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Brown Saltman

American

The enduring modern design legacy of Brown Saltman was born from the collaboration between designer Paul Frankl and furniture manufacturer David Saltman. Together, they created stunning mid-century modern solid wood furniture with Art Deco influences. Brown Saltman side tables, cocktail tables and credenzas are known for their thoughtful designs and exquisite details.

Frankl was a leading American designer who came to prominence in the 1930s by making rattan furniture for Hollywood stars. However, he dreamed of bringing his designs to the public. That chance came in 1939, when he met Saltman at a party. Saltman was the head of the Los Angeles-based Brown Saltman, which, at the time, specialized in furniture reproductions. 

He asked Frankl to create a furniture line, which was released in 1941. It was a hit, with sales exceeding expectations. Frankl quickly started work on a new line for mass production. It featured simplified designs and less expensive materials like combed wood and textured plywood. This line was even more successful, and Frankl started on a third.

In 1942, Frankl and Saltman signed an extended contract to continue their collaboration. However, Saltman died in a traffic accident the next day. World War II also brought Brown Saltman production to a standstill. After the war ended, Frankl decided not to renew his contract. 

Brown Saltman partnered with many other designers over the years. A walnut sideboard by Van Keppel-Green for Brown Saltman was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s 1950-51 Good Design exhibition. Architect and interior designer Paul Laszlo also designed a commercial furniture line for the company in the 1950s.

Brown Saltman dissolved in 1960, but its well-built and beautifully designed furniture remains in high demand today.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Brown Saltman tables, storage cabinets, seating and more.

Average Sold Price
$3,693
Styles
Materials
Related Creators
Rare Desk with Chair by Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman
Located in Torrance, CA
Brown Saltman, desk with chair, wood, United States, circa 1940s A cubist desk with chair. This set holds a similar idiom with clear forms and lines. Both the chair and the desk ...
Category

1940s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman

Materials

Wood

Rare Desk with Chair by Brown Saltman
Rare Desk with Chair by Brown Saltman
H 31.3 in W 19.69 in D 25.2 in
Camel Table by Hendrik Van Keppel and Taylor Green for Brown Saltman, 1950s
By Brown Saltman
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic furniture design. Cocktail coffee table or dining table? Created during a revolutionary era of design and more Classic and current than ever, ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of End Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman of California
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of early Brown Saltman of California teak end tables with brass details designed by John Keal, circa 1950s. These tables can be used as side tabl...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman

Materials

Brass

Large Hexagon Coffee Table by Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible rare large hexagon coffee table by Brown Saltman, with a black textured top a finish that looks like glass. A walnut frame edge.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Nesting Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage set of three nesting side tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman in mahogany, circa 1950s. This versatile set features a rounded edge detail that taper into the legs complete ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman

Materials

Mahogany

Brown and Saltman Set of Three End Side Tables in Dark Oiled Walnut Art Tile Top
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 3 Brown and Saltman end coffee side occasional tables stands in dark oiled walnut with art tile top.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman

Materials

Art Glass, Walnut

Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Ebonized Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern ebonized mahogany 21-drawer "Treasure Chest" long dresser or credenza By Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman USA, 1950s Measures: 74" W x...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Saltman

Materials

Mahogany

Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman Steel and Walnut Rocking Chair
By Brown Saltman, Gerald McCabe
Located in Oakland, CA
Rocking chair designed by California designer Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman, circa 1960. The sling seat is upholstered in the original channel backed black vinyl, which slips onto ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman

Materials

Steel, Other

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Brown Saltman furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Brown Saltman furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original furniture by Brown Saltman were created in the Art Deco style in united states during the 18th century and earlier. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Calvin, John Keal, and Richard Schultz. Prices for Brown Saltman furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $950 and can go as high as $950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $950.

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