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.
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
$4,312Sale 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
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
Disco Burl Cabinet Nightstand by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful very over-built cabinet nightstand. Marked on back on paper tag; J. Stuart, Sauterne 4-62. Overall W 27.25 x D 18.25 x H 24 in Cubby W 22.75 x D 16.5 x H 14.75 in Drawer W...
Brass
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
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
Mid Century Modern Walnut Bar Cart by John Kapel for Jon Stuart
By John Stuart, John Kapel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern John Kapel for Glenn of California Drop Leaf Expandable Bar Cart by John Stuart. Walnut with black formica top surface. The cart has two cabinet doors and one top ...
Brass
On Hold|$4,108
H 24.02 in W 27.56 in D 18.12 in
Small Biedermeier-Style Walnut Half Cabinet, circa 1920
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A beautifully crafted Biedermeier-style half cabinet made around 1920, featuring exceptional walnut veneer in symmetrical bookmatched patterns. The chevron parquetry and contrasting ...
Walnut, Spruce
$1,634
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
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
$4,295
H 33.25 in W 72 in D 20.25 in
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
$5,139Sale Price|26% Off
H 35.04 in W 35.04 in D 18.12 in
Biedermeier Half Cabinet, Cherrywood, Neoclassical Design, Circa 1820
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This Biedermeier half cabinet dates from around 1820 and is made of solid cherrywood. The piece follows a restrained neoclassical design with clear lines, balanced proportions and an...
Spruce, Cherry
Vintage French Brass Etagere Display Cabinet
Located in London, GB
An extremely stylish and very well made vintage French brass etagere display cabinet. This was made in France, it dates from the 1970’s. The quality is outstanding, this is sturdy y...
Brass
Hepplewhite Style Mahogany Demilune Cabinet by Leighton Hall
By Leighton Hall Furniture
Located in Suwanee, GA
This is a new traditional mahogany Demilune two door cabinet. It’s design was inspired by the Hepplewhite cabinets from the Regency period and features a classic Hepplewhite demilune...
Mahogany
$1,137Sale Price|40% Off
H 75 in W 14.25 in D 29.5 in
Mid-century Rattan Etagere Display Curio Cabinet w/ Mahogany Shelfs
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired high-style rattan étagère showcasing four open shelves and a bottom two-door cabinet with two interior shelves for added storage. The c...
Wicker, Rattan
Salvador Corona Hand Painted Cabinet, Mexico / Tucson, 1940s, Signed
By Salvador Corona
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beutiful Salvador Corona hand painted and signed cabinet with drawers, Mexico / Tucson, 1940s. Good original condition with honest attractive wear.
Wood
Tall Mid-century Highboy Walnut Dresser by John Stuart Inc
By John Stuart Inc.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This tall midcentury dresser by John Stuart Inc. features warm walnut tones accented by aluminium trim and chrome drawer pulls. This substantial mid-ce...
Chrome
$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
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 John Stuart, Milo Baughman
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, George Nelson, Florence Knoll
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 Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company, 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 John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Co.
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 John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Co.
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 Ramseur Furniture Company, John Stuart Inc., Paul McCobb, John Stuart
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 John Stuart, Hvidt & Mølgaard, Ole Wanscher
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