Milo Baughman + Drexel = Mystery!!! Help solve it!

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cast-modern

(@cast-modern)

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25/04/2013 9:46 am

Ok, so I've found a few sources pointing Drexel's "Today's Living" line to the hands of Milo Baughman. However, no solid info or photo examples showing this particular "Today's Living" dining set with a 100% attribution to Baughman.
A few questions that linger...are the black naugahyde cushions original to the chairs? Do the chairs also belong to the "Today's Living" line? For they are not stamped as is the table - AND - I've also attached an old "Today's Living" ad that shows my table but with different chairs. The ad makes no reference to Baughman.
Set includes 6 chairs and one 12 inch drop leaf.
Table dimensions:
62"l | 40"w | 29.5"h
Chair dimensions:
30.5"h | 19.5"w | 20"d
Seat-height: 18"
Thanks for any and all insights!

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ModMom

(@modmom)

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10/04/2016 1:05 pm

Not sure if you are still looking for info, but I found an old newspaper ad that I think shows a sketch of your chairs. There were about 70 different pieces to the Today's Living collection, so there were different versions of many pieces. Hope this helps!

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ModMom

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10/04/2016 1:05 pm

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ModMom

(@modmom)

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10/04/2016 1:21 pm

Sorry the above post was added twice! I can't figure out how to delete one. I found another ad from 1954 which shows the chairs better.

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leif ericson - Zephyr Renner

(@leif-ericson)

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10/04/2016 4:12 pm

Baughman only designed the Perspective line for Drexel:
http://www.designaddict.com/forum/Identification/there-any-proof-Milo-Ba...

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william swift

(@swift7156sbcglobal-net)

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10/04/2016 9:05 pm

I think the jury's still out on what pieces Milo Baughman designed and for whom. Former forum contributor Straylight did a lot of research, and mentions Directional, and Murray as makers that Baughman designed for.
I've also been searching the forum archives for a post in which he suggested Baughman contributed a few pieces to the Drexel Precedent line. ( maybe I just imagined that one)
It also seems like I've seen credible statements that he designed something for DIA.

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william swift

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10/04/2016 10:15 pm

This article credits Milo baughman with Drexels Today's Living line, and a 35 piece line named Precedent '53.
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1952/06/22/page/179/article/new-home-...

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(@deleted)

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11/04/2016 10:49 pm

Thanks cast-modern and ModMom for posting those vintage Drexel ads. I never knew who designed the Drexel pieces I have when I acquired them but they were just perfect for what we need at home for everyday use. They are not considered high design by serious mid-20th century design collectors but they are an affordable alternative instead of buying new to furnish our home. The blonde 'Today's Living' by Drexel dresser was $25 and the 'Perspective' dresser, open shelf cabinet and full bed frame was under $40 for all. Besides the low price, its simplicity and the integrated pulls are what attracted me to get them.

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camilouwho

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02/07/2016 7:55 pm

I have one of the 6-drawer chests listed in the Haney's ad. I am trying to find out some more information about this piece as I am considering selling it. On the back it's stamped "No. 102-4 A-CHEST TODAY'S LIVING 7-53" and on the top drawer inside it is stamped with the Drexel logo. Any thoughts?

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