Saarinen tulip dinning set: knock-off or original?

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louis.cho

(@louisdocmeduse-com)

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Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 4

04/12/2011 6:59 pm

Hi folks
I wonder if you can help me out here. I have a set of table with 6 chairs that looks like Saarinen tulip design. The table and the chairs bases are made of metal. The upper parts of chairs are in fiberglass. The kit was repainted. The paint job is poorly executed. I have it for 6 or 7 years now and I always wonder if there were original or copy.
As for what I know of that set. It was buyed in late '70, mabe early 80 near the town of Jonquiere in Quebec. ( http://g.co/maps/2nm8h ). All stickers or identification label was removed. There is nothing punched on any part of the metal parts.
The chairs are swivel. 2 of them are missing a piece that retain the rod into the base. You can see the piece in the pictures. It is the sort of lock washer around the rod. Do any of you can help me out on how repair this?

If you have any inputs on this set it would be much appreciated. I really don't care about the value. I love it even if its a knock-off but since it's family heritage I would just love to know more about it.
Thanks you very much
(edit to redirect to the correct photo album)
http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f398/docmeduse/Tulip%20set/

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artsnot

(@artsnot)

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Joined: 15 years ago

Posts: 182

05/12/2011 3:53 am

More pics.
The fact that the chairs attach by a rod is a good sign. Knock offs generally are attached by screws. More close up pics of the base of the pieces would be helpful. It looks like maybe the table base has screw holes for the top, but it's hard to tell from the pics. If so, it's a knock off.

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Lunchbox

(@lunchbox)

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Joined: 15 years ago

Posts: 1208

05/12/2011 4:01 am

Can't call it from those photos either...
Although the assembly is slightly different than any we've owned, I've never owned or even seen any of the 80's or late 70's productions. Very similar assembly design but not exact anyway.

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TinyArmada

(@tinyarmada)

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Joined: 13 years ago

Posts: 361

05/12/2011 6:00 am

We have...
We have a definite Eero chair with the bolts like that. It is a fixed position piece - it does not swivel. And it is white.
Although, on ours, the Velcro strips are two, and they run front to back.
No BR 50 or BR51 on the metal beneath any of the bases???

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NULL NULL

(@teapotd0meyahoo-com)

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Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 4318

05/12/2011 6:01 am

The shape
Of the top edge is throwing me off. The corners look a bit too sharp (especially in the first pic). Perhaps additional photos would help.

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louis.cho

(@louisdocmeduse-com)

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Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 4

05/12/2011 8:00 am

Thanks for sharing your...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Here the complete album for more pics
http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f398/docmeduse/Tulip%20set/

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artsnot

(@artsnot)

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Joined: 15 years ago

Posts: 182

05/12/2011 9:37 am

Knock off
Upon further inspection I can see 4 screw holes in the top of the table base, which generally signifies a knock off. Authentic Saarinen table bases are attached by a rod to a mount on the bottom of the table top, and not screwed directly into the bottom as yours would be. An example can be seen here:
http://www.eurofurniture.com/products/saarinen_dining_table__laminate_to...
While the chairs are connected by rods, I am going to have to go with Woodywood and say that the tops of the chairs are a little more squared than authentic Saarinen chairs. This is my humble opinion. As you stated, you love the set, so just enjoy it. I have an old knock off set that I enjoy. Hopefully, someday I'll have a legit one...in marble. 😉

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louis.cho

(@louisdocmeduse-com)

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Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 4

05/12/2011 5:13 pm

Thanks you. I now know more...
Thanks you. I now know more about it and I really appreciate your help.
My plan is to get them sandblast and repainted by a car bodybuilder. Those guys know how to work with fiberglass and thin punched metals. I will go for white.
I will then change the tabletop (actually white and used) by a walnut laminated board.
As for the chairs, I am still looking to change the pieces that retain the rod at the bottom of the base. You can see that piece in the pictures.
thanks again

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