Tag: space age

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1969 Olivetti Valentine typewriter by Ettore Sottsass

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Olivetti

We have featured the design before. Indeed, we've even featured a poster of it. But if you want to own a classic 1969 Olivetti Valentine typewriter by Ettore Sottsass, a model as good as any is on eBay right now.

You could say it's a space age twist on a (then) functional item, coming in its own matching plastic carry case and with this model, the plastic boxed cleaning brushes and the original instruction booklet too. Which is rare to find.

It's described as being in 'full working condition', but with 'some traces of very light wear comensurate with age'. Nothing to worry about in other words. Bids already placed, so right now it's at £77.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s Bond Bug three-wheel car

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Bondbug

It's a cult car from the space age end of the 1970s – and a Bond Bug is on eBay right now.

Designed by Tom Karen for Ogle Design (which also designed the Raleigh Chopper), this compact three-wheeler, the car was first seen in 1968 and went into production via Reliant in 1970, aimed at the hip young motorist of the day.

The model here is described as an 850ES, registered in 1974 and packing an 850cc engine, two seats and some upgrade work by the current owner. It's also had a new paint job via the owner before that. Right now it's up for £3,000, which isn't cheap, but it's not exactly a car you'll see everyday. Saying that, we suspect it's a lot of fun to drive.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1960s Superonda seating system by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova

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Polt

A real rarity on eBay right now that's certain to appeal to fans of 1960s space age design – this Superonda seating system by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova.

As you might have guessed, Archizoom Associati was a radical design group, operating out of Italy and designing this particular 'system' in 1966, produced at the time by Poltronova. Specifically the units are 'vinyl covered polyurethane blocks' that are cut into a large rectangle that's bisected by a wave'. The blocks can then be used as a chaise longue, sofa or divan.

Apparently in 'good condition', it's got some surface marks to the vinyl, but nothing more. Not cheap, with a current price of £449, but just you try finding another.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Homeware

1960s Revolving Coat Stand

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Albe-revo-coat-1-copy-62315 
Not content with selling shirts, the Paul Smith website now carries a selection of vintage furniture to tempt us with, including this 1960s Revolving Coat Stand.

The design is typical 1960s space-age style, made of white plastic and pod-like in its design. It provides a neat storage solution for tidying away coats and umbrellas on one side, whilst the other houses a mirror, making it a useful hallway addition.

It costs £1,100. Visit the Paul Smith website to enquiry further.

Categories / Art and Photography, Gadgets and Tech

Lady Gaga re-invents the Polaroid camera with the Polaroid GL30

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Pol1

Some of you might know that Lady Gaga is the Creative Director at Polaroid and as such, is in charge of producing products that will grab the world's attention. At the current CES gadget circus, she's just turned up to show off a printer, some bizarre camera glasses and this – the Polaroid GL30.

All the products are under the Grey Label (by Haus of Gaga) banner, but we're not sure when these are going into production, although 'later this year' has been floated as an approximate date for the GL30. It's a modern-day interpretation of the Polaroid camera, keeping a retro look (in this case looking like something out of a 60s sci-fi movie) and still printing out images on-demand, this time with the latest Zink printing system. Only this time, there's a flip-out screen and options to customise your images (filters, borders etc) before you print them out.

See another shot of the camera over the page. It's a head-turner no doubt, even if it's a lot bulkier than the camera on your mobile phone. As soon as we hear news on price and availability, you'll be the first to know. See the Polaroid site for the promo film of the launch too.

Find out more Polaroid website

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Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: A Pair of 1970s Artifort Groovy Chairs by Pierre Paulin

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Paulin

No, 'groovy' isn't our description, these actually go by the name of Artifort Groovy Chairs, a 1973 design by Pierre Paulin.

The chairs are still being made, priced at £1,309 each online (we've just checked – and that's in the sale), although that's obviously for brand new versions. These aren't that. According to the seller, the pair on offer here are in 'good condition' but suffer from 'some discolouring/fading to the fabric'.

So not perfect, but structurally sound and design classics. The pair is available online for a 'buy it now' of £575 or you can make an offer.

Find out more at the eBay website