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 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
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
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Long Dresser Credenza Cabinet Burl Sliding Doors
By John Widdicomb, George Nakashima
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nakashima for widdicomb long dresser credenza cabinet burl sliding doors mint!
Walnut, Burl
$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
John Widdicomb Mid Century Walnut and Brass Credenza with Hutch
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Mid Century Walnut and Brass Credenza with Hutch The credenza measures: 60 wide x 20.25 deep x 32.25 inches high The hutch measures: 56.75 wide x 15 deep x 41.75 inch...
Brass
20th Century Provincial Style Double Dresser and Pair of Mirrors by Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Southampton, NY
French Provincial style bedroom Credenza set with double mirrors by John Widdicomb, marked with plaque, 1960s Six drawers 22"wide Two central doors with...
Walnut
Mario Buatta for John Widdicomb Mid Century Chinoiserie Credenza
By John Widdicomb, Mario Buatta
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mario Buatta for John Widdicomb Mid Century Chinoiserie Credenza This credenza measures: 48 wide x 17 deep x 32.5 inches high All pi...
Metal
$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
John Widdicomb Mid Century Walnut Clover Credenza
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Mid Century Walnut Clover Credenza This credenza measures: 72.5 wide x 19 deep x 31.75 inches high Good Vintage Condition -...
Walnut
$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
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
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Outstanding John Widdicomb Brutalist Credenza Mid-Century Modern
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outstanding John Widdicomb brutalist front walnut credenza. We just love the spectacular star shaped pulls along with unusually shaped legs. This special piece measures 31.5"t x 74...
Brass
Widdicomb Gilded Walnut Chest
By John Widdicomb
Located in Sarasota, FL
A John Widdicomb mid-century period credenza in walnut. Carved and gilded in front, three central drawers and cabinets at either side open with original hardware. Finished with bun f...
Walnut
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Wood Dresser, Newly Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style twelve-drawer dresser or credenza By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1940s Carved solid cherry wood, with original brass hardware. ...
Brass
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
Luxurious Persian Walnut "Orientation Collection" Credenza Widdicomb
By Bert England, John Widdicomb
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
1940s T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings 2 Part Credenza and Glass Top Cabinet
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Monrovia, CA
This T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings Is A Mahogany Bowed Front Credenza, With Tapered Sides, Sabered Legs, Glass Top Cabinet/Hutch, Brass/Bronze Pulls And Shelving Top And Bottom. This Gorgeous Mahogany Cabinet Has Ample Storage Both Top And Bottom And Has Excellent Glass Top Cabinet To Show Case Your Beautiful Ceramic Or Glass Pieces. This Is An Excellent Example Of T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Curvature Design, Sturdy Gorgeous Saber Legged Credenza, See Through Glass Top Hutch...
Wood, Mahogany
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
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
John Widdicomb Mid-century Modern Caned Top Dale Ford
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Awesome and unique buffet/hutch designed by Dale Ford. An excellent use of grain pattern and direction create a clean and striking cabinet from the hig...
Cane
Gibbings for Widdicomb Ebonised Walnut Long 6 Oak Drawers Dresser Credenza MINT
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Gibbings for Widdicomb Ebonised Walnut Long 6 Oak Drawers Dresser Credenza MINT!
Walnut
1980s Black Lacquer Credenza From John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in North Canton, OH
Striking Smokey Black Lacquer shaved corner Credenza with spectacular Brass Hardware and recessed Brass plinth base by John Widdicomb. Even the inside of the drawers are gorgeous on ...
Lacquer
Louis XV Provincial Style Painted Dresser
Located in Sheffield, MA
Louis XV Provincial style painted commode or chest of drawers with wonderful patina and details. Painted wood with trim detailed, decorative hardware.
Brass
$29,000
H 32.5 in W 105 in D 22 in
George Nakashima, Large Chest of Drawers, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in High Point, NC
A large walnut chest of drawers or dresser designed by George Nakashima. Produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, A...
Walnut
$59,500
H 31.89 in W 59.85 in D 20.08 in L 31.89 in
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio Double Chest of Drawers in Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima, chest of drawers, walnut, United States, 1967 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this commode is testimony to Geo...
Walnut
Free Edge George Nakashima 2-Door Cabinet
By George Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early cabinet consisting of 2 sliding doors concealing 4 drawers and a shelf. George Nakshima sliding door cabinet Open shelf on 1 side, 4 drawers...
Walnut
$94,500
H 32.29 in W 88.19 in D 22.45 in
George Nakashima Double Sliding-Door Cabinet in American Black Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, sideboard, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1969 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this doub...
Hickory, Walnut
$60,000
H 36.75 in W 89 in D 20 in
1954 George Nakashima Studio Triple Sliding Door Cabinet / Credenza Black Walnut
By George Nakashima
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous 1954 George Nakashima Studio triple sliding door cabinet /credenza in American black walnut. This is an early piece, representing a number of refined ea...
Walnut
$25,000
H 32 in W 89.75 in D 22 in
George Nakashima Sculpted Walnut Dresser for Widdicomb, Newly Restored
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional mid-century Organic Modern monumental triple dresser, sideboard, or credenza By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection USA, 1961...
Brass
Mario Buatta for John Widdicomb Mid Century Chinoiserie Credenza
By John Widdicomb, Mario Buatta
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mario Buatta for John Widdicomb Mid Century Chinoiserie Credenza This credenza measures: 48 wide x 17 deep x 32.5 inches high All pi...
Metal
George Nakashima Origins Dresser for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design dresser for his Origins line by Widdicomb, 1959. Dramatic wood grain figuring throughout the body of the case and trapezoidal shape top extending to 105"in. w...
Brass
Beautiful Midcentury Cabinet by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this gorgeous live edge cabinet in handcrafted American black walnut. Featuring two adjustable shelves on the left side and...
Walnut
$6,900
H 29.75 in W 64.25 in D 18.25 in
Mastercraft Burl Wood Brass Greek Key Detail Credenza Sideboard William Doezema
By Mastercraft, William Doezema
Located in Miami, FL
Incredible William Doezema designed Burl Wood, brass and metal credenza, Sideboard or Cabinet. Features 4 doors and 2 drawers, decorated with Brass Pulls, Borders and Metal Greek Key...
Brass, Metal
Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Burl Wood Credenza by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Elm Burlwood, Brass Handles & Hardware This mid-century Hollywood Regency credenza by Mastercraft Furniture Co. captures the glamour...
Elm
$16,850
H 43 in W 51.5 in D 18.5 in
Two Sliding Door Dressers Chests Cabinets by T H Robsjohn-Gibbings and Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and fine pair of dressers / chests / storage cabinets designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for the John Widdicomb Company, 1950s. The mahogany cases have been expertly refinished ...
Brass
$3,250
H 26.5 in W 72 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Sliding Door Walnut and Burl Credenza by Young Manufacturing
By Young Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Walnut and Burl Credenza by Young Manufacturing, featuring rich walnut tones, striking burl wood accents, and clean mid-century modern lines. This well-crafted piece incl...
Wood
$5,800
H 72 in W 66 in D 20 in
Walnut mid century modern two-part hutch credenza display cabinet glass doors
By American of Martinsville, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Walmart mid-century modern sculpted two part hutch display cabinet credenza china cabinet.
Walnut
Vintage Walnut Tambour Door Credenza by Bert England for John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, Bert England
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A beautifully vintage walnut credenza designed by Bert England for John Widdicomb as part of the highly coveted Orientation Group collection. This exceptional piece showcases the ref...
Brass
John Widdicomb Mediterranean Mid Century Treasure Chest Credenza
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Mediterranean Mid Century Treasure Chest Credenza This credenza measures: 54 wide x 16.75 deep x 22.25 inches high Great Vinta...
Wood
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
Sold
H 30 in W 74 in D 19 in
1970s John Widdicomb Burlwood Modern Campaign Style Credenza / Chest of Drawers
By John Widdicomb
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This piece is one of my favorites! It is a John Widdicomb burlwood credenza with modern campaign styling. The piece is marked, and in very good condition. The hardware is original, a...
Brass
Vintage Boho John Widdicomb Burl Wood Credenza
By John Widdicomb
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional long credenza is attributed to the esteemed John Widdicomb company, known for their high-quality, transitional furnishings of the mid-to-late 20th century. The piece...
Metal
Sold
H 32 in W 70 in D 19 in
John Widdicomb French Regency Louis XVI Fruitwood Sideboard Credenza, Circa 1960
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century French Regency Louis XVI style sideboard buffet, credenza, or bar cabinet By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1960s Carved fruitwood, with original brass hardware....
Brass
Sold
H 31.25 in W 74 in D 20 in
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser or Credenza, Refinished
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern ten-drawer dresser or credenza By John Widdicomb USA, 1960s Sculpted walnut, with original brass hardware and unique flared lags. Measures: 74"W...
Brass
John Widdicomb Mediterranean Treasure Chest Low Credenza, 1960s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Mediterranean style low dresser or credenza By John Widdicomb USA, 1960s Walnut case, with intricately carved hand-painted and gold gilt mosaic style front....
Walnut, Paint
Sold
H 36.5 in W 62.75 in D 22.25 in
John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Painted Dresser, Circa 1950s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Rococo or French Provincial Louis XV style eight-drawer dresser or credenza By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1950s Solid carved cherry wood, with original cream and ...
Brass
Sold
H 31.25 in W 74 in D 20 in
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lowboy Dresser or Credenza, Signed
By John Widdicomb
Located in Plainview, NY
A rare John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern low boy large dresser or credenza. Crafted with precision from high-quality walnut, this dresser stands as a testament to the enduring allure...
Walnut
Mid 20th Century Vintage John Widdicomb Gilt Tipped Credenza
By John Widdicomb
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational vintage MCM credenza. Made by the iconic John Widdicomb and tagged inside the drawer. Gorgeous gilt tipped detail and brass hardware. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate
Brass
John Widdicomb Mediterranean Treasure Chest Low Credenza, 1960s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Mediterranean style low dresser or credenza By John Widdicomb USA, 1960s Mahogany case, with intricately carved hand-painted and gold gilt mosaic style fron...
Mahogany, Paint
Sold
H 32.25 in W 66 in D 19.25 in
John Widdicomb French Regency Walnut and Burl Wood Dresser or Credenza, 1960s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous midcentury French Regency Louis XVI style nine-drawer dresser or credenza By John Widdicomb USA, 1960s Walnut and burl wood, with original brass hardware. Meas...
Brass
Sold
H 32 in W 76.38 in D 19 in
John Widdicomb Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Walnut Sideboard Credenza, 1960s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency chinoiserie sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By John Widdicomb USA, circa 1960s Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with ori...
Brass
Sold
H 31 in W 68 in D 21 in
Robsjohn Gibbings Widdicomb Ebonized Black Lacquer 6 Drawers Dresser Sharp Mint!
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Robsjohn Gibbings Widdicomb ebonized black lacquer 6 drawers dresser sharp mint!
Walnut