James Mont’s life as an unmistakably talented furniture designer and interior decorator could fill the pages of a best-selling novel or be reimagined as a Hollywood feature film. From the 1930s through the 1960s, Tinseltown’s glitterati and Manhattan’s Mafia underworld coveted his sofas, coffee tables and table lamps.
Mont was born Demetrios Pecintoglu in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1904 to a family of artists. He reportedly studied architecture and art in Spain and France, and during the 1920s, Mont immigrated with his family to the United States.
Mont and his family settled in New York, where he found work in a Brooklyn electrical supply shop. There he sold hardware and designed his own lighting fixtures. The latter caught the eye of a gangster named Frankie Yale, who commissioned him to refurnish his house. Mont’s opulent designs drew on Art Deco, Hollywood Regency and were occasionally marked by chinoiserie, then a very popular trend in decorating. He created the kind of low-profile side tables and sofas that are frequently associated with mid-century modernism, and he is credited today with helping popularize the integration of Asian influences in modern American design.
Mont soon attracted New York City’s most infamous crime bosses, including Charles “Lucky” Luciano and Frank Costello. For a range of mobsters, he created fashionable, functional and sophisticated pieces such as collapsible home bars that would fold down and out of view — a particularly convenient feature during Prohibition — and tables and desks with secret drawers, which were also handy to Mont’s shady clientele.
“You bought a bar from him, and he would also deliver booze in a baby carriage,” antiques dealer and furniture retailer Todd Merrill told New York about Mont in 2008.
Mont designed a room for the World’s Fair in 1939 and later befriended Hollywood celebrities such as Bob Hope, who was best man at his wedding, Irving Berlin and Lana Turner. During the 1940s and ‘50s, Mont continued designing furniture, mastering finishing techniques such as lacquering and incorporating a distinctive “leafing” print effect with silver and gold into his pieces.
Mont’s designs enjoyed a resurgence in the 1990s, and his pieces continue to be sought after by collectors.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage James Mont sideboards, tables and storage cabinets.
$11,200Sale Price|30% Off
James Mont Console Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Blonde polished lacquer console cabinet by James Mont (1904-1978), the father of "exotic modernism" who introduced "orientalis...
Wood
Mid-Century Sideboard in Black Lacquer with Greek Key Detail by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This 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, v...
Glass, Lacquer
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Hollywood Regency Sideboard Credenza by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Chic Art Deco, Hollywood Regency sideboard, credenza, server by noted master of the genre, James Mont. This example features a faux tortoise lacquered exterior, with unexpected ( exc...
Wood
Original James Mont Cabinet in Asian Style
By James Mont
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare cabinet by James Mont in chinoiserie style. Original black lacquer and red painted interior. Original gilded wood handles.
Mahogany
Signed James Mont Design Pagoda Cocktail Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Signed "James Mont Design" 1950's 'Chinese Modern' pagoda-form band rubbed black lacquered cocktail bar cabinet with mirror and red lacquer interior...
Wood
Signed James Mont Sideboard in Black Lacquer W/ Gilded Wood Pulls
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This 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...
Gold Leaf
$10,325Sale Price|30% Off
James Mont Console Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Grand scale console cabinet in hand rubbed black lacquer finish by James Mont (1904-1978), the "godfather of exotic modernism" who introduced "orientalism" into Americ...
Hardwood
$4,793
H 35.04 in W 46.07 in D 20.87 in
Art Deco Pear Wood Austrian Case Pieces Storage Cabinets Sideboard Credenza 1930
Located in Roma, Lazio
A beautiful patina characterizes the pear wood grain, enhanced by columns and feet lacquered in black shellac. Art Deco Austrian sideboard, all ven...
Pearwood
$7,500
H 32.5 in W 72.25 in D 20.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood and Black Lacquered Credenza by Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your interior with this stunning mid-century credenza, attributed to the legendary Milo Baughman and crafted by Directional in the United States during the 1970s. This except...
Burl, Lacquer
$18,455 / set
H 37.41 in W 48.43 in D 17.33 in
Pair of Consoles China Cabinet, Model, 232 by Borge Mogensen Prod, FDB Mobler
By FDB Møbler
Located in Roma, RM
Pair of consoles China cabinet - Model, 232 by Borge Mogensen Prod. FDB Mobler. Made of oak wood with 1960s brass details. Container unit with customizable internal shelves and drawers.
Brass
$49,900Sale Price|23% Off
H 62 in W 83.5 in D 22 in
Important Cerused Oak Sideboard by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This important piece of design history was not only designed by Vladimir Kagan and handcrafted by Kagan-Dreyfuss in circa 1949 New York... this was also owned by Kagan himself and kept throughout his entire adult life (see provenance notes below). Each of the two pieces (lower credenza and upper dry bar / hutch) are signed on the back with Kagan-Dreyfuss New York stamps. The expansive size provides exceptional storage and use options. Kagan-Dreyfuss (Vladimir Kagan's partnership with Hugo Dreyfuss from circa 1950-1960) stamped pieces are amongst the most sought after by collectors and investors of art and design. Furniture with Kagan-Dreyfuss stamps are extremely hard to find and demand exceptional value, and this credenza with hutch is double stamped (one on each piece). Featuring a cerused oak exterior, with tambour doors on the lower credenza, sculpted handles (which slide to reveal a keyhole, no key is present however can be rekeyed) on the upper hutch...
Glass, Mirror, Formica, Oak
Matching Teak Cabinets
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of mid-century office cabinets in teak wood. Great for modern home or office storage. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Teak
Mae Credenza, Sideboard by Crump and Kwash
By Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Mae Credenza by Crump and Kwash Solid wood case / hand-turned legs / hand rubbed oil finish / solid brass pulls / premium, full extension, soft close ...
Brass
$11,700
H 30 in W 104.5 in D 18.5 in
Milo Baughman Style, Modern, Sideboard, White, Black Lacquered Wood, 1970s
By Milo Baughman
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modernist long black and white lacquered credenza sideboard cabinet. In the manner of Tommi Parzinger or Milo Baughman this fine custom quality cabinet has four drawers f...
Metal
James Mont Style Cabinet, circa 1960s
By James Mont
Located in St. Louis, MO
1960s James Mont style small sideboard, cabinet or credenza shown in original grey / charcoal finish with gilt exuberant Hollywood Regency medallions ...
$11,474Sale Price|38% Off
H 86.62 in W 110.24 in D 22.84 in
Italian Mid-Century Sideboard with Mirror by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful sideboard with mirror in the style of Paolo Buffa, 1950s. The piece is really rare and important. The sideboard cabinet is supported by two major foot socks with bronze. Ha...
Wood
$2,667Sale Price|20% Off
H 35.44 in W 59.06 in D 18.12 in
Mid-Century Modern Teak Sideboard with Brass Details
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Madrid, ES
Sideboard made of teak wood with sliding doors and brass details. The brass details between the cabinet body and the feet give the sideboard a floating look. Manufactured and labeled...
Brass
$9,537Sale Price|30% Off
H 48.04 in W 64.97 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Italian Credenza Black Lacquer Brass Details by Vittorio Dassi 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Salzburg, AT
Elegant four-door sideboard - mid-century credenza, attributed to Vittorio Dassi, Italy. (Vittorio Dassi 1893-1973) Sycamore solid wood lacquered in high gloss black, the top of the ...
Brass
$4,495
H 34.25 in W 60 in D 18.13 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Minimalist Mid-Century Modern sliding door sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacque...
Maple, Lacquer
James Mont Cerused Oak Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
The cabinet has been completely restored in a weathered cerused oak finish. The wonderful Trapezoid doors open to a single adjustable shelf with the branded JAMES MONT Signature.
Wood
Caryatid Cabinet by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Stunning caryatid cabinet by James Mont The cabinet has been Newly restored in a gilt leaf finish with a Red under glazed rub and is flanked by Caryatid figures on either side of th...
Gold Leaf
Beautiful Red Lacquered Cabinet by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful red lacquered cabinet by James Mont. The cabinet has been Newly refinished in a stunning high gloss red lacquer accented by gold leaf pulls. The ...
Gold Leaf
Sold
H 26 in W 82.25 in L 26 in
Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquer and Gold Leaf Sideboard Signed by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
His stunning and quintessentially Mid-Century Modern piece was designed by the illustrious American designer James Mont circa 1950. Mont was renowned for assimilating elements of cla...
Giltwood, Lacquer
Sold
H 77.25 in W 81.75 in L 77.25 in
Mid Century Modern Custom Cabinet in Black Lacquer and Gilt Signed by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and quintessentially Mid-Century Modern piece was designed by the illustrious American designer James Mont circa 1950. Mont was renowned for assimilating elements of cl...
Giltwood, Lacquer
Sold
H 40.5 in W 39.75 in D 17 in
Midcentury Pickled Oak and Kelly Green Lacquer Bar Cabinet Signed James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and quintessentially Mid-Century Modern bar cabinet was designed by the illustrious American designer James Mont circa 1950. Mont was renowned for assimilating elements...
Oak, Giltwood, Lacquer
Custom 1940s Stained Oak Cabinet by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A rare and early two-door cabinet designed by James Mont. The original finish to the open grained oak is a rich smoke color. I believe the finish is original as there are no signs of...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 27.5 in W 75.5 in D 19 in
James Mont Asian Pagoda Top Console Table or Sideboard Silver Gold Leaf
By James Mont
Located in Houston, TX
Signed James Mont Pagoda top console table or sideboard. The two tone gold and silver finish has a few issues on the top otherwise its in excellent c...
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
1950s Black Lacquer and Brass Cabinet Signed by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1950s black lacquered cabinet with brass pulls. The inside is red lacquered with one adjustable shelf and its signed on one-door James Mont Design.
Brass
Signed Originals by James Mont Credenza, 1940
By James Mont
Located in Hamburg, PA
A gorgeous credenza signed originals by James Mont restored black lacquer finish with gold giltwood accent pulls. Stamped interior drawer Dynasty Inc. This fine credenza has two draw...
Wood
Sold
H 77.25 in W 81.75 in D 15.25 in
Important and Stunning Custom Cabinet in Black Lacquer & Gilt by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and quintessentially Mid-Century Modern piece was designed by the illustrious American designer James Mont circa 1950. Mont was renowned for assimilating elements of cl...
Giltwood, Lacquer
Sold
H 32 in W 72 in D 18 in
Bleached Mahogany Sideboard or Buffet w. Bodhi Tree attributed to James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Hudson, NY
Asian inspired sideboard. Bodhi tree carved pulls. Three drawers, two shelves and three concealed drawers. Stunning heavy and unique piece.
Mahogany