The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to his coffee tables, mirrors, Lucite lamps and other furnishings. During his heyday in the 1970s, Springer’s work was a favorite of the glamour set, who enjoyed the novelty of pieces finished in rich and striking materials that ranged from exotic hides and skins to lacquer and chromed metal.
In a sense, Springer was a pre-postmodernist. Much as the dull, safe, corporate sameness of late 20th-century modernism prompted Ettore Sottsass, Michael Graves and others to explore new and provocative structures and materials in design and architecture, so, too, was Springer driven to enliven his creations with fresh and alluring energy and sleekness.
Springer came to New York in the late 1950s and found work arranging window displays at the department store Lord & Taylor. He had studied bookbinding in Germany, and, using his meticulous skills, he began crafting desk accessories wrapped in leather as a sideline. These pieces were sold in luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman and drew a sophisticated clientele that included the Duchess of Windsor.
By 1965, Springer had established his own Manhattan atelier. It was Pierre Scapula, decorator to Jackie and Aristotle Onassis, who spotted Springer's disco-era Onassis chairs — which didn't yet have a name — first commissioned for a private residence in Acapulco, on the floor of the designer’s East 61st Street showroom. Jackie ordered barstools for the couple’s yacht, the Christina O, and dining chairs for their house on the Greek mainland.
At the time of his death, Springer had showrooms as far afield as Los Angeles, Tokyo and Munich.
The chairs, tables, credenzas and other furniture forms Springer created are generally simple, but substantial, and often have robust, rounded lines. The appeal of his work lies in Springer's insistence on exacting construction and, above all, his eye for unusual materials and finishes.
Springer employed Lucite, brass, and gunmetal along with chromed and polished steel, and revived exquisite finishes rarely seen since the days of Art Deco masters such as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank: shagreen (a type of sharkskin), python, goatskin, bone, horn, and lacquered parchment, as well as fabrics that include batik prints. Made of such materials, Springer’s work is by its very nature flamboyant and eye-catching: a suite of pieces will astonish, and an artfully placed side table in exotic hide will add a surprising spark.
Find a collection of vintage Karl Springer furniture today on 1stDibs.
$895
H 4 in W 17.5 in D 11 in
Late 19th Century French Marquetry Game Box, Backgammon, Checkers, Chess
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French marquetry folding game box from the late nineteenth century is for checkers, chess, and backgammon. It is finely constructed with dovetailed corners, inset hinges, and a ...
Ebony, Fruitwood, Sycamore
$1,650
H 21.5 in W 2.75 in D 16.5 in
Don Shoemaker for Señal Rosewood Marquetry Backgammon Set, Mexico, 1970s
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully handcrafted portable backgammon set designed by Don Shoemaker for Señal, Mexico, executed in richly figured tropical hardwoods with striking marquetry inlaid playing surfaces. The folding case opens to reveal a dramatic geometric board composed of contrasting exotic woods, while the exterior displays equally beautiful striped grain, making the piece as decorative as it is functional. #5560 The interior includes recessed compartments for game accessories and retains its original turned hardwood checkers (dice, and doubling cube ar not original). Brass corner protectors, solid brass hinges, and the ingenious removable carrying handle exemplify Shoemaker's thoughtful approach to craftsmanship and utility. Whether displayed on a cocktail table, library shelf, or credenza, this is both a sophisticated game set and an exceptional example of Mexican Mid-Century Modern design. Dimensions: 21.5" W × 12.5" D × 3" H Material: Expertly handcrafted from richly figured tropical hardwoods including cocobolo and other native Mexican species, featuring a dramatic marquetry playing surface in contrasting natural wood tones. Condition: Very good vintage condition with light age-appropriate wear consistent with decades of careful use. The richly figured tropical hardwoods retain a beautiful, warm patina, and the marquetry playing surface presents exceptionally well. Brass hardware exhibits an attractive aged finish. Includes the original hardwood checkers, dice, and doubling cube. Please note that the small retaining pin for the removable carrying handle is missing, though the handle itself is present and functional. Additionally, one of the original brass corner protectors on the handle is missing. These minor losses do not detract from the overall presentation or functionality of this scarce and highly collectible Don Shoemaker backgammon...
Wood, Rosewood
Vintage Karl Springer Snakeskin Clad Backgammon Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer (German/American, 1931-1991) Snakeskin Clad Backgammon Table, the rectangular top with inset backgammon board above four square legs terminating in brass sabots. 29" H...
Brass
$850 / set
H 1 in W 11 in D 8.75 in
Antique Leather & Bakelite Travel Backgammon / Checkers Set from France
Located in San Diego, CA
Super rare antique leather and bakelite travel backgammon / checkers set, circa 1920s. The set is complete with a foldable case / board that is leather lined with 30 bakelite checker...
Brass
$1,558 / item
H 18.9 in W 11.82 in D 2.37 in
Handcrafted Backgammon Game Set in Brown Ostrich-Style Leather, Contemporary
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Handmade backgammon game set with an exterior in brown leather with an ostrich pattern, with a firm yet supple texture and visible natural markings, giving it a distinctive, elegant ...
Leather, Mother-of-Pearl, Laminate
Rosewood Backgammon Set
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Rosewood portable backgammon board. Handle slides out to open. Inset brass pin to hold handle in place while not in use. Board includes all wooden pips, wood dice and wood d...
Wood
Backgammon Roarshax Wood Case with Glass Chips and Dice
By Orfeo Quagliata
Located in Naucalpan, Edo de Mex
Backgammon is a very old strategic board game, from which its origin is still undefined. A true Classic game about tactics and luck played around the globe. Taking this Classic as inspiration, Orfeo collaboration joined skills to create a board game with stimulating materials and astounding chips. Shined a spotlight on to the raw materials used to create it. The exterior of the board is composed of two elements, a metalic box and a thinly sliced oyster cut veneer of parota wood. The oysters are sourced from reclaimed branches of these gigantic trees; a material that is commonly discarded as fire wood given the difficulties of processing it. Underneath the wood they have used a single sheet of meticulously oxidized metal that is laser cut to size, then assembled into a box by one of their master craftsmen. Opening the chest you’ll find a treasure of glass checkers and dice handmade by Orfeo Quagliata’s artisans. Orfeo takes his most interesting glass techniques to apply them to all the chips in the game. The checkers are manufactured in two different processes. The "Barcodes" technique is a fine linear design with schemes of different colors that contrast between one competitor and another. Thin strips of different colored glass are placed next to each other and then fused into a single piece, from which circular pieces are drilled, ground and hand polished to form the chip. The more sober and bitone "Roarshax" technique presents an electrifying texture on the top of a transparent body. Meanwhile the dice are solid glass cubes...
Steel
Michael Graves Backgammon Game Set, circa 2000
By Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in New York, NY
A backgammon board designed by famed architect Michael Graves. New in box; only opened for photography. Imported, circa 1990. Signed with metal tag. Finely constructed of cherr...
Resin, Wood
Antique Rare Backgammon Set with Cork Board & Wood Chips Potafolio
Located in San Diego, CA
rare unique backgammon game set, circa 1950's , potafolio the set has a corck board , and wood chips the case shows normal wear and patina due to age.
Wood, Cork
$2,544
H 1.75 in W 19.88 in D 17.37 in
Mid-Century Modern Backgammon Set, Onyx and Marble, 1970s Design
Located in Miami, FL
A striking example craftsmanship from the 1970s, this vintage backgammon set is masterfully constructed from richly veined onyx and marble, showcasing the era’s affinity for natural ...
Onyx, Marble
Karl Springer Prototype Box Table with Tray Top in Grasscloth 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Box Table with removable tray top covered in grass cloth inside and out by Karl Springer, American 1976-8. This was made as a prototype by one of Karl Springer’s premier artisans. It...
Grasscloth, Wood
Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exceptionally crafted "Kyoto Box" in tessellated penshell with brass inlays on top and trim around base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Sprin...
Brass
Philip and Kelvin Laverne Unique "Chinois Table" 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Magnificent “Chinois Table” with a pair of engraved Chinese vignettes on top in patinated bronze and pewter with hand-applied enamels in blue, green, and orange with gold and copper ...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter, Gold Leaf
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Important and Unique Dining Table 1960's (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Unique and important "Aubusson" dining table with flowing wreath motif in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand-painted green and blue enamels by Philip & Kelvin LaV...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Very Rare and Important "Waves Cabinet" 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Extremely rare and important 4-door “Waves Cabinet” in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand-painted blue and green enamels and green lacquered interior by Philip & Kelv...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Lobel Originals Rectangular Tray in Burnt Orange Alligator and Gray Python, New
By Lobel Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
New tray with handles covered in burnt orange alligator with sides covered in gray python and bottom in black moiré silk by Lobel Originals, American. This...
Animal Skin, Silk, Wood
