The Megiddo Collection - Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig  

I was flipping through some online auction archives last week when a non-relevant listing caught my eye. It was a desk and chair lot with some ornate upholstery and details credited to Kofod Larsen. Always up for a good auction description, I clicked on the link and took a closer look. Rather than the usual suspect vague attribution to a well-known designer to boost value, this one was more precise: the set was part of The Megiddo Collection, designed by Kofod-Larsen, and made in Israel for Selig. There was even a round medallion for this line (although with no mention of either K-L or Selig).
After a little Googling, I found a few more pieces that were part of this line, which prompted further Googling. While a decent number of sales and auction listings popped up, I could find only one vintage documentation in of all places . . . the July 20, 1972 edition of the Pittsburgh Press.
Rather than transcribe the article, I've attached it here (apologies to whomever owns the archive rights to this now-defunct newspaper).
Highlights of the article are:
- The series was indeed designed by Kofod-Larsen at the request of Mendell Selig. The article is not very clear as to the design dates (a Selig trip to Israel in 1952 initiated discussions), but pieces were still selling in Pittsburgh in 1972.
- Kofod-Larsen used items and design motifs found at the archeological dig of Megiddo as inspiration for his designs.
- The furniture was made in Israel with local craftsmen (and craftwomen)
- The wood (some type of dark rosewood) was imported from Africa, with Israeli olive wood used for the inlay. Plenty of brass and sometimes enamel was used in the pieces. Local (Israeli) leather was utilized.
After doing more searching, here are the pieces that I've found online, with the 1972 price next to it if noted in the article:
Executive desk - ($1450)
King David's chair - ($975)
Draw-leaf kitchen/card table - ($494)
Coffee table - ($309)
Phoenician chair - ($555) - I'm guessing this is the yellow upholstered chair below based upon it being in a photo in the article.
slipper lounge chair
side dining chair
I'm surprised it took me so long to stumble across this interesting story. And it's certainly nice that there is at least one vintage source out there that helps explain this line. There do not seem to be many pieces out there. Photos of the above seven designs are posted below. If anyone comes across additional designs or information, it would be good if they could add it to this thread for posterity.