History Repeating Itself? Banknotes by Herbert Bayer.

Finances reigned in as a result of a botched adoption, the global financial meltdown, and a permanent condition of frugality, I will admit that I have not had the pleasure of buying anything from eBay for quite some time. Even if the economy were at full throttle, some of the amazing items listed at eBay seller room-606 would be beyond my reach. But that has in no way stopped me from perusing his droolable items of rare mid-century modern design history.

In my estimation, eBay seller Matthew at room_606 is one of the premier sellers of 20th century decorative arts and design. Randall Ross of Modernism101 online and on eBay, who I have mentioned before, is also a treasure trove of history and one-off design wonders who I enjoy every bit as much when I am in the mood to learn, and maybe someday buy (or trade as he has so generously offered). If I'm not drooling and learning from Randall, I go to room_606, who as he puts it, "sells everything from art nouveau, art deco, the Modern Movement and beyond. Expect quality pieces by Christopher Dresser, the Wiener Werkstatte, the Bauhaus designers, Charles and Ray Eames and Alvar Aalto among others."

Right at the very moment of this post, room_606 has a full set of six super rare Emergency Million Mark banknotes for the Thuringian state government in Weimar, 1923, designed by Herbert Bayer at the Bauhaus. Original Bauhaus typography and a fascinating artefact from a dramatic moment in the history of the last century. These hyper-inflationary bank notes from Weimar Germany, designed by Herbert Bayer at the Bauhaus, comprises all six number and colour variations. The impoverished Weimer Republic government was producing emergency notes - increasingly dramatic denominations - in a desperate attempt to combat acute hyper-inflation.

Boy, does this sound like history may repeating itself here?

Anyway - the asking price for these rare notes? $899.99. A steep price on the surface, but a truly rare item that would be the envy of any Mid-Century design collector and/or history aficionado. Matthew has other amazing items for sale, and I recommend you check out his goods. I also recommend that you wear a bib.

As a believer and someone who tries to model a life in Christ, I realize that material things are of little importance—in this time in history especially, as many people are without basic food and shelter. I wouldn't want this post to come across flippant, unsympathetic or ignorant to the need that has reared it's ugly face, but share this as a way to share a larger picture of the joys surrounding what I and Rob Roy Kelly call "the hunt." It is really satisfying on many fronts, and can be enjoyed by spending little if any money, unless you choose to own some of these objects. Some people spend their money by going out to eat all the time. Some bet on football. Some buy movies or go to a theater. Instead of these things, I research all things mid-century modern and the people who have added significantly to this aesthetic. Through blogging, thrifting and research, I have developed a really special webnet of friends who share in this hobby. A few wonderful folk like Scott. And Dave. And Liz. And Jess. And Steve. And Chris. And Gerson. And Kent. And Stewf here and here, and Chris, and palebear, and many others. They selflessly share of their time and expertise, giving to the collective network of mid-century modern junkies like myself.

In tough financial times, design can be appreciated without spending money. Research, collaborate, share and grow. There's something really intriguing about well designed items from the past. The stories they tell. The history they represent. And the fun they are to pursue.

More Herman Miller Eames Yumminess

Introducing my newest thrift furniture finds – two fixed height Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Management Chairs (pictured above), plus it's big brother, the Soft Pad with swivel and adjustable height (not pictured). I picked them up this weekend. The big brother is my new home office chair, the two fixed height chairs will be on eBay soon. I also bought a Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Lounge Chair at a garage sale last year for $10. My crib is starting to look a bit like a Herman Miller showroom. Here's to hoping some day I'll find a classic bent ply lounge chair and ottoman at a garage sale!

All three of these new chairs from this weekend have just 4 legs–the most vintage and desirable configuration that thanks to OSHA in 1990, all changed to 5 leg versions. 4 leg versions are no longer made. Aside from my original Eames Time Life chairs, which will also be on eBay soon, these chairs are second to none. And don't forget my work chair.

I often wonder what the dot-com Aeron chair is like. Though not vintage or classic looking enough for me (like the Aluminum group), I understand it too is an awesome chair.

If you like Herman Miller stuff, I recommend a group I belong to. Check out the Flickr Herman Miller group, moderated by shawnwall. His the ranch series is amazing. You might also enjoy the Eames Flickr group. If you're into Mid-Century Modern interiors, you'll enjoy Stewf's group, Mid-Century Modern Interiors. Stewf owns and operates the great midcenturymodern.com. Stewf did a nice write up on me a month back or so.

Those links should burn a few hours away. Enjoy.

Etsy: Preparing for What's Really Valuable

Behind the scenes over the last several months, I've been researching, and recently finalizing various merchant side web services in order to begin liquidating much of our antiques, collectibles and what I like to call "unexpectables"— in advance of our adoption which is 12-24 months out. My wife and I share the same taste for mid-century modern decorative arts, furniture and furnishings. We're both rather frugal, so all we own is the result of being at the right garage sale or tag sale at the right time. Several times over the years in fact. I've posted about a couple of these finds before both here, here, here and here. Suffice it to say we've found some gems over the years.

A couple weeks ago it really hit home how some of our stuff has got to go, as we sat in a parenting and adoption seminar. Much of what's in our home are items that are either fragile and/or impractical, and likely dangerous to little ones. So after we returned from the seminar, we met a guy at our home who I'd arranged to show up in a truck, and he took a lion's share of my Heywood Wakefield blond wood 50's furniture back to Michigan where he shares in a collectible business. These items consisted of a vanity, side table, and a dinette set–complete with the famed Butterfly table. The Heywood pieces where the first collectibles I ever bought as a single guy right out of college, so a great deal of legacy and history exchanged hands in that transaction.

So as I ponder what's next for my wife and I, and one or two children who we may bring home from El Salvador in the near future, it makes me smile to know we're transitioning from a life of valuable stuff, to a life of true value.

Not to say enjoying what you have is inherantly wrong, but when this stuff becomes a burden, or draws attention away from things of greater importance, it's time to let go.

All that said, I do hope I'll never lose a passion for going to garage sales, and flea markets and antique malls. I've spent hours and hours in my parent's antique booths, going with them to garage sales, and enjoying every minute. I rank these memories among my most cherished. So it was a natural when my wife and I began spending time together doing the same. Time I wouldn't give up for anything. Except a baby. Or two!

Keep an eye out for our Etsy announcement and a few eBay sales soon. Our Etsy store is called "cur8tor." It's empty now, but won't be shortly. If you go there, you can look through my favorite items and sellers to get an idea what the cur8tor vintage store will be like. If you've never been to Etsy, you should check it out. All proceeds of our Etsy and eBay sales will go to our adoption fund. The costs associated with an adoption are mind boggling. But worth it.

Charles Eames: Time Life Chair Yumminess

So I'm finally posting on my newest and most cherished Mid-Century Modern artifact...and collector deal of a lifetime– my Herman Miller Aluminum Group Executive Management Work Chair, or Time Life Chair. Perfectly orange (for my friend Jess) and super soft, super plush high quality leather...the Bentley of the chair world. And the most luxurious chair I have ever sat in. So here it is, along with a few odd ball office shots for context. Let me know if you want one. I have 6 more (albeit not in as pristine condition). I bought them to sell, so let me know if you too would like one. Following is some additional info for anyone intreged and interested in learning more. A NY Times article called Seats of Power. A distant cousin. A recent eBay listing. Another. And another. A recent sale. Architonic coverage. A current listing at $3,300.00. Yet another. Herman Miller's page. Learn more about the chairs history, and download the original Charles Eames designed leaflet from 1960 announcing the chair in PDF form here. See what midcenturymodernist has to say about this.

eBay design.addict: Mid-Century Modern

design.addict is an eBay Power Seller who sells amazing and hard to find mid-century modern furniture and accessories. What's really cool about design.addict's store is the photography of the products. There are multiple angles and shots, with great comments as to the exact condition, good or bad. Once you go to his feedback page, look for "items for sale" link and check out what he has on auction. If you're a mid-century modern fan, you will love this.