In the Widdicomb family, furniture ran in the blood. Furniture maker George Widdicomb emigrated from England to the United States in 1845, eventually setting up a cabinet shop in Syracuse, New York, before moving west to Grand Rapids, Michigan. There, he opened a shop with his four sons, including John Widdicomb, whose name would help carry the family legacy into the 20th century.
A wealth of pine and oak forests rendered Grand Rapids a logging center during the 1800s, and it eventually gained recognition for its furniture industry. The city became a destination for furniture makers who hailed from across the United States and beyond. The Widdicomb shop in Grand Rapids prospered, as the patriarch’s formal English training allowed him to produce pieces with superior craftsmanship compared to those of his competitors. Although the Civil War halted business and took the life of one of the Widdicomb brothers, the family’s survivors would start anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, soon renamed the Widdicomb Furniture Company.
John Widdicomb, however, split from the family business in 1897 to create the John Widdicomb Company, where he would go on to focus on Louis XV- and French Provincial-style furnishings. Chairs made in these styles have distinct characteristics, such as floral motifs carved in the frames and gently angled backrests. John's company also remained a family affair: The founder’s son, Harry, assumed control of the company when his father died in 1910, while John's nephew Ralph Widdicombe — who retained the English spelling of his last name and joined the John Widdicomb Company at its start — designed every single piece of the offerings at his uncle's manufacturing outfit until he retired in 1951. Ralph was an internationally distinguished furniture designer whose modern mahogany bedroom suite won first prize at the Paris Exposition in 1900.
The original iteration of Widdicomb, which was helmed by John's older brother William while John ran his own brand, had shifted from making period revival styles of furniture, such as Georgian and Chippendale, to manufacturing modern pieces in the late 1920s. Admirers of mid-century modern furnishings likely recognize Widdicomb for the partnerships with iconic designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Mario Buatta. In 1959, master woodworker George Nakashima created his Origins collection for Widdicomb when the firm merged with Mueller Furniture Corporation and was known, for around 10 years, as Widdicomb-Mueller. Origins, a revered Shaker-influenced group of nightstands, upholstered lounge chairs, dining-room tables and more, saw Nakashima working with woods like Carpathian elm and laurel in his Pennsylvania studio.
Eventually, the two Widdicomb companies would combine in 1970, operating under the name John Widdicomb Co.
In 2002, the business closed after more than a century of operations, and its assets were acquired by Stickley Furniture. Interestingly, it was not the first time Widdicomb and Stickley overlapped: In the final years of the 19th century, the companies opened a shared storehouse in London, while John Widdicomb and Albert Stickley would travel Europe together for the purposes of research.
Today, Stickley continues to produce John Widdicomb Company furniture, including French, Italian, English and Russian reproductions, as well as modern works from the first half of the 20th century.
Find vintage John Widdicomb bedroom furniture, tables, case pieces and more on 1stDibs.
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Pink Lacquered Chest of Drawers
By Ralph Widdicomb, John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful French Provincial Louis XV style three-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Pink lacquered solid cherry wood, ...
Brass
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Pink Lacquered Highboy Dresser
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style highboy dresser By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1940s Pink lacquered mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measures: 39.25"W x 20"D...
Brass
John Widdicomb Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Campaign Executive Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Campaign Executive Desk This desk measures: 72 wide x 36 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 24.25 inches Good Vintage Conditi...
Brass
John Widdicomb Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Campaign Credenza
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Campaign Credenza This credenza measures: 76 wide x 19.25 deep x 31.25 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Minor Wear on Right and Le...
Brass
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
Pair of John Widdicomb Mahogany Hollywood Regency China Display Cabinets
By John Widdicomb
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Pair of John Widdicomb Mahogany Hollywood Regency China Display Cabinets Dimensions : 78.25" Tall X 37.5" Wide X 16" Deep This pair of cabinets was made by John Widdicomb in the Ho...
Mahogany
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Green Lacquered Triple Dresser
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style nine-drawer dresser, credenza, or chest of drawers By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1980s Green lacquered solid cherry wood, with origi...
Brass
John Widdicomb Rolling Flip Top Server Serving Cart Table
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice Mid-Century Modern rolling server cart.
Walnut
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Pink Lacquered Chests of Drawers, Pair
By Ralph Widdicomb, John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of French Provincial Louis XV style three-drawer dressers or chests of drawers By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Pink lacquered solid che...
Brass
Rare Pair John Widdicomb Venetian Paint Decorated Marble Top Commodes Dressers
By John Widdicomb
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare pair of John Widdicomb Venetian style paint-decorated marble top commodes represents the pinnacle of refined American craftsmanship inspired by European tradition. Each dre...
Marble
$5,480Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Hermes Orange Widdicomb Credenza Asian Brass Mid-Century Modern
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Hermes orange lacquered John Widdicomb credenza buffet. We love the Asian Campaign style this high-end vintage piece has. This lovely credenza has been totally restored t...
Brass
Venetian Style Painted Palm Beach Regency John Widdicomb Chest of Drawers
By John Widdicomb
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Venetian Style Painted Palm Beach Regency John Widdicomb Chest of Drawers Vintage John Widdicomb chest of drawers is ornately designed and hand painted in a typical Venetian color ...
Wood
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Gentleman's Chest, 1960s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest or highboy dresser By Dale Ford for John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with original rosewood and al...
Aluminum
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
John Widdicomb Mahogany Gold Gilt 3 Drawer Mediterranean Petite Credenza
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely John Widdicomb mahogany gold gilt 3 drawer/2 doors Mediterranean style petite credenza. Item features bun feet, gold gilt decorated drawer an...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern "Accordion" Doors Dresser by John Widdicomb Brass Pulls
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
High quality folding doors dresser or credenza by John Widdicomb.
Cherry
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Long Dresser Credenza Cabinet Burl Sliding Doors
By George Nakashima, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nakashima for widdicomb long dresser credenza cabinet burl sliding doors mint!
Walnut, Burl
John Widdcomb, Cabinet, Wood, Brass, USA, 1950s
By John Widdicomb
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and wood cabinet produced by John Widdcomb, USA, 1950s.
Brass
$3,384Sale Price|20% Off
Marvelous John Widdicomb French Regency Louis XVI style Credenza Mid-Century
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style credenza by John Widdicomb, circa 1960s. We love the ‘Mob Wife’ Aesthetic vibe this piece gives-so vintage chic...
Brass
$2,316Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Venetian Style Painted with Travertine top Night stands by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Venetian style painted nightstands with travertine tops by John Widdicomb showcases the celebrated craftsmanship and timeless elegance of one of America’s finest furnitu...
Travertine
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Carved Cherry Wood Breakfront Bookcase
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style breakfront bookcase cabinet or dining cabinet By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1950s Beautiful carved solid cherry wood, with original bras...
Brass
Vintage Painted Palm Beach Regency Commode by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Colorfully painted commode, by John Widdicomb, having a rectangular top with marbleized finish. Its case colorfully painted in pastels and parcel gilt decoration. The four, stacked d...
Wood
John Widdicomb Hollywood Regency Campaign Black Lacquered Gentleman's Chest
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency or Campaign style highboy dresser or gentleman's chest By John Widdicomb USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid cherry wood, with ori...
Brass
Burl Wood Large 74" Tall Gentelman's Chest Dresser High Boy Campaign Style MINT!
By John Widdicomb, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
John Widdicomb Burl Wood Large 74" Tall Gentelman's Chest Dresser High Boy Double Doors cabinet Campaign Style MINT!
Brass
$3,460Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Vintage Signed John Widdicomb Buffet/ Sideboard/ Credenza/ Dry Bar
By John Widdicomb
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Beautiful Vintage 1970's Buffet/ Sideboard/ Credenza Signed by John Widdicomb. This buffet commands presence. There is much closed and open storage. Miami Beach Estate Purchase.
Wood
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Painted Dresser Chest, Circa 1950s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Rococo or French Provincial Louis XV style dresser or chest of drawers By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1950s Solid carved cherry wood, with original cream and light...
Brass
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Pink Lacquered Six-Drawer Dresser
By Ralph Widdicomb, John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style six-drawer dresser or credenza Designed by Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Pink lacquered carved solid cher...
Brass
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Dresser, 1960s
By Dale Ford, John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern six-drawer dresser or credenza By Dale Ford for John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with original rosewood and aluminum...
Aluminum
1960’s John Widdicomb Bonnet Top Chinoiserie Cabinets, a Pair
By John Widdicomb
Located in North Canton, OH
The Rarest of Rare, these Mottled Black Chinoiserie examples of this infamous John Widdicomb Cabinet are the Holy Grail of Collection. Incredible find, extraordinary in person. More ...
Lacquer
Mid Century Widdicomb Burl Wood Two Door One Drawer End Table Nightstand Mint!
By John Widdicomb, Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb burl wood two door one drawer end table night stand mint!
Brass
John Widdicomb, Chests of Drawers, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1960s
By John Widdicomb
Located in Stamford, CT
John Widdicomb, American Mid-Century Modern, Chests of Drawers, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1960s Pair of wonderfully refinished cabinets designed and produced by John Widdicomb in the Unit...
Brass
Gibbings Widdicomb Ebonized Black Lacquer 3 Drawers Bachelor Chest Dresser Mint!
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Gibbings Widdicomb ebonized black lacquer 3 drawers bachelor chest dresser mint!
Walnut
John Widdicomb French Regency Louis XVI Burl Wood and Brass Sideboard Credenza
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Neoclassical or French Regency Louis XVI style sideboard buffet, credenza, or bar cabinet By John Widdicomb USA, Circa Late 20th Century Exotic burl wood, with brass tr...
Brass
Fancy John Widdicomb Regency Style Two Drawer Commode
By John Widdicomb
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant medium sized two drawer commode having magnificent glossy mahogany with curlicue paint and gilt decoration, shiny brasses and cabriole legs.
Brass
John Widdicomb MCM Campaign Style 3 Piece Burlwood Dresser and Vanity Set
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Mid Century Campaign Style 3 Piece Burlwood Dresser and Vanity Set Each of the two cabinets in this set is 36 wide x 19 deep x 30.5 in...
Brass
John Widdicomb Mid Century Modern 10 Drawer Blonde Mahogany Large Dresser Chest
By John Widdicomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
John Widdicomb Mid Century Modern 10 Drawer Blonde Mahogany Large Dresser Chest. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 42" H x 71" W x 20" D.
Mahogany
John Widdicomb Georgian Green Lacquered Eight-Drawer Double Dresser, Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Regency style eight-drawer double dresser or chest of drawers By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s...
Brass
$4,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Handsome Pair Asian Style John Widdicomb Bachelors Chests Mid-Century Modern
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome pair of John Widdicomb Asain style bachelors chests. These are fine examples of the level of craftsmanship and the standards of the John Widdicomb Furniture Company. These p...
Brass
John Widdicomb Hollywood Regency Campaign Black Lacquered Highboy Dresser, 1950s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Campaign five-drawer highboy dresser By John Widdicomb USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid cherry wood, with original brass hardwa...
Brass
John Widdicomb Georgian Green Lacquered Eight-Drawer Double Dresser, Refinished
By John Widdicomb, Ralph Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Regency style eight-drawer double dresser or chest of drawers By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Green lacquered carved solid ma...
Brass
John Widdicomb Walnut Aged Mirrored Tombstone Style Georgian Secretary
By John Widdicomb
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This John Widdicomb walnut Georgian secretary is a superb example of fine American craftsmanship with a timeless English influence. Featuring a distinctive tombstone-style crown, thi...
Mirror, Walnut
Ebonized Walnut Large Gold Rings Drop Pulls 3 Drawer Bachelor Chest MINT!
By John Stuart, John Widdicomb, Harvey Probber, James Mont, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Ebonized Walnut Large Gold Rings Drop Pulls 3 Drawer Bachelor Chest MINT!
Brass
John Widdicomb Bonnet Top Cabinet
By John Widdicomb
Located in North Canton, OH
Very Rare John Widdicomb Bonnet top cabinet with glass shelving. Beautiful hand painted details, intricate brass grating and hand carvings. Original...
Paint
Early Impressive John Widdicomb Cherry Brass Five Graduated Drawer Drawer Chest
By John Widdicomb
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A substantial John Widdicomb five drawer chest. It is the larger version of this form. Exceptionally well made like all Widdicomb pieces. Graduated drawers. Excellent wood selection,...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser by John Widdicomb, Brass Pulls, USA
By John Widdicomb
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury classically styled 9-drawer dark brown stained walnut dresser with brushed brass inset pulls and sabots. Excellent restored condition. Signed. On display at 200 Lexington...
Brass
Mid Century Widdicomb Long Dresser Credenza
By John Stuart, John Widdicomb
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Mid Century John Stuart for John Widdicomb brass star shape pulls 9 drawers long dresser or credenza. Fantastic detail with contrasting brutal design, original star pulls and tapered...
Brass
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
Luxurious Persian Walnut "Orientation Collection" Credenza Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, Bert England
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Luxurious Persian walnut credenza designed by Bert England for the John Widdicomb's Orientation Group. We love the chunky solid brass "door knocker" style hardware on the doors which opens to reveal three drawers on the left side and an open space on the right side with one adjustable shelf. The middle door opens to reveal an open space with one adjustable shelf. There is also the original felt silverware holder...
Brass
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Gorgeous John Widdicomb Asian Influenced Tall Dresser Mid-century Modern
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This 5 drawer dresser is a fine example of the level of craftsmanship and the standards of the John Widdicomb Furniture Company. This piece is made of solid wood, using dovetail, and...
Brass
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Commode or Chest of Drawers
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style commode or dresser chest By John Widdicomb USA, late 20th century Carved solid cherry wood, with original brass hardware. Drawers...
Brass
Gibbings for Widdicomb Ebonised Walnut Long 6 Oak Drawers Dresser Credenza MINT
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Gibbings for Widdicomb Ebonised Walnut Long 6 Oak Drawers Dresser Credenza MINT!
Walnut
John Widdicomb Louis XV Mahogany Highboy Dresser, Circa 1940s
By John Widdicomb, Ralph Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style serpentine front six-drawer highboy dresser or chest of drawers By Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co. USA, Circa 1940s Solid carved...
Brass
Very Fine Two Part Breakfront Sideboard Cabinet Wall Unit by John Widdicomb MINT
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Two Part Breakfront Sideboard Cabinet Wall Unit by John Widdicomb MINT. Decorative forged brass window grills have hinges and can be opened to maintain and clean the glass.
Brass
Widdicomb Solid Cherry Butlers Drop Front Leather Top Desk Breakfront MINT
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Widdicomb Solid Cherry Butlers Drop Front Leather Top Desk Breakfront MINT
Brass
John Widdicomb Campaign Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Lowboy Dresser
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Campaign Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 76 wide x 19 deep x 31.25 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Dresser has Area of Finis...
Brass
$11,500 / set
Pair John Widdicomb Chests
By John Widdicomb
Located in New York, NY
Pair John Widdicomb Walnut and Brass Chests. The chests are walnut with four pull-out drawers. The handles have brass trim. Well made and sturdy.
Brass
Persian Walnut Dresser by Bert England for John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, Bert England
Located in Hanover, MA
Luxurious nine drawer dresser in Persian walnut designed by Bert England for the John Widdicomb's Orientation Group. End doors with chunky s...
Brass
Asian Influenced Mid Century Credenza by John Widdicomb Espresso Brown Gold Trim
By John Widdicomb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Asian Influenced Mid Century Credenza, designed for the John Widdicomb Company, American, circa 1960s. Subtle Asian influenced design executed in a deep espresso brown color with gol...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy Dresser by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid-century modern highboy dresser crafted in rich walnut by John Widdicomb. Features clean architectural lines, elegant brass handles, and spacious drawers—an exceptional ...
Brass
50s John Widdicomb Walnut Credenza with Hutch
By John Widdicomb
Located in North Canton, OH
Magnificent John Widdicomb Burled Walnut Credenza and Hutch, circa 1950s this piece is absolutely stunning in every way. Genuine Amethyst stones ...
Walnut
Exceptional Mahogany Cabinet by Bert England for Widdicomb, circa 1965
By John Widdicomb
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent cabinet is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready A s...
Brass
Dale Ford For John Widdicomb Chest of Drawers Dresser Walnut Mid-Century Modern
By John Widdicomb, Dale Ford
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Dresser or Chest of drawers designed by Dale Ford for John Widdicomb. Features 3 drawers for lots of storage space. Makers Brandmark inside the drawers. F-589-335
Walnut