Joe Colombo Boby Trolley Value Guide

Designed in 1970 by Joe Colombo for Bieffeplast, the Boby trolley is a masterpiece of space-age design originally intended for architectural drawing tables. Its modular efficiency and vibrant ABS plastic construction earned it a place in the Museum of Modern Art's Permanent Collection and the 1971 SMAU Prize.

What Is Joe Colombo Boby Trolley Worth?

The typical price range for Joe Colombo Boby Trolley is $525 - $575 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Color rarity significantly impacts price, with original 1970s red and vibrant hues often commanding the $525-$575 range.
• Physical condition is critical, as ABS plastic can suffer from yellowing, deep scratches, or cracks in the swivel drawer hinges.
• Completeness of the unit, including all original removable top trays and functional casters, ensures maximum market value.
• Provenance and age, specifically identifying early Bieffeplast production versus later B-Line reissues, affects collector desirability.

How to Identify Joe Colombo Boby Trolley?

• Check for the designer's signature 'Joe Colombo' and the manufacturer's mark 'Bieffeplast' embossed directly into the plastic, typically on the underside.
• Verify the material is high-quality injection-molded ABS plastic with a consistent color finish and smooth swivel action on the drawers.
• Look for the specific five-caster base configuration which provides the signature mobility and stability of the original 1970s design.
• Examine the hardware for steel components that facilitate the modular rotation of the swing-out compartments.

History of Joe Colombo Boby Trolley

Designed in 1970 by Joe Colombo for Bieffeplast, the Boby trolley is a masterpiece of space-age design. It was originally created for use at architectural drawing tables but its modular efficiency quickly made it a pop-culture icon of mobile organization. It earned a place in the Permanent Collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and received the SMAU Prize in 1971 for its innovative design and functionality.