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Brown Saltman Rocking Chairs

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.

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Creator: Brown Saltman
Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman Steel and Walnut Mid-century Rocking Chair
Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman Steel and Walnut Mid-century Rocking Chair

Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman Steel and Walnut Mid-century Rocking Chair

$4,600

Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman Steel and Walnut Mid-century Rocking Chair

By Brown Saltman, Gerald McCabe

Located in Oakland, CA

Rocking chair designed by California designer Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman c.1960. The sling seat is upholstered in the original channel backed black vinyl, which slips onto a rou...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Rocking Chairs

Materials

Chrome

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Brown Saltman rocking chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Brown Saltman rocking chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Brown Saltman rocking chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original rocking chairs by Brown Saltman were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider rocking chairs by Selig, Charles Eames, and Charles and Ray Eames. Prices for Brown Saltman rocking chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,600 and can go as high as $3,600, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,600.

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