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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: 1970s
Creator: Karl Springer
Karl Springer Chic Waste Basket in Ostrich Skin 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Chic waste basket in ostrich skin on the outside and inside by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. The bottom is covered in silk moiré. The craftsmanship of all Springer skin work is ex...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Ostrich Leather, Silk, Wood

Karl Springer "Chinese Curved Coffee Table" In Embossed Lizard Leather 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Chinese Curved Coffee Table" in bisque lacquered embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The curvature of the table’s form and edges showcase Springer’s superb cr...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Lizard

Karl Springer Prototype "Cathedral Table" in Leather 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Cathedral Table" with both base and top covered in contrasting leathers by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. This table was made as a prototype. The arch details are absolutely stu...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Karl Springer Exceptional Box Table In Leather 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Box Table with brown leather on the outside and inside by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. The bottom is covered in silk moiré. This was made as a prototype. The skin w...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Karl Springer Telephone Table in Chestnut Snake Skin 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted Telephone Table in chestnut snakeskin with black accents and brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The bottoms are covered in moiré silk. As with all K...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Prototype Box Table with Tray Top in Grasscloth 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Box Table with removable tray top covered in grass cloth inside and out by Karl Springer, American 1976-8. This was made as a prototype by one of Karl Springer’s premier artisans. It...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Wood

Karl Springer Two Tier Side Table in Grasscloth 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted petit side table in grasscloth with sculpted edges by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. This table was made as a prototype. It is very chic. Reference: Purchas...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Wood

Karl Springer Six Panel Coromandel Screen
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Karl Springer Coromandel screen. Authentic and original, circa 1978. Six panels, decorated on one side with black lacquer overlay on gold...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood

Karl Springer Table Lamp With Solid Lucite Discs 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Table lamp with solid lucite discs and polished chrome hardware by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The stacked lucite disks are very chic. Newly rewired with new sockets and cord. ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Lucite Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Lucite table Lamps Polished Brass Lamp Hardware and fittings New Replaced shades If you want the shades,they will ha...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite

Rare Gunmetal and Black Lacquer Etagere or Bookcase by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1970’s ‘Cole Porter Etagere’ or bookcase by Karl Springer. Constructed of metal with a polish gunmetal finish and black lacquered shelfs. It’s designed with adjustable bracket...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer Goatskin and Steel Chest of Drawers
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely rare cabinet by Karl springer Goatskin and steel Subtle recessed drawer surrounds A good selection of cream colored goatskin
Category

1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Monumental Karl Springer ‘Banker’ Coffee Table Polished Gunmetal Glass, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Vienna, AT
Monumental Karl Springer ‘Banker’ Coffee Table Polished Gunmetal Glass, 1970 Very desirable large coffee table by by Karl Springer, 1970 in very ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Rare Karl Springer Reptile Skin Side Table With Pull Out Glass Writing Surface
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Karl Springer race track oval two tiered side table, wrapped in black lizard skin embossed leather. This hard to find table also features a pull out glass shelf for anything from writing to drink placement. The curved sides are a classic design feature seen on many Springer pieces. This piece is apparently unsigned, like many Springer pieces. It comes with a colorful and valuable provenance. This Karl Springer reptile...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Glass, Wood

Karl Springer Zebra Wood Writing Table w/ Steel and Brass, USA c 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
Karl Springer, rose to world acclaim in the 1970s. He created custom furniture sought by the glitterati, famously utilizing exotic and unusual materials, and superior craftsmanship. ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Zebra Wood

Karl Springer Sculpture Leg Side Table Polished Gunmetal Brass Glass, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Vienna, AT
Karl Springer Sculpture Leg Side Table Polished Gunmetal Brass Glass, 1970 Very desirable side table by Karl Springer, 1970 in very good condit...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Mid Century Karl Springer Shagreen Covered Liquor Cart Bar Trolley
By Karl Springer
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Purchased from Karl Springer. We believe it is shagreen printed leather. Smoked glass shelves. 34 1/8" h x 33 7/8" w x 22" d. Condition Scratches. Minor scuffs and stains. Minor peel...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Karl Springer Copper Rain Drum Table With Original Textured Glass Top
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of timeless sophistication with this original Karl Springer Rain Drum Cocktail Table; a dazzling tribute to Southeastern As...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Copper

Karl Springer Exceptional Tapering Pedestal in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Elegant tapering pedestal in multicolor lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The coloration and artisanship of this pedestal are superb.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Rare "Mushroom Table Lamp" in Gunmetal and Brass 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Mushroom Table Lamp" in gunmetal with polished brass dome shade with 3 bulbs by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The shade was hand-spun by metal artisans. An iconic Karl Spr...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Brass and Lucite Karl Springer Art Deco Table Lamps 28.5 high
By Karl Springer
Located in Pasadena, CA
Brass and Luite Karl Springer Art Deco Table lamps The interrior of the stem is a brass that extends from the base upward to the diffusor styled top shades. Each layer allow for ligh...
Category

1970s American Adirondack Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Karl Springer Lucite Table Lamps with Original Polished Steel Shades
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare pair of large solid clear acrylic oval block lamps with the original mirror-polished steel shades and diffusers. Cords are embedded in the lucite blocks, which support a double ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Karl Springer Pair of Bullet Lights
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Designed Pair of Bullet Lights. Polished brass with gun metal finish. Original honey comb diffuser. Heavy, and solid, with felt bottom. These lights can be floor light...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Shagreen desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Shagreen desk by Karl Springer. Signed.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Shagreen

1970s Enrique Garcel Armchair Tessellated Bone Inlay Colombia
By Enrique Garcel, Karl Springer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Enrique Garcel (in the style of Karl Springer + Maitland Smith) Armchair in tessellated bone Fabulous sculptural profile Original vintage preowned condition with new upholstery...
Category

1970s Colombian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bone, Fabric

Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk by Karl Springer.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Pair Lucite Acrylic Lamps by Karl Springer for Hansen
By Hansen Lighting Co., Karl Springer
Located in Fraser, MI
Pair Lucite and Chrome Lamps signed Hansen New York. Designed by Karl Springer. Lucite and Chrome construction.
Category

1970s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Deep blue lacquered goatskin console
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Deep blue lacquered goatskin console with brass details attributed to Karl Springer.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Exceptional "J.M.F. Side Table" in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Iconic "J.M.F. Side Table" in lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The artisanship of this piece is superb. Marrying fine materials with sublime forms is what made...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer "Art Moderne Game Table" in Gunmetal with Shagreen Top 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning "Art Moderne Game Table" in polished gunmetal with polished chrome accents and tessellated pale plum shagreen top by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This table is a wonderf...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Rare Karl Springer Goatskin, Leather and Brass Game Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Round Rock, TX
Rare angular leg backgammon table designed by Karl Springer. This beautiful table is wrapped in a lacquered beige goatskin with a leather backgammon board in brown, beige and coral. ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Pair of Rare JMF Benches in Ox Blood Goatskin with Cushions 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare sculptural “J.M.F. Benches” in oxblood lacquered goatskin with seat cushions by Karl Springer, American 1970's. These exquisite benches are stunning in every way. Newl...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer

Pair of Karl Springer Souflee Ottomans/Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Souflee Ottomans Brass bases Re-upholstered in faux Shearling
Category

1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ivory Goatskin Parchment Coffee Table by Karl Springer with an Inlay Base
By Karl Springer
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This low coffee table by Karl Springer features an inlay lacquered base with a table top from goatskin parchment, finished with clear lacquer. Beveled edges and a plinth-like base ar...
Category

1970s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Lacquer

Karl Springer Rare Backgammon/Games Table in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional "Parsons Style Backgammon Table" in lacquered goatskin with brass trim, backgammon board with inset gray and ox blo...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer parchment dining table, USA/Germany, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in London, GB
This parchment table attributed to Karl Springer, is monolithic with grand proportions, seating up to 12. A designer of luxury furniture and objects, Springer (born Berlin, 1931) cut...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Parchment Paper

Pair of 1970s Gunmetal Candelabras with Brass details by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This pair of candleholders in gunmetal feature an ornately detailed brass stand, offering a perfect balance of both refinement and warmth to any table. Springer was a prevalent Germa...
Category

1970s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Gun Metal and Brass Coffee Table with Glass Top, Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a striking 1970s Karl Springer coffee table. The size works well in a large or intimate space. The dark smoky glass is inset, surrounded by a .25" brass border. The border ex...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Karl Springer Brass Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Brass Bench Original upholstery A large example of this form
Category

1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Patinated Karl Springer JMF Goatskin Console Table, Signed, 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now I have an incredible JMF Table by the legendary Karl Springer. A piece that oozes sophistication and charisma, perfect for that trendsett...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Karl Springer Faux Malachite Polyhedron Occasional Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare faceted table consisting of triangles and squares, the surface is beautifully hand-lacquered in a faux-malachite pattern. Originally used with a glass top as a coffee table, the...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Vermicelli Ball Lamp, Coromandel Circa 1979
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Karl Springer 1979 Gold & Silver Leaf Incised Black Wood Ball Table Lamp This table lamp, designed by the renowned Karl Springer in 1979, is crafted with attention to detail...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood

Karl Springer Exotic Leather and Patinated Brass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Karl Springer coffee table in what appears to be sea snake leather with Patinated brass accents. Lovely simplistic form with nods of elegance through the reversed arched sides. Brass...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Pair of Black Leather Arm Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer designed, Pair of black "Bentwood" arm chairs Authentic and documented. Lacquered wood with leather upholstery. Ready for use. The color is black. Good example of this...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Leather

Karl Springer Lidded Box with Artisan Lacquered Exterior 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exquisitely hand-lacquered lidded box with wood motif exterior and interior covered in beige suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This box is meticulously crafted. Springer had...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Suede, Wood, Lacquer

Lucite and Chrome Table Lamp by Karl Springer, c. 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-Century Modern lucite lamp comprised of stacked and beveled blocks of solid lucite. Fitted with chrome metal stem with two lights and two pull chains. Includes linen drum shade ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer "Molding Box" in Multicolor Lacquers 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Hinged “Molding Box” with multi-colored lacquer design and dark green suede interior by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Springer’s superb lacquer work and attention to detail make t...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Ming Writing Desk/Console in Embossed Crocodile 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted Ming Writing Desk/Console in lacquered embossed crocodile leather with 3 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This was originally designed as a console whi...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer Lucite Table Lamp with Original Polished Steel Shade
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare solid clear acrylic oval block lamp with the original mirror-polished steel shade. Cord is embedded in the lucite block, which supports a double cluster socket and adjustable ri...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Karl Springer "Ming Coffee Table" in Canary Python, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Ming Coffee Table" covered in canary python skin by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The design flourishes and the stunning material make for a wonderful Springer table. Referenc...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint, Python

Karl Springer Lizard Skin Desk, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer lizard skin desk, 1970. Desk has 3 drawers and has been restored.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lizard

Roberto Estevez Incredible Large Unicorn Sculpture 1979 'Signed and Numbered'
By Karl Springer, Roberto Estevez 1
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite large unicorn bust sculpture in cast resin with inlaid bronze mane, solid engraved brass alicorn, and gold leaf ears on a sculptural solid brass base by Roberto Estevez, Am...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf

Unique Colourful Lacquered Fabric Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Unique colourful lacquered fabric mirror by Karl Springer Provenance: Property from the personal collection of Jeff Schuerholz of Fat Chance, the iconic Los Angeles store for the Ho...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Karl Springer Tortoise Style Brass and Penn Shell Coffee Cocktail Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer coffee table. This table is stunning with great lines and proportions. The size is quite versatile as it is not too big or too small. No sharp corners.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Pair of "Onassis Bar Stools" in Lacquered Mahogany, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Onassis Bar Stools" in mirror lacquered mahogany with upholstered seats and oxidized bronze footrests by Karl Springer, American 1970s. The beautiful wood and meticulous fin...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

White Parsons Desk with Embossed Leather, Shagreen, by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York City, NY
A sleek desk covered in eye-catching embossed leather. In excellent condition.
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer, Shagreen Stingray

1970s Karl Springer Style Goatskin Extending Round Oval Dining Room Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, Mid Century dining table you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Pair Karl Springer Crocodile Leather Clad Parsons Side Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Uncommon early pair of Karl Springer's iconic crocodile printed leather Parson's side or occasional tables. Identical in size, one is clad in a fun hot fuchsia while the other is a m...
Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

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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