Here is where I?m confused: it has a Knoll sticker, with a 1960 stamp, but the address on the sticker isn?t this same as Knoll stickers I have seen on the internet. Address is 745 Park Avenue and I?ve seen 320 Park Avenue on other vintage Knoll stickers. The base has visible screws. The top of the base doesn?t directly attach to the table top. There is a round barrier between the two. The edge of the base was bumpy. I have read that the base directly attaches to the top of an authentic piece. I was slightly interested in this table until I did a bit of research. Why does this table, in one way, not fit the criteria of an authentic Saarinen but has a Knoll sticker?
<img class="wpforo-default-image-attachment wpforoimg" src=" 
| http://d1t1u890k7d3ys.cloudfront.net/cdn/farfuture/0mnlsooYhe5PKd2nlz4_pWtNcogCDM8 
I cannot really answer your question,
but you might find some of the responses in the linked post helpful. You'll notice that the top is visibly screwed onto a wood disk that is then attached to the pedestal. The smaller tables don't have the wood disk, the table screws directly onto the pedestal.
I'm by no means an expert, but the table appears real to me.
http://www.designaddict.com/design_addict/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/th...
Frankly, you can't tell from the photos you posted how the top is connected,
but your statement
"The base has visible screws. The top of the base doesn't directly attach to the table top. There is a round barrier between the two."
appears to describe the way the tops of the larger tables are attached.
*edited to add that the final picture you've added to the original post, showing the underside of the table where the top and base connect, is correct*
The Good Mod (where the table is from)
... is crazy expensive, but a beautiful place to browse.
http://www.thegoodmod.com/
It looks plenty real, to me.
My 47" Saarinen table has a wooden disc to which the base attaches without screws, but then 3 screws that attach the laminate top to the wooden disc. I've seen plenty with the 6-screws in the disc as is pictured above.
There are no screws connecting base to top on either of the side tables I have. I believe that the whole "no screws"-conversation may have arisen for distinguishing Burke tables from authentic Saarinen. Over time, "no obvious screw holes connecting base directly to table top" becomes "Eero Saarinen never used a screw in his entire life. Anyone with screws in their table is a LIAR."
The bevel on the table pictured above also looks genuine. I believe it's a 1/4" roundover into a 45 degree angle, and I'm prett sure that's what I'm seeing above.
Either way, it looks beautiful, and with the family history you describe, I couldn't imagine ever selling it, were I you.
For all intents and purposes, it's got the right parts and a label. SO - it's real. Tell anyone who dares question the authenticity of the piece to leave your dinner party at once.
One more thing....
The wooden disc attaches to the aluminum base using a long threaded rod that bolts through the base of the table.
If you check the base of your upturned table and see a bolt on a threaded rod with a big, zinc washer, I would feel even more sure that your piece is authentic.
Releasing this bolt allows you to remove the wooden disc that screws into the underside of the table top.
If you ever wanted to powdercoat your base, you'd need to remove the disc to prevent it from turning to ash in the oven.
Ta.
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