What I emailed to the seller:
Hi!
You mentioned the signature - could you post a photo of that too, please? This isn't like any kind of Witco item I've ever seen (and it's certainly not Eames either); I just need some kind of provenance before I bid.
Thank you!
D
What he/she responded:
Hi D:
Sorry, there is a misunderstanding, and I have edited my description in an attempt to clarify things.
The piece is 'unsigned', as is noted in the description. When I mentioned the term 'signature', I meant that the wavy carved wood was 'signature Witco'. I have since removed that assertion from the description.
As for 'Eames'... 'Eames Era' has become a catch-all term that is roughly the equivalent of 'Mid-Century Modern'. It reflects the 'Era' not the designer. Charles Eames had nothing to do with this design.
I have no concrete evidence or provenance that proves this is a Witco piece. I have handled and sold items from this line before, and have a consensus among my peers that it is Witco -- but we have no catalogs to prove it.
Please accept my apology for any confusion that my description may have caused.
moderneform
Well, heck! If his peers say it's Witco, that's good enough for me :wink:
He had had, "...featuring signature wavy vertical slats, which are joined by two horizontal hand-hammered iron straps (with squared off nails), which encircle the piece."
Now it reads, "...featuring wavy vertical slats, which are joined by two horizontal hand-hammered iron straps (with squared off nails), which encircle the piece. Unsigned"
I'd played ignorant in my letter, expecting him to be honest that there was no signature. I was then going to ask for a catalogue photo, but he beat me to it! There ain't none 'cause there ain't none!! At least he corrected the "signature" word, which really might cause confusion to the unwary buyer.
And I love (ok, hate!) that attitude of Eames = ANYthing Mid-Century.
Anything carved wood is Witco.
Like the eBay sellers who call ANY old dress VLV!!
"Cute 1980's poofy mini-skirt! Breakfast Club/VLV!"
"Hippie VLV Bohemian Peasant Blouse!"
(Now watch the damned thing BE a Witco!!!)
