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History of the Drexel Profile line – new page added

pam kueber - Updated: November 10, 2020

Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.

drexel-bedrooms

Thanks to Femme1 for obtaining a first solid dose of info and history on the Drexel Profile line – including this complete 1960 catalog, courtesy of the excellent customer service at Drexel Heritage.  I’ve now started a stand-alone page on the line, which you can check out anytime.

Click thru here for info on the designer John Van Koert and a 23-photo catalog from 1960…and check back on the Profile Page anytime for future updates.Drexel Profile:

The Drexel Profile furniture collection was designed by John Van Koert, and it was in production from 1955 to 1961. Van Koert started out as a jewelry designer for Harry Winston after WWII and later branched into industrial design. He also is well known for designing silver for Towle, particularly the Contour design; his particular attention to the drawer pulls and other hardware on Profile pieces is noted in the catalog.  Femme1 owns the walnut dining table and chairs #K40, and the round extension table, with #K62, the side chairs.

Tip: Click on an actual thumbnail – it will open quite large, and you can continue the slide show from there.

1960 catalog – complete:


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53 comments

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  1. Lisa Sunaverse says

    Thanks so much Pam! We’re selling my parents Drexel Profile bedroom set and dining room buffet and hopefully this will help people realize the value. We’re going to put your link on our Craigslist ad.

  2. justin tolar says

    I have the k4 dresser with the mirror and the k11 dresser along with it. I’m trying to find a buyer, but really don’t know where to start. They were handed down from grandparents, who were the original owners. The letter of authenticity is still attached to the mirror. They are really in very good condition and have all the little added storage parts too. If anyone could help or is interested please let me know. I’m currently in the st. Louis area.

  3. Erik James says

    was online at some hoity toity store out of chicago for around $3700. I nearly choked! is this for real?! I didn’t expect, nor can I afford to pay a price that high for the one I have my heart set on. Please help! does anyone have any suggestions,information or advise that could help me in my quest? thank you very much.

  4. Erik James says

    So I inherited a couple of the k27 night chests afew years back and fell in love with this line. Prior to this I didn’t even know what a Drexel or who John Van Koert was. I have since aquired the k16 headboard,( at a garage sale for next to nothing,I am happy to add).and a k2 mirror at a consignment shop for around $250. So here is my dilemma, I have been looking EVERYWHERE to find the k2 dresser to complete my bedroom set, and the only “luck” I have had

  5. Kathleen says

    Thanks for the great reference. I own two k97 step tables and a cocktail table (I’m not sure which one – its in a storage locker). I was thinking of selling them for not much but now am better informed of what I have!

  6. Don says

    Wow, thanks for the info! We just found an old furniture store that sold Drex. The owner took us in the back storage room and proceeded to show us the Drex that never sold… OMG! It’s sold now!

  7. Michael Noche says

    Thanks for posting this info. One of my neighbors left a dresser on the street corner. (A common practice in San Francisco, as a way to get rid of your unwanted belongings.) I walked by it and immediately admired it’s fine lines and cool looking handles, which evoked mid-century modern design. I got my roommate to help me carry it to our apartment. It was heavy, so I suspected it was vintage and noticed the dove-tailed drawers. There is a stamp on the back so I knew I would be able to do some research. Then I found the Drexel registered mark on the inside, right of the top center drawer. I am now the proud owner of a Drexel Profile K2 Double Dresser. For free! It has seen better days. Sadly it needs to be refinished. I like the “roughed up” look of the handles so I’m going to keep them as is.

    Any recommendations on refinishing this classic beauty?

  9. Andrew Varnava says

    I bought my K12 Man’s Chest with some slight wear for $80. The wife and I were walking our dogs when we blundered into it at a just starting yard sale. I paid asking price without barter.

    When I returned with a vehicle to move the piece, there were four people pointing at the piece and asking how much he got and then telling the guy that he blew it.

    I live in a 1960’s home and largely decorate with that era furniture and so the chest fits right in. It is a functional and durable item that is much better built than anything today.

  10. Shawn says

    I just scored a Drexel faux bamboo…what appears to be a end table or nightstand. Looks like it id dated 11/66 on the back. Any info on this piece, I absolutely love it.

    • pam kueber says

      Shawn, contact Drexel directly. We have some feedback that they are very helpful. Good luck, and congrats!