20th Century Modernist English Coffee Table in Bakelite and Metal, 1940s

Details

Description

An original vintage coffee table from England, featuring a circular phenolic top, presumably Bakelite, featuring a striking marbled surface in … Read more An original vintage coffee table from England, featuring a circular phenolic top, presumably Bakelite, featuring a striking marbled surface in shades of dark red, burgundy, and brown.

The distinctive surface design is reminiscent of natural burl, while the underside features a molded structure with radial ribs.

In terms of size, material, and construction, the top is closely comparable to coffee tables produced by Mahbro Furniture in England between the 1940s and 1950s. Several documented examples feature Bakelite tops approximately 60 cm in diameter, with similar hues and workmanship.

The base of this piece is composed of a black cylindrical column and an elegant five-star die-cast metal pedestal. This configuration differs from the bases most commonly documented on Mahbro coffee tables, which often feature three aluminum legs; for this reason, we cannot confirm that the base is part of the original top configuration. It may be a later modification or replacement.

The coffee table retains its original patina, including light traces of use and oxidation consistent with the piece's age. These elements have been intentionally retained and are visible in the photographs.

Origin: United Kingdom
Period: circa 1940s–1960s
Style: Mid-Century Modern / British Modernist
Materials: Bakelite or phenolic resin, cast metal, and painted metal
Maker: Not definitively identified; top consistent with Mahbro Furniture production
Dimensions: Diameter 60 cm × Height 43 cm
Condition: Good vintage condition with original patina and signs of use See less