I've been saving up this one since I started Trash Picked Tuesday! This is probably the very first item we ever trash-picked. And by 'we', I mean my brother and I, since we were both still living at home over 15 years ago.
This was one of those things that was just too cool to pass up, even before I knew exactly what it was. I happened along it curbside while driving through my neighborhood one cold winter night. I'm not sure what made me stop, because the last thing my parents probably wanted me to bring home was a fake fireplace. Perhaps I only wanted the firelog insert- I know I must have noticed the electrical cord sticking out the back.
So I went home and persuaded my brother to come over with his truck and we loaded it up. Not until we got home did we discover what was inside:
The left side door opens to reveal a lighted and mirrored bar. The mirrored panel also rotates to another side which has slots for LP records. Why LP records? Because the right side door opens to reveal a stereo component system, with an analog tuner, record player and 8 track deck. The red panels on either side of the fireplace are actually speakers. There's a better pic of the right side here (not my auction, just had a good photo!). And my brother does still have the square trim piece that goes on the right side door- just didn't get put back after the big move- it's in his new place. (The item sitting on top of the fireplace, that looks like a ventilated cooler is a Seeburg BMI-1000, another incredible piece of 1960s electronics, and another post.)
Turns out this piece was made by Koronette, an East German company, sometime in the late 60s. It had a state-of-the-art stereo system, along with the bar and the electric fire logs. Three ways to entertain yourself in one super cool trash picked item!
Oh my goodness--I had no idea that anything like this ever existed. I'd totally want one, but I'd probably have to give up my 60s electric organ to have the space and the outlet and that would never do!
ReplyDeleteUnbelievably cool!! I'd love it just for the bar part, let alone all the rest. So do you play records?
ReplyDeleteTrash picking - dumpster diving - recycling - helping the Earth - upcycling - making do - urban exploration - it's ALL good!!
ReplyDeleteDid you just hear that? It was the sound of my head exploding!!! Who in the world came up with this insanely cool combo? The revelation of the bar was one thing, but a stereo console too! And wow, the coolest part is that was a curbside find. I am in awe!
ReplyDeleteWhat an unbelievable unit. I've never seen anything like it! That's got to be the ultimate trash picked item ever.
ReplyDeleteThat is a total Austin Powers shag center if I ever saw one! Fireplace, bar AND music??!! Yeah, baby! So cool!
ReplyDeleteHOW COOL IS THAT?>! What a find, but how do the glasses stay up in the drop down bar part?
ReplyDelete@ZSM: You bet! I have over 1000 records of all speeds- 45s for the jukebox, 78s for the older stuff and LPs for the newer things. Someday I'll do a post on the Command Stereo series LPs I collect.
ReplyDelete@Mick: The glass tray just turns around 180 degrees to the flat side for storage.
you got a great deal :) I have the exact same one! The thing weighs a TON! It is the centerpiece of my living room. I was just goofing off yesterday trying to figure out the keywords to type into the google image bar to see if another one actually existed LOL
ReplyDeleteim getting one this saturday for $50
ReplyDelete