Vintage Cosmic Drops?

[Michael]

I came across what appears to be a much older acrylic version of the Cosmic Drops that Lava sold in the 90's at an antique mall over the weekend. Anyone have any background on these? They look older and while the bottom does not indicate a date, there is a company name (New Designs Inc) and an indication that these were US made. Maybe an early version that inspired Cosmic Drops? 

[Keith]

MCMLXIX = 1969

[Michael]

That's awesome! Thank you for the info, Keith! I wouldn't have even thought of that.

Keith said:

MCMLXIX = 1969

[The Lamp Caretaker]

Most of New Designs Acrylic/Lucite or considered by some Resin Sculptures were created in the 60's and I believe the company stopped production by late 70's early 80's This company produced the half spheres like yours and were known more for their daisy flowers, sunflowers and especially butterflies - see

MCM Vtg 60s GROOVY KINETIC 7 BUTTERFLY SCULPTURE or  see Vintage Retro Lucite 60's Yellow Orange Daisy Flower Power Table Decor.  These examples are currently listed on Ebay.  Notice  the Flower Sculpture is dated 1969- Jan 6th. Dated sculptures are worth slightly more and are rarer.

Believe it or not these are very collectible right now.  Even more so than lava Lamps. Expect to fetch between 30.00 - 50+ for your sculpture.  I'm not sure how popular the half spheres are right now since I've not seen a lot come up for auction or for sale.   I do know the flowers or butterflies right now fetch upward of 30.00 plus and most don't even look as cool as the one you own.  When it comes to auction... condition is where it's all at and your's is in excellent shape.   If it's not missing any half spheres you might get more than 50.  Take a look on Ebay right now and most every sculpture of this type or similar has someone bidding on it unless it's all bent out of shape and missing pieces.  Nothing less than 25.00 if i'm correct when you include shipping fees.  Crazy these sold for less than a 1.00 back in the days and by mid to late nineties most were discarded.  Millennial and younger computer geeks love to have them displayed on their desks  like we like our lava lamps.  Sounds cool to me since I've always been a fan of these sculptures.  

[Keith]

Re: Lamp Caretakers post:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MCM-Vtg-60s-GROOVY-KINETIC-7-BUTTERFLY-SCU...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Retro-Lucite-60s-Yellow-Orange-Dai...

[Michael]

All very interesting and very helpful information! I think it’s a really cool piece and intend to keep it. I almost walked out of the antique mall without seeing it. I paid $22 for it and Cosmic Drops immediately came to mind. 

[The Lamp Caretaker]

 Michael -  I did a little more research and came up with this item number listing on ebay from a gallery in Scottsdale AZ.  323286518141

You should check it out.  It's a sculpture similar to yours from the 60's and the gallery is asking 420.00 includes shipping. I think yours is better in terms of color.  The one listed has an acrylic looking rock holding the slightly yellowed half spheres. 

[Michael]

Whoa, that is crazy - I can't imagine they'll get that much for it, but I am going to keep an eye on it. 

The Lamp Caretaker said:

 Michael -  I did a little more research and came up with this item number listing on ebay from a gallery in Scottsdale AZ.  323286518141

You should check it out.  It's a sculpture similar to yours from the 60's and the gallery is asking 420.00 includes shipping. I think yours is better in terms of color.  The one listed has an acrylic looking rock holding the slightly yellowed half spheres. 

[Modulo '70]

Cool to have the sticker with the info. Really love this sort of stuff.