Grand Rapids, Michigan, was once known as “Furniture City” for its local mass-production industry that flourished from the mid-19th century into the early 20th century, led by furniture manufacturers like John Stuart. Stuart’s eponymous company, which would build showrooms in New York and Philadelphia, designed and sold elegant reproductions of various furniture styles, including 18th-century French and English furniture as well as what we now call mid-century modern home furnishings built by European craftsmen in the entrepreneur’s Grand Rapids factory.
In 1845, a British cabinetmaker named George Widdicomb arrived in New York before moving to Grand Rapids. There he set up a small cabinet shop in 1857 with a dozen craftsmen, including his son John Widdicomb. The store quickly found success due to Widdicomb’s English training and the dearth of other quality furniture makers in the region. Toward the end of the 19th century, Grand Rapids had earned an international reputation as a leader of American furniture manufacturing, and while the Widdicomb family would navigate some difficulty after the Civil War, they emerged anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, and then the Widdicomb Furniture Company. Widdicomb’s son started his own company in 1897, the John Widdicomb Company, and in 1929, the Grand Rapids–born John Stuart joined the company as a director.
Stuart, who had been in the furniture industry since 1913, was named president of John Widdicomb Company in the early 1940s and by then had formed John Stuart, Inc., with partner Herbert M. Rothschild. John Stuart, Inc.’s offerings included oak buffets and other dining-room furnishings crafted in the Tudor and Elizabethan styles, with cabinet doors and drawer fronts characterized by meticulously carved natural-world motifs and other decorative flourishes. Stuart also oversaw the design of reproductions of sophisticated walnut and mahogany Queen Anne side tables and dining chairs, with the latter marked by pronounced, vase-shaped curves in the back splats and cabriole legs. In 1952, the manufacturer and distributor’s founder sold the business, including the right to trade under his name, to the John Widdicomb Company.
Find a wide variety of vintage John Stuart furniture on 1stDibs.
Classic John Stuart Dresser Brass Hardware 1940's Elegant
By John Stuart
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Classic 1940's John Stuart four drawer dresser with elegant, mounted hardware. Heavy and well made. Signed with John Stuart and Grand Rapids labels. Featuring a typical 1940's scallo...
Birch
John Stuart Mid-century Three-Door Mahogany Cabinet/Sideboard/Credenza
By John Stuart
Located in San Francisco, CA
the handsome credenza by John Stuart with its simple, straightforward design constructed of richly-patinated and well-figured tiger mahogany; the rectangular top above a conforming b...
Mahogany
Mid Century John Stuart Buffet Server / Bar Cart. Circa 1960s.
By John Stuart
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century John Stuart Buffet Server / Bar Cart. Circa 1960s. Features a quintessential sleek Mid Century Modern Design, two side cabinets, a top drawer, a expandable white...
Formica, Wood
Pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Attr. for John Stuart Gentlemans/Bachelors Chests
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These wonderful dressers/bachelor's chests were probably designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings in the 1950s. Made by John Stuart, they each feature four large drawers with ornate brass ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Credenza Dresser by Bert England for John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous brutalist credenza or long dresser by Bert England for John Stuart. Bi fold doors open to reveal 8 total drawers and a shelf. Walnut mosaic panels which are framed. Marble top on 90 % front edge is walnut. Brass tubular base with walnut sabots. A true quality piece. Signed John Stuart. Has been refinished. All doors...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Mid-Century Milo Baughman for John Stuart Chrome Open Frame Bookcase
By John Stuart
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Milo Baughman for John Stuart chrome framed bookcase. Open design with adjustable shelves for versatility. Curbside to NYC/Philly $300
Chrome
John Stuart Georgian Burl Wood Drop Front Secretary Desk with Bookcase Hutch
By John Stuart
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian or Queen Anne style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top By John Stuart USA, circa 1960s Gorgeous burled walnut, with leather wr...
Brass
John Stuart Mid Century Walnut Desk
By John Stuart
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Stuart Mid Century Walnut Desk This desk measures: 60 wide x 30 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 28 inches We take our photos in a...
Chrome
John Stuart Burled Wood Dresser or Cabinet, 1970s, Restored
By John Stuart
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking example of 1970s American design, this vintage dresser or cabinet is crafted in beautifully figured burled wood and signed by John Stuart. The clean-lined rectangular form...
Wood
Magnificent Rare Modern Commode by John Stuart, circa 1940 - Pair Available
By John Stuart
Located in Atlanta, GA
This majestic commode has undergone a meticulous complete restoration. The chest may be re-lacquered in another Ben Moore color in advance of shipment, if so desired. A stellar ex...
Brass
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Mid Century Walnut 8 Drawer Dresser by Mount Airy Janus Collection
By Mount Airy Furniture Company, John Stuart
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing Mid-Century Modern dresser designed by John Stuart for Mount Airy "Janus Collection,” ( it has the label in the back and also in the drawer, it is shown in the pictures above...
Walnut
John Stuart Mid-Century Modern Walnut Triple Dresser or Credenza, Refinished
By John Stuart, Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern long dresser or credenza By John Stuart for Mount Airy, "Casalinda Collection" USA, 1960s Walnut, with original brass teardrop drawer pulls...
Brass
Danish Modern Teak Chest by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Soborg
By Soborg Mobler, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Teak Chest or Dresser, designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Soborg Mobler, Denmark and retailed by John Stuart of NYC, circa 1960s. Beautifully crafted o...
Metal
Pair John Stuart White Wash Beveled Glass MidCentury Modern Tall Display Cabinet
By Drexel, John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of nice mid-century modern bleached or cerused chestnut wall units curio cabinets for John Stuart. Solid brass hardware. Interior cabinets lights.
Brass
Hollywood Regency Ebony Dresser or Chest, Paul Frankl / John Stuart, Refinished
By Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Stamford, CT
Hollywood Regency Ebony Dresser or Chest, Paul Frankl / John Stuart, Fully Refinished A spectacular gentlemen's chest designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart in a fine ebony recently lacquered finish having bronze X polished drawer pulls. The case having alternating sized drawers. Stamped by the designer. This piece having the finest lacquered finish possible. This chest having a matching dresser and matching pair of nightstands to make a complete bedroom set. All items sold separately, pictured below. 456-12, 12A and 12B. We can accompany this set with a matching bed...
Brass
Vintage John Stuart Campaign Wood Desk With White Lacquer, X-Chrome Base 70's
By West Michigan Furniture Co., John Stuart
Located in North Miami, FL
This newly restored vintage John Stuart campaign 2 drawer desk and or writing desk is white lacquered over wood with chrome handles and 2 X-frame ...
Chrome
Patchwork Credenza by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Denton, TX
Patchwork credenza / dresser by John Stuart. Newly refinished ebonized wood with brass legs. Tons of drawers for maximum storage.
Brass
John Stuart Campaign Mini Chest ca' 1960's Burl
By John Stuart
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A beautifully crafted mini two drawer chest, campaign style-with handles on the sides. Burl wood, finished on the back. Made in Spain for John Stuart, ca' 1960's.
Burl
1970's Brazilian Rosewood And Steel Desk/Dining table By John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 1970's mid-century modern Brazilian rosewood steel and lacquer desk or dining table by John Stuart, fully restored with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Steel
Pair of Black Lacquer Mahogany Mid-Century Modern Bachelor Chests
By John Stuart, George Nelson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern black lacquer mahogany bachelor chests dresser by John Stuart.
Mahogany
Exquisite Restored Vintage Greek Key Mahogany and Brass Commode by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Atlanta, GA
A breathtaking 12-drawer chest by John Stuart, circa 1960. Stout, expertly constructed mahogany case design with a handsome Greek Key foot detail. Heavy, stylish solid brass Greek Ke...
Brass
$5,596Sale Price / set|20% Off
Faux Goatskin Display Etagere Bar Cabinets by JOHN STUART
By John Stuart
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage 3 Piece Faux Goatskin Display Etagere Bar...
Glass, Wood
Compatible Pair Mid-Century Modern Dressers, Chests by Paul Frankl, John Stuart
By John Stuart, Paul Frankl
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair Mid-Century Modern Double dressers by Paul Frankl for John Stuart, Lacquer Highly compatible Set of two spectacular dressers designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart, recently f...
Brass, Chrome
Five Drawers Black Lacquer Mahogany High Chest Dresser by John Stuart
By Knoll, John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern five drawers black lacquer high chest dresser by John Stuart.
Mahogany
$5,700Sale Price / set|39% Off
Paul Frankl Dresser and Nightstand for Johnson Furniture, 1950s
By John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic 1950s ten-drawer double dresser and nightstand was designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture and retailed by John Stuart duri...
Metal
Hollywood Regency Ebony Dresser or Chest, Paul Frankl / John Stuart, Refinished
By Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Stamford, CT
Hollywood Regency ebony dresser or Chest, Paul Frankl / John Stuart, fully refinished. A spectacular dresser designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart in a fine ebony recently lacqu...
Brass
Magnificent Restored Vintage Streamline Moderne Commode by John Stuart, c 1935
By John Stuart
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite restored Streamline Moderne commode by John Stuart, circa 1935. Stout, expertly crafted Walnut case construction finished in black lacquer. The elegant bookmatched Blond...
Brass
Ebonized Walnut Large Gold Rings Drop Pulls 3 Drawer Bachelor Chest MINT!
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Harvey Probber, John Stuart, James Mont, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Ebonized Walnut Large Gold Rings Drop Pulls 3 Drawer Bachelor Chest MINT!
Brass
Peter Hvidt Solid Teak Bookcase Two Doors Chest of Drawers Cabinet Dowel Legs
By John Stuart, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Magnificent solid teak design cabinet by Peter Hvidt.
Teak
$3,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Exciting Pair John Stuart CasaLuda Collection Bachelors Chest Mid-Century Modern
By John Stuart
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful pair of bachelors chests designed by furniture designer John Stuart for the Casaluda Collection. We love the well carved concentric squares on the door fronts along with the antiqued brass drop...
Brass
Pair of Ebonized Mahogany Three Drawers Narrow Chests End Side Tables
By Knoll, John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern black lacquer three drawers large end tables or bachelor chests or drawers by John Stuart.
Mahogany
Mid Century Milo Baughman for John Stuart Chrome Frame Rosewood Bookcase
By John Stuart
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Milo Baughman for John Stuart chrome framed bookcase. Black Lacquer with Rosewood Doors. 2 rosewood doors with chrome handles open to shelved interi...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Credenza with Travertine Topper from John Stuart
By John Stuart, Bert England
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive midcentury credenza from John Stuart, designed by Bert England. A handsome piece with brutalist style panels lining the cabinet fronts. Hinged cabinet doors open to reveal...
Travertine, Brass
John Stuart French Regency Pink Lacquered Dresser Chest, Newly Refinished
By John Stuart
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding French Regency Louis XV style dresser or chest of drawers By John Stuart USA, Circa 1940s Pink lacquered mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measures: 46"W x 2...
Brass
Paul Frankl Mid Century Modern John Stuart Bedroom Set, Ebony Lacquer Refinished
By John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul Frankl Mid Century Modern John Stuart Bedroom Set, Ebony Lacquer Refinished One of a kind fully refinished bedroom set consisting of a dresser and a high chest. A simply stunning bedroom set fully refurbished and lacquered in a black Steinway piano...
Brass
Mid Century Modern John Stuart Book Matched Walnut 8 Drawer Double Dresser MINT!
By Harvey Probber, Dunbar Furniture, John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Modern John Stuart Book Matched Walnut 8 Drawer Double Dresser MINT!
Walnut
John Stuart Grand Rapids Faux Goatskin Dresser
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage John Stuart six-drawer dresser with brass pulls, rounded sides and faux goatskin finish. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Goatskin
Elegant Restored Pair of Modern Maple Chests by John Stuart, circa 1950
By John Stuart
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning restored pair of modern chests by John Stuart, circa 1950. The sleek clean design is clearly influenced by the Florence Knoll case production of the same period. Expertly ...
Maple
John Stuart Midcentury Highboy Walnut Dresser
By Johnson Furniture Co., John Stuart
Located in Baltimore, MD
Absolutely stunning Mid-Century Modern Highboy dresser designed by John Stuart for Johnson Furniture Co. in the United States, circa 1960s. Pure style and sophistication, featuring t...
Walnut
Dark Walnut Solid Brass Pulls Hardware Dresser
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Side by side three-drawer set and double doors compartment dresser credenza.
Brass
Pair John Stuart Refinished 3 Drawer Bachelor Chests Dressers W/ Long Brass Pull
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair John Stuart refinished 3 drawer bachelor chests dressers w/ long brass pulls.
Brass
John Stuart Casalinda Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza Triple Dresser
By John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
John Stuart Casalinda Collection for Mt Airy Furniture Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza Cabinet Triple Dresser. Item features 9 dovetailed ...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Chest/Desk, John Stuart, Paul Frankl Design
By John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid Century Modern Chest/Desk, John Stuart, Paul Frankl Design A recently white lacquered seven graduating drawer dresser or chest having an interior desk that folds down to reveal a 13 1/2 inch deep by 37 1/2 inch wide writing surface desk...
Chrome
John Stuart mid-century modern long burl walnut dresser credenza w/ Chrome bezel
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century modern 11 drawers burl walnut long cadenza w/ chrome bezel by John Stuart.
Chrome
John Stuart Midcentury Credenza
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage sliding door cabinet with brass trim and accents. Twelve total drawers make for a great bedroom dresser. (Please confirm ite...
Wood
Milo Baughman, Mid-Century Modern Dresser, Rosewood, Chrome, John Stuart, 1960s
By John Stuart, Milo Baughman
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Rosewood Dresser for John Stuart, Chrome Accent Fully refinished American mid-century dresser designed by Milo Baughman for John Stuart...
Chrome
John Stuart Walnut 4 Drawer Bachelor Chest Small Dresser
By Henredon, John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern John Stuart petit credenza 4 drawers bachelor chest dresser.
Walnut
John Stuart Twelve Drawer Dresser
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant twelve drawer dresser boasts iconic design by John Stuart in a rich natural walnut. Brass stretcher and unique drawer pulls add to t...
Walnut
Modern Lacquered Writing Desk with Brass Accents by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Dallas, TX
A timeless vintage piece, this midcentury writing desk feels glamourous, manufactured for John Stuart Inc. Adorning its exterior of glossy black lacquer, paired with bright brass acc...
Brass
Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Mid-Century Modern Rare Station Wagon Full Bedroom Set
By Johnson Furniture Co., John Stuart, Paul Frankl
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl for John Stuart complete 1950s bedroom set. Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. and retailed by John...
Brass
Seven Drawers Burl Wood Chrome Metal Bezel High Chest Dresser by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern burlwood chrome bezel and pulls high chest seven drawers dresser by John Stuart.
Chrome
Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Mid-Century Modern, Dresser, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Mid-Century Modern, Dresser, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s Fully refinished dresser designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart. This cabinet has 8 drawers in tota...
Brass
Milo Baughman Style Black Lacquer and Rosewood Dresser, Mid-Century Modern
By John Stuart, West Michigan Furniture Co.
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A long black lacquer and rosewood dresser in the style of Milo Baughman. Consists of six drawers with a center cabinet including three smaller drawers. Chrome trim and handles are c...
Chrome
John Kapel for Glenn of California Expandable Bar Cart Cabinet
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique Mid-Century bar cabinet features an expandable formica top with raised edges, spacious storage shelves, and a wide drawer for organizin...
Wood
John Stuart for Widdicomb Rosewood Chest
By John Stuart, John Widdicomb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Fine rosewood chest of drawers by John Stuart for John Widdicomb Co. This bedroom storage cabinet features sculptural carved palm-like columns and original brass hardware. Original J...
Brass
John Stuart for Mt. Airy “Janus Collection” Mid-Century Walnut Highboy Dresser
By John Stuart, Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional mid-century modern highboy dresser from the Janus Collection, designed by John Stuart for Mt. Airy Furniture Company. Crafted in beautiful walnut, this piece features a ...
Wood, Walnut
Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Mid-Century Modern, Dresser, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
By John Stuart, Paul Frankl
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Mid-Century Modern, Dresser, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s This fully refinished dresser designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart is a stunning piece. It featur...
Brass
Pair of Danish Mid-Century Cabinets by John Stuart, Circa 1950
By John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of mid-century two door Cabinets by John Stuart. Made in Denmark. Stamped in the back. 1950's.
Wood
Exquisite Bookmatched Elm and Mahogany Cabinet by John Stuart, circa 1940
By John Stuart
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent chest is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. A stunning cabinet by John Stuart, circa 1940. Expertly crafted Mahogany case construction with beautiful detail, front and side panels executed in Bookmatched Elm. Mahogany base and accents. The doors are marked with fabulous heavy solid brass hardware. An important piece designed to highlight and important area. From a time when the Lincoln Continental...
Brass
Renzo Rutili for John Stuart/Johnson Furniture Large Sideboard in Walnut
By Renzo Rutili, John Stuart
Located in Dallas, TX
We have fully restored this beautiful sideboard by Renzo Rutili for John Stuart/Johnson Furniture Company. The sideboard features three separate cabinets that rest in a single base. ...
Brass