If anyone is still monitoring this discussion  

Greetings - I want to buy a Noguchi coffee table and am overwhelmed by the number of knockoffs for sale on every web site, as well as the number of furniture places that will ship you an "authentic" one. I've been roaming around on the internet finding out about Noguchi tables so long that I'm getting kind of stupid! I came across one for sale by a private party that is a little different from the new ones available. The seller claims it's been in his family for a long time, that it was made prior to Herman Miller production and so lacks the distinguishing markings along the side of the glass, which by the way is only a half inch thick, compared to the 3/4" ones they make now. The photo shows the base as not being flat along the top or the floor, but slightly concave, so there's a thin curved gap between the upper base piece and the glass, and between the lower base piece and the floor. And the bended-up part on the ends of the base pieces is a gentler curve than the newer ones. Do you think this is somehow a more authentic design/closer to the source? Or maybe a bad imitation for its time? Also has some sort of enclosed brass hinge within the base - do you suppose this connects the 2 base pieces? I'm not a freak about authenticity, although I've already decided I'll pay more to get a new one that's got the official stamp on the glass and base rather than a cheaper knockoff. On the other hand, it would be kind of neat to acquire an early reproduction with some unique styling. I'd love your opinion. You obviously have done a lot of research into the details. Also I've never taken part in an online discussion like this and not sure if I can find my way back to this site - How about you just email me a response, if you get this and care to throw in your nickel's worth. Thanks! dee@ror.com