I just purchased two Tulip tables from an older gentleman who had no idea what they were. He had purchased them in the 1970s but not at the same time. He sold them both to me for $140. They are in mint condition. Although both tables intially appear to be similar, they are different. The smaller table (36") has a heavier base, is a more creamy white colour, and has a bevelled table top. The table top also appears to have a clear coating on it. The slope of the base also is more gradual than the other table. The larger table (42") is more of a pure white colour, has a lighter base than the smaller table and does not have a bevelled table top. How can I tell if I have a Knoll Tulip table from the 1970s. When I called Knoll, the person I spoke to said that the top will be bevelled. Is that the only way to distinguish it from a reproduction? Is it possible that I have two reproductions? Were they making reproductions in the 1970s? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I especially would like to hear more about Burke and Arkana Tulip tables. I also have 3 tulip chairs (found in someone's garbage years ago!). They are stamped with "KD" on the bottom of the base. Any ideas of what this stands for? Thanks!
How to spot a real Saarinen tulip table
I can tell you what you have if you want to email pictures. Includes profile, bottom of base and underside where top connects. Also specify how the tops are attached to the base and check the material. Use a magnet to test for cast iron vs aluminum. Color means nothing. The original design spec colors were white, putty (sort of a clay color) and black. Putty was discontinued in '86. Early tables have less stable coating and the color changes over time and condition. Tables from the 70's and later use Rilsan, a heavy duty polymer, thats quite color stable. The 70's white was more ivory and less glossy than tables after '86 that are made in Europe. The key elements are the profile (both of the base and the top) and the construction details. Send photos to Jimcollins@pacbell.net
Burke tulip tables on eBay
There are some Burke tulip tables on eBay you could compare yours to. Not my auctions...I'm in the market for a Saarinen tulip table.
http://search.ebay.com/saarinen_W0QQbsZSearchQQcatrefZC6QQfromZR10QQfsoo...
DWR v.s. Room and Board Saarinen Tulip table.
Both DWR and Room and Board are selling the Saarinen Tulip table. The DWR is by Knoll with Arabescato marble top. The Room and Board is by BRF, an Italian co., and in Carrera marble. Is the Room and Board a lesser imitation?
Thanks so much!
Good question...
The Room and Board table claims it's an Eero Saarinen design... The Knoll table is made in Italy, too... As patents have run out on some classic pieces there are often multiple manufacturers... The Room and Board table seems to have a better price point but if you bought the Knoll table through High Brow or other "less than retail" place it would probably come out to be similarly priced or maybe less... The same situation exists between Vitra and Herman Miller on the production of Eames pieces only I think they have a licensing agreement... Back to the table... If I had to make a choice I'd opt for the Knoll (unless you like the marble type/color of the R&B better)...
Tulip table set with chairs - all stamped KD on the bottom???
we just bought a mint 5 piece set all in white - all stamped KD on the bottom but that is the only marking we can find on it - anyone know if this is Knoll or not? Any help on the background of this set would be awesome thanks
Room & Board is a copy
Like many of their pieces the Tulip table is a copy - i.e. not an authentic Saarinen table.
There are no patents on this piece because it's not really doing anything that a table hasn't already done. But I'd place my money on the Knoll version for the simple reason that Saarinen worked with Knoll from the beginning, and every piece of Knoll furniture I've ever seen is spectacularly well crafted!
Saarinen or Burke?
Hello,
I can't tell whether this table is Saarinen or Burke. The chairs have a flat space on the legs for teak veneer accents and I'm wondering if they are Burke and not Saarinen. Would you be able to shed some light on this for me? I'd be most grateful.
Blessings,
Mei Wei
(edited by DA - no links to craiglist sales please)
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