Mid-Century Brutalist Burled Walnut Sideboard by Harold Schwartz for Romweber
About the Item
- Creator:Harold Schwartz (Designer),Romweber Furniture Co. (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 32.5 in (82.55 cm)Width: 78 in (198.12 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950
- Condition:Refinished.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU793437179952
Romweber Furniture Co.
Some vintage Romweber Furniture Company designs may strike the young as passé. But for fans of a certain age, the American brand never went out of style.
The Romweber story began in the late 1800s, with the launch of American Furniture Company, which made bedroom furniture, Batesville Cabinet Company, a dining-room-set manufacturer, and Batesville Coffin Company. The three companies eventually merged to become a large and reputable manufacturer of case goods, furniture and more. Not unlike many American companies, production at Romweber suffered during the Great Depression. The brand managed to stay afloat by making a rather strange pivot — to selling five-pound fruitcake boxes. During the Second World War, Romweber pivoted again, this time to the production of ammunition boxes and pontoons for American troops and, naturally, furniture for officers’ quarters.
While Romweber furniture (spelled “RomWeber” in vintage advertisements), dating back to the early 20th century, had designers working in the French Rococo and Chippendale styles, the brand is best known for its mid-century modern pieces. In the postwar years, Romweber manufactured walnut case pieces and storage cabinets that featured decorative olive-ash and burl-wood inlays with brass hardware as well as solid oak credenzas and dining tables designed by the likes of Harold Schwartz. For collectors of sophisticated 1950s furniture, the company’s sturdy Viking Oak line is particularly popular.
“It’s not uncommon for customers to say, ‘My parents had this Romweber Viking set,’” says Adam Cramer of collectors who visit Liberty & 33rd, the gallery he owns with his wife in South Bend, Indiana, about three hours north of Romweber’s birthplace in small-town Batesville. “It’s solid oak,” Cramer tells 1stDibs of the line of tables, chairs, desks and more.
Solid oak is the product of slow-growing deciduous trees. Solid oak furniture is durable, desirable and an investment that is usually associated with a hefty price. In solid oak furnishings, such as those that make up the covetable Romweber Viking Oak line, which launched in 1935, there aren’t any scraps of other components in the construction. Inspired by Scandinavian folk design, Romweber’s Viking Oak is said to have enjoyed one of the longest runs for a commercial furniture line in history. The collection went out of production in the late 1980s, and mid-century editions remain highly prized for their exceptional quality and hand-carved details.
Find vintage Romweber furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Walnut Diamond Form Sideboard or CredenzaLocated in New York, NYThis ebonized walnut sideboard or credenza features two panels with tessellated diamond patterns in relief that open to reveal three interior drawers; gently sloping tapered feet; an...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Sideboard in Black Lacquer with Greek Key Detail by James MontBy James MontLocated in New York, NYThis stunning Mid-Century Modern black lacquer sideboard was realized by the legendary designer James Mont in the United States circa 1950. The hind legs of the piece are straight, volumetric rectangular forms, while the front legs have two L-shaped embellishments shooting out from the central stem- offering additional support and obliquely recalling elements of historical antique Chinese design motifs. The center of the piece is recessed, while the two sides are fitted with doors that open to reveal recessed shelves on the left and drawers on the right. The front of the doors offer traditional Kantharos Greek urns with stylized handles culminating in Greek Key forms (a whimsical, tongue in cheek play on a classical motif). Additionally, there is a geometric border at the apex of the piece, suggesting a deconstructed Greek key motif. The piece is fitted with a smoked mirror top that offers a striking contrast to the black lacquer throughout the piece. Mont was renowned for assimilating elements of classical, orientalist, and Art Deco design into a modern sensibility, using the most luxuriant materials available, a style he termed "Chinese Modern." Mont's pieces filled the interiors of the "who's who" in midcentury America, from East Coast Mafia tycoons to Hollywood's elite. This iconic and dramatic piece exemplifies the qualities that collectors treasure in Mont's practice. The high keyed contrast of the radiant black lacquer finish and gilt recalls the opulent interiors of an Oriental palace...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsGlass, Lacquer
- Signed James Mont Sideboard in Black Lacquer W/ Gilded Wood PullsBy James MontLocated in New York, NYThis sideboard, signed by the illustrious 20th century designer James Mont, has an impact rarely seen. Bold and forward facing, this sideboard is beautifully restored in gleaming Bla...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsGold Leaf
- Modernist Vermillion Lacquered Goatskin Sideboard with Fluted Bronze PullsLocated in New York, NYThis stunning and sumptuous modernist sideboard was realized in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century. Inspired by the work of the legendary design luminary Ka...Category
20th Century American Modern Sideboards
MaterialsBronze
- Donald Deskey Art Deco Black Lacquer, Burled Carpathian Elm & Walnut SideboardBy Widdicomb Furniture Co., Donald DeskeyLocated in New York, NYThis stunning Art Deco Machine Age sideboard was designed by Donald Deskey (the visionary behind Radio City Music Hall) and realized for the Widd...Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Sideboards
MaterialsElm, Walnut, Lacquer
- Art Deco Sideboard in Bookmatched & Burled Amboyna Wood, Mahogany & Walnut BaseLocated in New York, NYThis remarkably beautiful Art Deco Sideboard in Bookmatched & Burled Amboyna Wood, Mahogany, & Walnut Base with Black Lacquer Detailing & Brass Fittings originates from France, Circa...Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Sideboards
MaterialsBrass
- Harold Schwartz for Romweber Ebonized Sideboard Credenza, Newly RefinishedBy Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.Located in South Bend, INAn exceptional Mid-Century Modern ebonized mahogany sideboard credenza or bar cabinet By Harold Schwartz for Romweber USA, 1950s M...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsMahogany
- Rare Harold M. Schwartz for Romweber Burled Sideboard with Floating CabinetBy Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.Located in Chicago, ILDesigned by Harold M. Schwartz for Romweber. Burled walnut side board with fiddle back highlights. Brutalist textured brass hardware, including brack...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsBrass
- Harold Schwartz for Romweber CredenzaBy Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.Located in Denton, TXMid-Century Modern Harold Schwartz for Romweber Buffet. Many storage openings for flatware & china. A unique butterfly joinery- bow-tie design on the t...Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Buffets
MaterialsWood
- Harold Schwartz for Romweber Ebonized Bar Cabinet, Newly RefinishedBy Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.Located in South Bend, INAn exceptional Mid-Century Modern ebonized mahogany sideboard credenza or bar cabinet server By Harold Schwartz for Romweber USA, 195...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsMahogany
- Romweber French Rococo Louis XV Carved Walnut Sideboard or CredenzaBy Romweber Furniture Co.Located in South Bend, INA gorgeous French Rococo Louis XV style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Romweber USA, circa 1960s Carved walnut, with original brass hardware. Measures: 78.5"W x 2...Category
Vintage 1960s American Rococo Sideboards
MaterialsBrass
- Romweber Burl CredenzaBy Romweber Furniture Co.Located in Brooklyn, NYGorgeous mid-century credenza from the highly regarded Romweber Furniture of Batesville, Indiana. Stunning two-tone burl wood with brass accents is sure to be a statement piece in an...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
