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.
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
$6,396Sale 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
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
Striking Restored Pair of Art Deco Cabinets by John Stuart, circa 1940
By John Stuart
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent commodes are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. ...
Mahogany
Renzo Rutili for John Stuart/Johnson Furniture Large Sideboard in Walnut
By John Stuart, Renzo Rutili
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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Cube Shape Compact Liquor Cabinet End Table Espresso Finish
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern espresso finish cube shape compact liquor cabinet with white laminate pull out tray by John Stuart.
Walnut
$1,147
H 31.3 in W 29.93 in D 11.03 in
Luxury Hardwood Vintage Two Drawer Dwarf Library Bookcase Sideboard Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand made in England vintage mahogany open library bookcase with twin drawers This piece is in good used condition, the drawers run ...
Hardwood
$3,297Sale Price / set|45% Off
H 29.5 in W 33 in D 16 in
Pair of 1970s Chrome Accent John Stuart Hickory Bachelors Chests
By John Stuart Inc., George Nelson
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Masterfully crafted and preserved vintage 1970s bachelors chests by John Stuart Inc.. We were lucky enough to purchase these pieces from a time capsule estate outfitted with premium...
Chrome
$4,760Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 61 in W 30 in D 13 in
Pair Of Custom Handmade Arts & Crafts Style Solid Oak Bookcases Cum Cabinets
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Warm Oak patina and excellent hand crafted details create a refined air about these special bookcases. Uncompromisingly made from solid wood with excellent hardware and strong shelve...
Oak
$10,400 / item
H 86 in W 67 in D 18.25 in
Mahogany Georgian Style Four Door Bookcase China Cabinet by Leighton Hall
By Leighton Hall Furniture
Located in Suwanee, GA
This a traditional mahogany breakfront bookcase or china cabinet with four doors by Leighton Hall. It features four bottom doors with swirly crotch mahogany fields and straight grain mahogany borders. The top four doors feature grills with individually paned glass. The drawers are masterfully dovetailed and the drawer boxes are made of oak. The hardware is solid brass. The cabinet has dimmable lighting and mortised door locks. Each section has multiple adjustable 3/8 in. glass shelves. It has a hand rubbed satin finish. This cabinet is an excellent compliment to our custom mahogany dining tables...
Mahogany
Aldo Tura Goatskin Books Bar Cabinet
By Aldo Tura
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful sculptural bar cabinet made by Aldo Tura in the 1960s. The Trompe l'oeil painted goatskin surface seems in a three-dimensional book shelf based on a tanned pearwood x base....
Goatskin, Mirror, Pearwood
$5,500 / set
H 32.5 in W 36.5 in D 21 in
Pair of Refinished John Clingman for Widdicomb Bachelors Chests Walnut & Brass
By John Widdicomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by John Clingman, this line of furniture was produced by John Widdicomb. Made with solid walnut panels throughout, these dressers have been refi...
Brass
$1,636
H 51.19 in W 49.22 in D 18.12 in
Restored Art Deco Cabinet, by J. Halabala, UP Zavody, Satin Wood, Czech, 1940s
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This exceptional Art Deco cabinet originates from Czechoslovakia from the 1940s. It is a masterpiece designed by the legendary Jindřich Halabala for UP závody, characterized by timel...
Wood, Lacquer, Satinwood
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 72 in D 19 in
Mount Airy Janus Mid Century Walnut 14 Drawer Lowboy Dresser Credenza Beautiful
By Mount Airy Furniture Company, Janus Collection
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Walnut 14 Drawer Dresser Credenza by Mount Airy part of the Janus collection. Beautiful walnut woodgrain. Made in USA circa 1960. Located...
Walnut
$3,650
H 27.5 in W 52 in D 13 in
Renzo Rutili for Johnson Furniture Co. 1950s Low X Form Two Shelf Bookcase
By Johnson Furniture Company, Renzo Rutili
Located in St. Louis, MO
1950s Mid-Century Modern Renzo Rutili for Johnson Furniture Co. low form shelving unit or bookcase with stylized X form ends on round bun feet. In the style of Edward Wormley for D...
Cherry
$3,500Sale Price|50% Off
H 99 in W 55 in D 19 in
Monumental Antique English Victorian Mahogany Etagere Display Curio Cabinet
Located in Dayton, OH
A one of a kind antique Late Victorian English etagere curio display cabinet. Made from carved mahogany featuring ornate serpentine form with Neoclassica...
Glass, Mirror, Mahogany
Pair of Dutch Neoclassic Satinwood and Japanned Cabinets
Located in Essex, MA
Each with rectangular tops with rosewood banding, canted corners over a pair of doors each with green chinoiserie decorated doors and dividers. One shelf. Raised on square tapered ...
Satinwood, Lacquer
Mount Airy Janus Mid Century Walnut 8 Drawer Dresser
By Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mount Airy Janus mid century walnut 8 drawer dresser This dresser measures: 59.75 wide x 19 deep x 31.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored ...
Walnut
Sold
H 26.5 in W 108 in D 18.5 in
Rare Long & Low Walnut Tambour Media Cabinet Attr. Milo Baughman for John Stuart
By Milo Baughman, John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
As the field of Mid-Century Modern has evolved, its public perception has changed a lot. From the mid-1980s into the early 2000s, MCM fell out of favor with the general population al...
Laminate, Rosewood, Walnut
John Stuart Cabinet with Exoskeleton Style, USA, circa 1950s
By John Stuart
Located in Norwalk, CT
Handsome cabinet by John Stuart featuring exoskeleton style leg columns. This example features two wide drawers above a sliding door cabinet with shelf...
Wood
Sold
H 70 in W 19 in D 72 in
Mid-Century China Cabinet from Janus Collection by John Stuart for Mt Airy
By John Stuart, Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Mid-Century Modern china cabinet from the Janus collection by Mt. Airy Furniture features hardwood construction, walnut veneer with original ...
Walnut
Mid century modern walnut chrome style of Knoll credenza cabinet
By John Stuart, Florence Knoll, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century modern walnut chrome style of Florence Knoll or George Nelson Thin Edge credenza/cabinet. It is a 75” long walnut credenza...
Chrome
Sold
H 32 in W 78 in D 19 in
John Stuart Mid-Century Modern Sideboard Credenza in Walnut, Cane, and Brass
By John Stuart
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet. By John Stuart. USA, Circa 1960s. Walnut, with caned panels and brass accents. Measures: 78"W x 19"D x ...
Brass
Sold
H 90.25 in W 54.25 in D 24.5 in
Mahogany Breakfront Cabinet by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, 1940s, Signed
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl, John Stuart
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic 1940s breakfront cabinet was designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture and retailed by John Stuart. Crafted from Mahogany and newl...
Nickel
Sold
H 32.25 in W 38.5 in D 19 in
John Stuart Hollywood Regency Walnut and Burl Wood Buffet Server or Bar Cabinet
By Johnson Furniture Co., John Stuart
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding mid-century Hollywood Regency buffet server, compact credenza, or bar cabinet Produced by Johnson Furniture for John Stuart USA, Circa 1960s Book-matched waln...
Brass
Sold
H 32.25 in W 38.5 in D 19 in
John Stuart Hollywood Regency Walnut and Burl Wood Servers or Bar Cabinets, Pair
By Johnson Furniture Co., John Stuart
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of mid-century Hollywood Regency buffet servers, compact credenzas, or bar cabinets Produced by Johnson Furniture for John Stuart USA, circa 1960s Book-m...
Brass
Floating Mid-Century Modern Dresser for John Stuart
By Paul McCobb, John Stuart, John Stuart Inc., Ramseur Furniture Company
Located in New Windsor, NY
Classy dresser cabinet for John Stuart with brass hardware and trim. "Floating" four drawer cabinet with flanking door with fixed interior shelf. The cabinet is supported by four blo...
Brass
John Stuart Mid-Century Modern Chest with Metal Inlay
By John Stuart
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers by John Stuart. Composed of cherrywood with Fine detailed nickel inlay and hardware. This cabinet was manufactured, circa 1970s in the USA, Grand ...
Metal
Sold
H 37.13 in W 35.5 in D 10.75 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart Solid Teak Bookcase Cabinet
By Ole Wanscher, John Stuart, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart. True solid teak, no plywood or MDF (except for shelves and back panel). The finger joinery is clearly visible from a ...
Teak
Sold
H 67 in W 35.63 in D 18.88 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mørlgaard for John Stuart Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Cabinet
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart
Located in Shippensburg, PA
With the exposed finger-joinery and the distinctive sculpted teak pulls signature to Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen’s designs, this two-part bookcase-over-cabinet is a powerfu...
Teak