Vintage OPAL wooden sideboard – Germany, circa 1960

Vintage OPAL serving trolley in wood, with a tubular black metal structure and two amber lacquered wooden shelves on swivel castors. Originating from Germany, from the mid-20th century, where the OPAL Kleinmöbel company specialised in modernist accent furniture for post-war homes. The serving trolley — domestic serving cart — was one of the hallmark typologies of mid-century German design. It allowed for the transport of coffee, snacks, or aperitifs from the kitchen to the living room without interrupting the host's flow, at a time when domestic spaces were opening up and informality was gaining ground. OPAL Kleinmöbel, a German manufacturer specialising in accent furniture, marked its pieces with a small triangular relief plaque, still legible on this example. The construction is typical of the era: a tubular structure in matte black lacquered steel, neatly welded and finished with four swivel castors with chrome mounts and black rubber tyres. The two shelves, made of solid amber lacquered wood, fit into the frame with a beveled profile on all four edges to prevent glasses from sliding. A horizontal handle on the short side allows for comfortable pushing. Details. Dimensions: Length 75 cm – Depth 42 cm – Height 60 cm. Style: Vintage mid-century German. Materials and techniques: Tubular structure in black lacquered steel; shelves in solid amber lacquered wood; swivel castors with rubber tyres and chrome mounts; welded assembly. Place of origin: Germany (OPAL Kleinmöbel) Period: Mid-20th century. Date of manufacture: Circa 1960. Condition / Observations: Intact structure. Original lacquer with marks. Functional castors. Manufacturer's plaque visible. Wear consistent with age and use.