Prototype Brown Saltman Adjustable 18 to 28 Inches Tall Coffee and Card Table Pat. April 7, 1953

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Prototype Coffee / Card table designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman and never put into Production. Arched legs support … Read more Prototype Coffee / Card table designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman and never put into Production. Arched legs support a central brass pedestal that adjusts from a coffee table height of 18" to game table height of 28". The top and legs are mahogany. Patent was filed Dec. 22, 1952 and was granted April, 7, 1953.

John Keal was a prominent American mid-century modern designer whose long-standing collaboration with the California-based manufacturer Brown Saltman resulted in some of the era's most innovative and functional furniture. His work is characterized by clever engineering, such as expanding surfaces and multi-functional designs.

John James Keal, born in Ellensburg, Washington, was a prominent figure in furniture design. Graduating from the University of Washington Industrial Design School, he co-founded the renowned furniture design and production company Tappan-Keal in 1946 alongside his friend Bob Tappan. Keal's dedication to innovation led him to explore manufacturing techniques and modern design processes during his travels in Europe and Scandinavia. Keal also designed for manufacturers Brown-Saltman and Glenn of California, among others. His sleek, sometimes biomorphic designs are the epitome of California Modernism, with his Outrigger Coffee Table with floating, biomorphic top and "paddle" feet for Brown Saltman, circa 1950 a prime example. He also shared his expertise by teaching design and furthering his education at the LA Art Center School of Industrial Design. Keal's legacy endures despite his passing in 1999, just shy of his 80th birthday.

This table was purchased at auction, from the estate of a long term employee of Brown Saltman who rescued several prototype pieces of furniture from the trash heap of the company, so I was told. This story is secondhand and I can not verify it. See less