Hey AT! Please cue up the Henry Manicini records and help identify this great kidney-shaped bar masquerading as an ordinary coffee table, roughly 6' long and 20" high. Only the discerning swinging bachelor will look at this gem and guess that the entire tabletop pivots open to reveal a recessed wetbar compartment, complete with holders for six glasses or bottles. Pull straight up on the handles and it pops into place: cocktail time! There's also a hinged door to another compartment (for an ice bucket, maybe) down below, at one of the curved ends. The top is white formica(?) with white plastic edging, and the sides are covered in a sort of subtly metallic gold wallpaper. The unit sits on tapered brass legs and has casters. It's made of melamine or some other compressed wood, which means it's heavy. We can't find a stamp or signature anywhere, so we have no idea who made it. If you know something, say something. The sooner the better, as my friend is moving overseas and needs to decide whether to store or sell it. Thanks! Elissa
What a unique piece! Does anyone have an idea of where it comes from or what it might be worth? And finally...






Comments (22)
setting fire to it isn't an option?
I say "Sell" only because when I moved overseas, I returned to the States a couple years later to a whole bunch of stuff that I didn't want/need any longer.
Let it go so that someone else can restore it and appreciate it - and you'll have the $$$ to gather new things from your next adventure.
Sell it! it doesn't appear that it compliments the current decor, so ditch it.
Sell it...to me!
WHO would buy it - lucky if you could give it away.......
what an amazing piece! I've been looking to something similar!
I would also say sell just because it doesn't appear to go w/ the decor your friend has going in her/his place. This would certainly find a better home with someone who appreciates the 50s swanky bachelor pad-decor!
How did they get a sink in there?
This is one of those pieces that are a fun project and to have in a large loft space. When I lived in a warehouse I was always finding crazy pieces and making them into something. Just cannot image having this in a normal room with four walls its too overwhelming.
I see it in grasscloth wallcovering center are and painting it glossy white with faux gold leaf trim with bamboo hardware for the door part.
I used to know who made this bar years ago, but can't remember anymore. I've never seen it in that color combination though. The ones I've seen are usually wood toned. I saw one for sale years ago in an overpriced antique store for quite a bit of money, but then a friend of mine bought one for like $200. I've seen them on ebay before too.
sell on apartmenttherapy classifieds or craigslist! Honestly, I don't think it would be worth it to hold on to it while you are away. I would LOVE to have it!!!
I don't like to hold on to anything that i am not using. Your decor style may change/evolve into something new before you have the space to use this giant piece.
If you don't use it, sell it! To me!
Man cave stuff right there.
I am firmly in the sell it... to me! camp. I love it.
Teehee... I like it.. I only said sell cause I would buy it!
In the movie "Corinna, Corinna", one of those tables was in a house that Corinna (Whoopi Golberg's character) was cleaning. It was the morning after a party and she swept everything from the top of the table inside the wet bar part and closed it all up to hide the mess.
It's hysterical! What a hilarious piece! If I had room for it and someone was giving it away, I'd take it purely for entertainment value. what fun.
Properly restored, it would be fabulous. But then, I don't seem to lack the imagination some others do. Or the insanity.
I saw a bar exactly like this for sale in a flea market last week for $400.
Just to clarify:
The 'what is a piece like this called?' 'who might have made it, and when?' questions are the ones about which the owner and I are most curious.
Whatever happens, I'm sure she'll try to avoid the "Corinna, Corinna" scenario (thanks for the hilarious reference, Mile Kate!).
Thanks,
Elissa
I said store it, but if you don't want to store it, I'm in the sell it to me group! With just a little TLC, that thing could be quite amazing
I recently aquired one of these, different colors though. This is what I have found out about it. Mine does have identification on the inside bar piece that says Grand Server mfd by AH Stock manufacturing corp newton wis. This company is now a metal factory. This piece was produced around 1963 and a wooden model was featured in 1963 New York World Fair for Modern Furniture. I have been in contact with AH Stock and was told they only produced furniture for a few years. Any furniture from them is rather unique. I am expecting an email from some one at AH Stock for further information. The woman we got it from said she had it appraised about 10 yrs ago for $3000 but I do not know for sure if that is accurate. I would love to trade info. If you email me at jenjen21502@yahoo.com I can update you on any info I do find.