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Karl Springer Furniture

American, German, 1931-1991

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.

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Period: Late 20th Century
Creator: Karl Springer
Karl Springer Kyoto Box / Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rarely seen Karl Springer Kyoto Box Original surface with minor touchups Original suede interior.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood

Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Gold-Tinted Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bullet Up Light" in gold-tinted brass with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This accent light is a chic additional to any room. ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Karl Springer Leather Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A matched pair of Karl Springer barstools. embossed Snakeskin leather and brass. Karl Springer Label below.  
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

Karl Spring Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Goat Skin Dining, Conference Table 70s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
For Sale is this large almost round floating Karl Springer dining table on two half round pedestal bases, made in America in the 1970. All wood core decorated with the Goat Skin an...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Female Torso in Cast Stone Karl Springer Ltd
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This cast stone female torso was purchased in 1983 from the Karl Springer showroom in 1983. We have the original receipt for the purchase which where the torso was displayed in Honol...
Category

1980s American Classical Roman Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Cast Stone

Karl Springer Crocodile Leather 2 Drawer Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An Alligator leather console by Karl Springer 2 drawers make this a useful form. Karl Springer leather label below   
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

Karl Springer "Bristol Side Table" in Black Cobra 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Artisan crafted "Bristol Side Table" in black cobra with drawer by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed with metal label in drawer "Karl Springer"). This table is meticulously craf...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin, Wood, Glass

Karl Springer Hinged Parchment and Brass Velvet Lined Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hinged parchment and brass velvet lined box by Karl Springer. Vibrant shades of oranges and reds on the painted goatskin parchment. Velvet lined seg...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Rare Sea Shell Mirror, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare wall-hanging mirror covered with sea shells arranged in a beautiful arc top pattern by Karl Springer, American 1970's. As with all Springer pieces, this is meticulously crafted ...
Category

1970s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Shell, Wood

Karl Springer Tray Top End Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1980's tray top two tier end tables with a single drawer by Karl Springer, well made with beautiful craftsmanship, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina d...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Parchment Paper

Karl Springer Pair of Jmf Chairs in Ostrich Skin, 1982, 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of JMF chairs in ostrich skin by Karl Springer, American 1982 (signed “Karl Springer 1982” on leather label beneath seat). These chairs are exquisitely crafted. Reference: Ka...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Animal Skin

Karl Springer Rare Mounted Magnifying Lens, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare adjustable magnifying lens with beautifully crafted mount in polished chrome and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The mixed metal gives it a truly bespoke look.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Karl Springer Large Double Table Mirror, Brass and Nickel 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular mirror by Karl Springer. Substantial yet graceful design, achieved by the use of sumptuous and modern materials, an icon by any standard. The double mirror can be tilted....
Category

1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Karl Springer "Marmol Style Mirror" in Black Leather and Bronze 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "Marmol Style Mirror" with frame covered in black leather with bronze accents by Karl Springer, American 1980's (Karl Springer label on back). This mirror is beautifully made a...
Category

1980s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Stunning Mirror in Python and Black Lizard, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted mirror with frame in black lizard with interior and exterior edges wrapped in python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror exemplifie...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Lizard, Python, Wood

Karl Springer Set of 3 Unique Candle Holders in Lucite, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Unique set of 3 artisan candle holders in tinted and textured lucite designed to look like hand-blown scavo glass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These were done as prototypes. ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite

2 Karl Springer Crystal Bowls
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Retailed thru the Karl Springer Showroom, The pair of bowls was probably made by Seguso Minor chip to the foot of 1 bowl.
Category

1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror in Lacquered Goatskin, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Wall hanging mirror, octagonal with lacquered light goatskin in front of darker lacquered goatskin edge, with beveled mirror inside, by Karl Springer, American, 1970’s. The combinati...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Glass, Wood

Rare Karl Springer Signed Prototype JMF Bench with Tooled Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is the original prototype for Karl Springers JMF bench. Executed in fabulous tooled leather with abstract design, gold leaf brass legs and gold leaf ste...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Brass, Gunmetal & Lucite Floor Lamp America
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
6 feet tall amazing and rare floor lamp by Karl Springer made in American in the 1970s. The Bronze Finish gunmetal stem is covered in Lucite with Brass De...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Karl Springer Gunmetal Brass, Glass End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
End table by Karl Springer in gunmetal, brass, glass and enameled wood. Crafted in New York circa 1980. This lovely piece has some light oxidation to the gunmetal and brass that is c...
Category

1980s North American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Custom Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer round custom dining table. Polished Stainless Steel with a Oxblood Red Glasurite Top. Glasurite is a Stone compound developed by Ka...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Karl Springer Pair of "JMF Chairs" in Lacquered Raffia 1993 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of J.M.F. Chairs in lacquered raffia by Karl Springer, American 1993 (signature on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1993"). These are very elegant and the raffia is quite beautiful. ...
Category

1990s American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Raffia, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer "Ming Writing Desk" in Embossed Leather 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
“Ming Desk” in color embossed textured leather with 2 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship and materials are superb and this is a wonderful example of Karl Springer’s work. This is a pared down version of the Chinese Style Series which preceded it. Reference: Karl Springer LTD red binder catalog published in the 1980’s, section “Coffee Tables and Bar Carts”, on page 9 there is a photo of the coffee table model of this desk with the page titled “KARL SPRINGER LTD CHINESE STYLE COFFEE TABLE...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Karl Springer Rare Pair of Cognac Leather and Brass Club Chairs, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer documented rare pair of club chairs in cognac or saddle leather with brass bases, USA, 1980s. This incredibly chic pair of club chairs is more common in the swivel vers...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Shagreen, Stone and Anodized Aluminum Occasional Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rare occasional table by Karl Springer in shagreen, stone and anodized aluminum. Shagreen is in very good condition. Minor chips along stone edge. Wear to the anodized finish (please...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stone

Karl Springer "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Vibrant Gray Python, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Half Round Molding Mirror" in vibrant gray python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Exceptional materials and craftsmanship are the h...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Python

Karl Springer Rare Illuminating Glass and Bronze Vanity Mirror, 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional and rare 3-part illuminating vanity mirror in hand blown green glass with artisan bronze fittings by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American, 1980s (etched “KAR...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Glamorous Vintage Karl Springer Grasscloth Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Fabulous vintage Karl Springer grasscloth dining table restored and refinished in a beautiful teal-black lacquer. Square top with bullnose edge a...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mirrored Steel Nightstands or End Tables by Karl Springer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Mirrored Steel Nightstands or End Tables by Karl Springer 1980s Polished mirror stainless steel over wood. Glass tops. Single drawer. 22" to top of glass. 24" high overall. P...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Carved Horn Inlay Console / Sofa Table by Karl Springer, Ltd. USA, c. 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Kansas City, MO
Karl Springer console / sofa / entry table. Sculptural form in tessellated horn inlay. Expertly restored and in very good to excellent condition. Sold with a digital certificate of a...
Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Horn, Wood

Karl Springer Set of Three Waterfall Nesting Tables in Python 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of 3 waterfall nesting tables in white python by Karl Springer, American 1980's (metal label reads “Karl Springer”). Largest table comes with a glass top. These tab...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Python

Karl Springer "Parsons Style Side Table" in Embossed Lizard 1989 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted “Parsons Style Side Table” in beige lacquered embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1989 (leather label on bottom reads “Karl Springer 1989...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Stunning Box with Top in Alligator 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Box with base covered in black cobra and top covered in alligator with interior in red suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The combination of black and red is very sumptuous. Bo...
Category

1970s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Alligator, Suede, Wood

Karl Springer Waste Basket in Tessellated Travertine, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Maitland Smith
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted waste basket in tessellated travertine with gilded accents and solid brass feet by Maitland Smith for Karl Springer, American 1980's (bottom lined in fabric). Ta...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Karl Springer Burl Olivewood Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer burl olivewood coffee table. The table has cylindrical shaped legs with polished chrome mounts.
Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Black Lacquer Lamps with Faux Lapis Inlays by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A beautiful pair of lamps a classic Karl Springer design. the lacquer bodies are in very fine condition and the faux details of lapis and gold is a wonderful detail. The shades are o...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Molding Mirror Covered in Black Cobra 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Molding Mirror" in black cobra by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This mirror is meticulously crafted.
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass, Python, Wood

Roberto Estevez Monumental Stylized Torso in Glazierite 1980s
By Roberto Estevez 1, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large stylized torso in glazierite by Roberto Estevez for Karl Springer, American 1980's. Glazierite was a resin composite created by Karl Springer’s artisans. This model was also ca...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Resin

Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Glass

Karl Springer Pair of Candle Holders in Tessellated Coral 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of artisan candle holders in tessellated coral with bronze bases by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Sculptural forms in beautiful materials. Measures: W: 3.5 inch...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Coral, Bronze

1980 Karl Springer Knife Edge Oval Dining Table Lacquered Cream Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Karl Springer Ltd 1980 cream lacquered goatskin knife edge dining table. Dramatic double pedestal base. 28.75 H 47.25 D x 94.5 L inches Maker label present. Original preowned vinta...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Lacquer

Karl Springer "Bristol Coffee Table" in Lacquered Goatskin circa 1990 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bristol Coffee Table" in dark brown lacquered goatskin with ivory goatskin sabots by Karl Springer, American circa 1990 (signed on bottom). This ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Karl Springer Elegant Black Scavo Glass Torchere, 1980s 'Signed'
By Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Glass Torchere in hand blown black glass with scavo finish by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American, 1980's (retains original Seguso paper label). These art pieces were h...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Karl Springer Stainless Steel Coffee Table with Brass and Glass Top
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer stainless steel coffee table with brass and glass top Offered for sale is a 1980s Karl Springer stainless steel coffee t...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco Sculptural Waterfall Bench Mid-Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco sculptural waterfall bench Mid-Century Modern. Item features red burnished leather wrapped frame, sleek waterfa...
Category

1980s North American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Karl Springer Rectangular Coffee Table in Batik with Recessed Lighting 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Faceted rectangular coffee table in black batik fabric with bone inlays, over pedestal base with recessed lighting, by Karl Springer, American 1970's...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wire

Signed Karl Springer Goatskin and Smoked Glass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
Elegant Parson's style coffee table by Karl Springer in matte-finished, pale bleached goatskin with contrasting smoked glass top, circa 1980. Leather maker's label.
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Smoked Glass, Wood

Karl Springer "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Hippo Suede 1977 'Signed and Dated'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large wall-hanging "Half Round Molding Mirror" covered in hippopotamus suede by Karl Springer, American 1977 (signed on back “Karl Springer 1977”). Mirror is beveled. It is one of th...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin, Glass, Wood

Karl Springer Rare Pair of Large Waterfall Side Tables in Black Lizard Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer rare pair of large waterfall side or end tables covered in black lizard embossed leather with brass drawers and original thick glass shelves below. These exquisite pair of side tables are the larger scaled model...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painted goatskin box Immaculate detail and manufacture.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Rare Pair of Karl Springer Vintage Travertine & Rattan Candle Holder's
By Karl Springer
Located in Bellport, NY
Rare pair of candle holders in tessellated stalactite travertine, pencil reed rattan, and brass. This set is meticulously made in beautiful materials for Karl Springer circa 1980's.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Gun Metal and Polished Brass Fire Place Mantel by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Gun metal and polished brass fire place mantel by Karl Springer. Interior dimensions: H:39 L:46.5 in.
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Gunmetal Glazierite, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in gunmetal glazierite with polished brass base and hardware and parchment shade by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. Glazierite was a type of resin that the crafts...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror in Cobra and Hippo Suede 1987 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large and impressive artisan wall hanging mirror in brown cobra trimmed with hippopotamus suede edges with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1987 (signed with label on back t...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin, Mirror, Wood

Karl Springer & Lynn Shelton, Coffee Table, Painted Paper, Wood, America, c 1980
By Lynn Shelton , Karl Springer
Located in High Point, NC
An organic / biomorphic coffee / cocktail table, designed and produced by Karl Springer, painted by Lynn Shelton in beige / yellow tones, c. 1980. Signed Lynn Shelton 11/80' along lo...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Plywood, Paper

Karl Springer Lucite, Glass and Gold Plated Over Brass Console, Desk or Table
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This elegant vintage Karl Springer console table, writing desk, entry table or dining table has 4 arched lucite columns that rest on a 22 carat gold plated over brass angled plinth p...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Gold, Brass

Original Karl Springer Television Cabinet 1989 Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Cabinet covered in goatskin with clear finish. Two doors with stainless steel pulls, cabinet has black interior.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Karl Springer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Karl Springer furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Karl Springer furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 596 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Karl Springer were created in the modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Charles Hollis Jones, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, and Widdicomb Furniture Co.. Prices for Karl Springer furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $428 and can go as high as $75,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.

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