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 affects the value of Joe Colombo Boby Trolley?

• 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.