In 1855, William Berkey arrived in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and founded a mill to manufacture window sashes and other wood building products. He was joined by his brother, Julius, who later began manufacturing what became known as the Berkey table. This was highly successful, and soon the Berkey brothers were concentrating on making furniture.
The company took on various partners over time, including George W. Gay, who bought an interest in the company in 1866 to form Berkey Brothers & Gay. In 1873, William Berkey withdrew from the company, and Julius Berkey and George W. Gay incorporated to form the Berkey & Gay Furniture Company. In 1874, the new company opened its six-story factory, complete with wholesale and retail showrooms, in Grand Rapids. By 1882, this factory covered three city blocks. The company is known for making Victorian furniture.
George W. Gay, although continuing to be involved with Berkey & Gay, also struck out on his own business ventures. One of these was the Oriel Cabinet Company, which he established in 1880. Oriel Cabinet constructed a factory at this site in the 1880s, but the original factory was destroyed by fire in 1890. In 1892, the company constructed a new factory, which continues to occupy the site.
Both Oriel Cabinet and Berkey & Gay continued independently until 1911, when the two companies merged. The Oriel factory became Berkey & Gay's Plant No. 1 following the merger, and an addition was immediately made to the plant in 1912. In 1919 the company further expanded the factory 240 feet north along Monroe Avenue.
In 1920, the company merged with the Wallace Furniture Company and the Grand Rapids Upholstery Company to form Consolidated Furniture Companies but continued to use the trademark Berkey & Gay because of its name recognition.
Sales increased in the 1920s and the company aggressively expanded. However, when the Great Depression hit, the company was unable to continue financing its new sites and was forced to sell to the Chicago-based Simmons Company. Even this was not enough, as Simmons declared bankruptcy in 1931, and the Grand Rapids factories closed their doors.
Local stockholders reopened the factory in 1935, and continued production until World War II, when it was converted to wartime needs. After the war, an attempt was made to convert back to furniture production, but the company was again forced to declare bankruptcy in 1948 and closed the factory for good.
The Berkey & Gay Furniture Company used three different types of labels to mark the tables and other furniture that they manufactured. The first label was branded into the wood and can often be found inside the drawers of authentic Berkey & Gay sideboards and other case pieces. Around the year 1900 the branded type label was replaced by a paper label. The brass label was used starting around the 1920s until Berkey and Gay went out of business in the 1940s.
Find antique Berkey & Gay buffets, dining tables, sideboards and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by Schear Brothers)
Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Hand Painted Bookcase or Bar Cabinet, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie style bookcase, dining cabinet, or bar cabinet In the manner of Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Red lacquered carved walnut, with hand paint...
Brass
Berkey & Gay Antique English Tudor Walnut and Burl Wood Bookcase, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional English Jacobean or Tudor style bookcase, china hutch, or bar cabinet By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Ornate carved walnut, with burl wood panels, and original bra...
Brass
Berkey & Gay Antique Queen Anne Burled Walnut Four-Drawer Dresser, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Queen Anne or Victorian style four-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Carved walnut and burl wood, with original brass hardware...
Brass
Early 20th Century Berkey and Gay William and Mary Burl Walnut Chest of Drawers
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite Early 20th Century Hand crafted, Hand carved in Burl Walnut in the William and Mary Burl style by Berkey and Gay Furniture. Great antique condition. Measures 42" in wi...
Walnut, Burl
Antique English Jacobean Carved Oak Glass Front Double Bookcase, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding antique English Jacobean side-by-side double bookcase cabinet with chest of drawers and drop front secretary desk In the manner of Berkey and Gay England, Circa 1920...
Brass
Berkey & Gay Antique Georgian Chinoiserie Burled Walnut and Painted Bookcase
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Georgian Chinoiserie bookcase, dining cabinet, or bar cabinet By Berkey & Gay USA, 1920s Carved walnut case, with burled walnut drawer front, painted Chinoi...
Brass
Early 20th C. Berkey and Gay William and Mary Style Vanity Table Desk
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in Germantown, MD
A very fine, handcrafted Berkey and Gay Furniture William and Mary Style Vanity Table Desk. All drawers dovetailed, opening and closing smoothly. Measures 51.5" in width, 21" in dept...
Walnut
Berkey & Gay French Regency Louis XVI Mahogany Full Size Bed, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style full size bed frame By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Beautiful mahogany, with inlaid burl wood. Measures: 57.25"W x 78.5"D x 45.25"H. ...
Mahogany, Burl
Berkey & Gay Antique Georgian Burled Walnut Bow Front Sideboard or Bar Cabinet
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Georgian or Chippendale style bow front sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Gorgeous book-matched figured burled walnut, wi...
Brass
Antique Walnut Highboy Dresser w/ Vanity Table Mirror by Berkey & Gay Furniture
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Antique walnut highboy dresser with vanity table mirror by Berkey & Gay Furniture featuring 3 long full-size drawers and 3 small top dra...
Wood
Berkey & Gay Antique English Tudor Walnut and Burl Bar Cabinet, Newly Refinished
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional English Jacobean or Tudor style sideboard buffet, server, or bar cabinet By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Ornate carved walnut, with burl wood panels, and original ...
Brass
Antique English Jacobean Carved Oak Bar Cabinet, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique English Jacobean, Victorian, or Renaissance Revival style bar cabinet In the manner of Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 44"W x 16"D x 56.5"H. Very g...
Oak
Berkey and Gay Louis XVI Style Walnut Nightstand or Side Table
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in Doylestown, PA
Louis XVI style walnut side table or stand by Berkey and Gay, c. 1920. Stately table with a single dovetailed drawer with brass pull, fluted legs, cross stretcher and a finished bac...
Brass
Berkey & Gay Antique English Jacobean Ornate Carved Walnut Sideboard, 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional English Jacobean style sideboard buffet or credenza By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Ornate carved walnut, with inlaid burl wood drawer fronts, and original brass h...
Brass
Berkey & Gay Antique Georgian Burled Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of six antique Georgian, Chippendale, or Queen Anne style dining chairs By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Carved burled walnut frames, with brass studded leather...
Brass
Antique Berkey And Gay Kittinger School Carved Walnut Trestle Table C1930
By Kittinger, Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Berkey & Gay or Kittinger Style Carved Walnut Trestle Dining Table & Four Leaves C1930 Measu...
Walnut
Berkey & Gay Antique Georgian Burled Walnut Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Chippendale or Georgian style breakfront bookcase cabinet or dining cabinet By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Gorgeous book-matched burled walnut, with mulli...
Brass
Berkey & Gay Antique Victorian Carved Oak Curved Glass Bookcase, Circa 1900
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Victorian, American Empire, or Arts & Crafts bookcase, dining cabinet, or display cabinet By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1900 Beautiful quarter sawn oak, with c...
Brass
Berkey & Gay Antique English Jacobean Carved Walnut Bookcase, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique English Jacobean style bookcase, china hutch, or bar cabinet By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Carved walnut, with burl wood panels, and original brass hardw...
Brass
Berkey & Gay Antique Georgian Burled Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of four antique Georgian, Chippendale, or Queen Anne style dining chairs By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Carved burled walnut frames, with brass studded leathe...
Brass
Berkey & Gay Antique Georgian Burled Walnut Side Chairs or Dining Chairs, Pair
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of antique Georgian, Chippendale, or Queen Anne style side chairs or dining chairs By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Carved burled walnut frames, with brass stu...
Brass
Berkey & Gay Antique Georgian Burled Walnut Armchairs, Pair
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of antique Georgian, Chippendale, or Queen Anne style armchairs or dining captain chairs By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Carved burled walnut frames, with bra...
Brass
Antique Vanity Dresser Mirror
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Vanity Dresser Mirror, Painted oakwood with original wood color blending through, by faux or age. Signed underside Berkey & Gay Furniture With...
Oak
Berkey & Gay Antique Victorian Carved Oak Bookcase, Circa 1890s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful antique Victorian, American Empire, or Arts & Crafts bow front bookcase, china cabinet, or display cabinet By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1890s Carved quarter sawn oak, wi...
Mirror, Oak
H 30.12 in W 54.34 in D 41.93 in
Antique English Victorian Double Sided Oak Twin Pedestal 18 Drawer Kneehole Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning circa 1880 Victorian English oak antique knee hole 18 drawer desk A wonderful desk, ...
Leather, Oak
H 81.89 in W 41.74 in D 26.58 in
Hand Painted Victorian Distressed Green Dresser Bookcase or Kitchen Cupboard
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very well made hand painted distressed Victorian kitchen cupboard with bookcase top, cupboard base a...
Oak
H 82.68 in W 41.74 in D 16.34 in
Lovely Antique Victorian Hardwood Hand Painted Cupboard or Library Bookcase
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this very well made solid mahogany hand painted cupboard with library bookcase top A very well made circa 1880 piece of English country house furniture. This can be used as a kitchen pot cupboard or as a library bookcase with cupboard...
Hardwood
H 33 in W 15.5 in D 5.25 in
Antique English Jacobean Revival Carved Oak Hanging Display Cabinet
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Crafted during the late Victorian period, this handsome English Jacobean Revival hanging cabinet showcases richly carved oak construction with an architectural broken-scroll crest ce...
Wood
H 59 in W 60 in D 14 in
Antique English Jacobean Bookcase Bookshelf Cabinet Triple Glass Door Oak c1930s
Located in Tyler, TX
BEAUTIFUL Antique English Jacobean Oak Bookcase or Display Cabinet with Triple Glass Doors ~~c. 1930s ~~PERFECT for your favorite antique books or collectibles~~flat top for additio...
Glass, Oak
H 24.41 in W 28.35 in D 18.12 in
Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo and Parquetry Cabinet Cupboard C.1970
By Dixie
Located in London, GB
Chinoiserie faux bamboo and parquetry campaign style cabinet cupboard, Circa 1970. In very good vintage condition commensurate of age. Patination to the brass detailing and small pi...
Brass
H 71.66 in W 33.27 in D 16.15 in
Hand Painted Antique Victorian circa 1860 Pine Kitchen Pot Cupboard Bookcase
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning highly collectable hand painted duck egg blue Victorian pine pot cupboard or bookcase A very charming and highly collectable piece...
Pine
H 41.34 in W 42.33 in D 19.49 in
Antique 19th century warm brown English Oak Georgian Slant-Front Desk
Located in Casteren, NL
This English slant-front secretary desk, crafted around 1800, is a fine example of late Georgian furniture (circa 1760–1820). This style is characterized by restrained elegance, clean lines, and refined craftsmanship, combining practicality with aesthetic balance. The desk is made entirely of solid European summer oak—an unmistakable mark of quality, especially since similar desks often feature pine for their interior components. The warm, deep brown color, rich patina, and soft sheen give the piece a distinctive and authentic character. The fall-front is a flat panel fitted with its original brass escutcheon and a working lock. When opened, the writing surface is supported by the two outer top drawers, creating a stable and spacious workspace. The interior is beautifully arranged: directly behind the writing surface lies a recessed well, and behind it a central compartment enclosed by a door, complete with matching working lock and key. Flanking this central section are six small drawers, with open pigeonholes positioned above them, tucked beneath a finely scalloped valance—an elegant layout for organizing correspondence and writing tools. The construction reveals traditional craftsmanship, including exposed dovetail joints connecting the sides to the top. The drawers are fitted with finely pierced brass hardware, and all locks—on the drawers, fall-front, and interior compartment—operate with a single original key, a rare and telling detail of the desk’s authenticity. The piece stands on classic bracket feet, typical of the period. The desk is in excellent condition with no defects. It was gently cleaned and treated with a fresh layer of protective wax in our workshop. This graceful historic desk...
Brass
H 59.75 in W 40 in D 14 in
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere, probably American, circa 1950s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bookcase, etagere, or display case. The collection of Japanese bronzes se...
Brass
H 47.45 in W 33.47 in D 11.03 in
Oak Art Deco Modernist Open Bookcase, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Deco Modernist open bookcase. Striking Dutch design from the 1920s. Solid oak and original oak veneered base with original macassar ebony veneer. In very goo...
Macassar, Oak
H 44 in W 33.5 in D 14.5 in
Italian Painted and Giltwood Chinoiserie Cabinet
By Ico Parisi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Paolo Buffa, Vittorio Dassi, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Houston, TX
Italian painted and giltwood chinoiserie cabinet. Stunning versatile Italian painted and gilt wood chinoiserie 2-door cabinet, bookcase, bar or cu...
Wood
H 62.75 in W 34.25 in D 11.5 in
Antique Walnut Globe-Wernicke 4 Stack Lawyer's Bookcase c.1920
By Globe Wernicke
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original early 20th century modular 4 stack lawyer's bookcase. Solid walnut with oak interior, brass knobs, metal straps and glass doors that open and slide in from the top...
Brass
H 72 in W 48 in D 23 in
Berkey & Gay Antique Jacobean Carved Mahogany Dresser With Mirror, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique English Jacobean or Victorian style carved mahogany vanity dresser with mirror By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 48"W x 23"D x 72"H. Table height: 37.7...
Mirror, Mahogany
H 50.25 in W 27 in D 17.75 in
Berkey & Gay Antique English Jacobean Bar Cabinet, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous English Jacobean or Tudor style lift top bar or liquor cabinet By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Ornate carved walnut, in original cream painted finish. Measures: 27"W ...
Walnut, Paint
H 73 in W 40.28 in D 16 in
Berkey & Gay Antique Georgian Mahogany Bookcase or Bar Cabinet, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Georgian or Chippendale style bookcase, dining cabinet, or bar cabinet By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Carved flame mahogany and burl wood, with mullioned ...
Brass
H 69.5 in W 44.5 in D 15.5 in
Berkey & Gay Antique Venetian Hand Painted Bookcase or Bar Cabinet, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique English William and Mary Venetian style bookcase, dining cabinet, or bar cabinet By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Carved walnut case, with hand painted Ital...
Walnut, Lacquer
H 46 in W 40.25 in D 22 in
Berkey & Gay Antique French Regency Louis XVI Carved Mahogany and Walnut Dresser
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique French Regency Louis XVI style highboy dresser or chest of drawers By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Beautiful carved walnut, with book-matched mahogany and burl...
Brass
H 67.5 in W 54 in D 20.75 in
Berkey & Gay Antique French Regency Louis XVI Walnut and Mahogany Vanity Dresser
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique French Regency Louis XVI style vanity dresser with tri-fold mirror By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Carved walnut, with inlaid mahogany and burled walnut, and o...
Brass
H 39 in W 26 in D 1.25 in
Berkey & Gay Antique Georgian Burled Walnut Framed Wall Mirror, Circa 1920s
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish traditional Georgian, Chippendale, or Regency style carved burled walnut framed wall mirror By Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 26W x 1.25"D x 39"H. Good ori...
Mirror, Walnut, Burl
H 36 in W 48 in D 23.25 in
English Jacobean Style Mahogany Sideboard Cabinet by Berkey & Gay
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Mahogany, Patinated Brass Hardware Style: English Jacobean This English Jacobean style mahogany sideboard cabinet by Berkey & Gay,...
Brass
H 31.75 in W 72 in D 40 in
1930’s Carved Renaissance Oak Partner Desk by Berkey & Gay with Ten Drawers
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in the United States circa 1930, this impressive 6-foot oak partner desk is a fine example of the Renaissance Revival style and the quality craftsmanship for which the Berkey...
Oak
H 80 in W 22.75 in D 16.75 in
Antique Berkey & Gay Renaissance Revival Ebonized & Carved Walnut Shaving Stand
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Berkey & Gay Renaissance Revival Ebonized & Carved Walnut Shaving Stand with Mirror...
Marble
H 35 in W 45 in D 19 in
Berkey And Gay Classical One Drawer Server
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Great Quality Berkey And Gay Classical One Drawer Server in mahogany and walnut. Features a Single drawer with nicely detailed veneer. with dove tail joinery. Serpentine shaped shel...
Mahogany, Walnut
H 4 in W 15 in D 11.5 in
Berkey & Gay Furniture Mahogany Empire Rectangular Very Low Footstool Ottoman
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Berkey & Gay Furniture Mahogany Empire Rectangular Very Low Footstool Ottoman. Item features solid mahogany wood frame, carved bun feet, original label, ...
Mahogany