Brown Saltman Dry Bars
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
Vintage MC Rare Bar Cabinet Station by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible and intelligent design by John Keal for Brown Saltman. This incredible vintage cabinet from the late 1950s transcends decades to amaze with intelligent design and purpose. On the outside, the cabinet is minimal and clean lined with two long sculpted decorative wood bars. Pull the decorative bars up until they lock, carefully let them fall forward and voila! It’s a table and built in bar...
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Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Basket Weave Front Double Door Cabinet
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Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman (signed) basket weave double door cabinet in American white oak newly refinished in dark walnut.
Originally this cabinet was blonde and contained GE Mu...
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Brown Saltman American Mid-Century Walnut Dry Bar Cabinet
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American Mid-Century walnut dry bar cabinet with a rectangular profile and two doors and a top that all slide outward to reveal an interior comp...
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Brown Saltman dry bars for sale on 1stDibs.
Brown Saltman dry bars 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 dry bars, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dry bars by Brown Saltman were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider dry bars by Dunbar, Tommi Parzinger, and Henredon. Prices for Brown Saltman dry bars can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,560 and can go as high as $8,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,550.