New York furniture manufacturer M. Singer & Sons is well known to collectors of dazzling mid-century modern design — the company played an integral role in introducing Italian furniture masters to the American marketplace and introduced striking dining room tables, lounge chairs and dressers that were created in rich woods and met the day’s growing demand for sleek and simple furnishings.
While M. Singer & Sons had been offering upholstered furniture out of its storefront in downtown Manhattan in as early as 1923, it is today widely recognized for the alluring tables, seating and other designs of the postwar era.
M. Singer & Sons rose to prominence in the 1950s. A boom in prosperity followed World War II, and new homeowners all over the United States were seeking modern furniture to move into their living rooms and dining rooms. This yielded a heyday of innovation, and the likes of Herman Miller, Knoll and other furniture manufacturers of the era endeavored to position themselves as leaders in the space. M. Singer & Sons was no different, and the company’s success over the subsequent decade can be credited to Joe Singer, who was then steering the ship.
Singer saw how important it was to offer furnishings in a style that broke from the bulky and overly ornamental pieces that characterized interiors in the previous century — M. Singer & Sons would need to manufacture streamlined storage cabinets, low-profile coffee tables and practical but comfortable seating that didn’t occupy lots of real estate.
It was thanks to his quest for modernist furniture that Singer discovered legendary polymath Gio Ponti, arguably the most influential figure in 20th-century Italian modernism.
Singer reached out to Ponti and offered a partnership for M. Singer & Sons to bring the Milanese designer’s work to America. He created elegant armchairs, sideboards set on tapered legs and more for the company. At the same time, Singer struck up a collaboration with Bertha Schaefer, an acclaimed Mississippi-born interior decorator and the owner of an important Manhattan art gallery at the time Schaefer, an enthusiast of Bauhaus design, would go on to create sculptural walnut desks, angular seating framed in mahogany and other pieces for the brand. With conceptual input from Ponti, she developed a furniture line called Modern by Singer.
The new collection — which merged the alluring forms and materials associated with Italian modernism and quality American manufacturing — was an instant success for M. Singer & Sons. Smooth lines, exceptional hardwoods and luxurious finishes lent the line a high-end feel and spurred demand.
A Schaefer-designed nesting table from the Modern by Singer line was included in 1952’s “Good Design” exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, which featured work from the likes of George Nelson, Paul McCobb, Jens Risom and others.
M. Singer & Sons introduced Ponti to an American audience, and he, in turn, introduced the company chairman to Italian designers like Ico Parisi and Carlo Mollino. These relationships also developed into successful collaborations that helped cement M. Singer & Sons' presence and prominence in modern American furniture.
Today, M. Singer & Sons’ designs by Schaefer and its stable of Italian designers are coveted and collected all over the world.
Find vintage M. Singer & Sons furniture on 1stDibs.
Gio Ponti Singer & Sons Walnut, Rosewood Nightstands Restored, Pair
By M. Singer & Sons
Located in Miami, FL
Gio Ponti Singer & Sons Walnut, Rosewood Nightstands Restored, Pair Offered for sale is a true pair of Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons rosewood and walnut restored chest nightst...
Rosewood, Walnut
$3,900Sale Price / set|50% Off
Set of Four Bertha Schaefer Dining Chairs Italian Mid Century
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in New York, NY
A set of sculptural light/medium walnut chairs by Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Son. Reupholstered in a golden cream/off white cotton/linen blend. Original Tag. Chairs were made in ...
Walnut, Cotton
Gio Ponti Walnut Dresser Cupboard by M. Singer & Sons, Circa 1940
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Cenutry Modern Italian, American geometric dresser cupboard made of hand crafted polished walnut, designed by Gio Ponti an...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Solid Walnut Rare Chair by Bertha Schaefer for Singer & Sons
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and elegant single chair designed by Bertha Schaefer for Singer & Sons, original finish recovered in Fresh new tan leather. the chair is sold in its original finish we have...
Walnut
$22,400Sale Price / set|53% Off
Gio Ponti Velvet Lounge Chairs in Walnut & Brass for M. Singer and Sons, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare pair of lounge chairs designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti and produced for M. Singer & Sons circa 1950. Exquisitely restored to the highest possible standard.
Brass
Rare Gio Ponto for Singer & Sons Two-Tiered Side Table w/ Drawer in Mahogany
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made over 70 years ago in Italy, this side table was designed by Italian architect Gio Ponto for limited production by Singer and Sons. Like most of Ponti's designs, this model has v...
Mahogany
Gio Ponti, Dresser, Walnut, Singer & Sons, America, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut dresser designed by Gio Ponti and produced by M. Singer & Sons, New York, America, 1950s. Labeled. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions: 36.75"H x 47...
Walnut
Gio Ponti for Singer & Son Teak and Brass Flip Top Expanding Game Dining Table
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer & Son Mid Century Teak and Brass Flip Top Expanding Game Dining Table This game table measures: 30 wide x 30 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a chair clearance of ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Walnut Armchairs By M. Singer & Sons
By Carlo di Carli, M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs are by the maker M. Singer & Sons circa late 1950s. They are attributed to American designer Bertha Schaefer and Italian designer Carlo ...
Walnut, Fabric
Elegant 2-Tier Side Table Wit Italian Travertine by M. Singer & Sons, 1950s
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fabulous two-tier boat tail shaped side or end tables designed by M. Singer and Sons produced in the 1950s. Very sculptural walnut frames with "floating" Italian travertine tops. Jus...
Travertine
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2160 Mid Century Walnut Cabinet
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Mid Century Model 2160 walnut cabinet This cabinet measures: 69.75 wide x 19 deep x 37.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studi...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Chair By Bertha Schaeffer For M. Singer & Sons
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern side accent chair was designed by interior and furniture designer Bertha Schaefer and manufactured by M. Singer & Sons, circa 1950's. This sleek and sexy chai...
Walnut, Fabric
Italian Modern Dining Table by Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian modern dining table, designed by Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons, Italy, circa 1950s. This table is currently being refinished ...
Metal
Ico Parisi Attributed End Tables for Singer & Sons, 1950s
By Ico Parisi, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Coronado, CA
A wonderful and highly sculpted pair of end tables attributed to Ico Parisi for Singer & Sons, made sometime in the 1950s. The tables are constructed of European walnut, and show...
Walnut
Gio Ponti Singer & Sons Model 2134 Walnut & Brass Flip Top Dining Console Table
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti, this table embodies the very soul of Italian Mid-Century Modern. Italian descends from many important historical movements, such as the rich ...
Brass
Gio Ponti Travertine Coffee Table
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Highland, IN
Sublime mid-century Italian design at its best, this coffee table by Gio Ponti by Singer & Son features a stunning piece of travertine marble suppo...
Travertine
Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Carlo di Carli for M. Singer & Sons
By M. Singer & Sons, Carlo di Carli
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An excellent set of four (4) armless Mid-Century Modern dining chairs designed by Carlo di Carli in walnut wood with an upholstered seat and back. Made by M. Singer & Sons in the USA...
Upholstery, Walnut
Italian Modern Carlo de Carli Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Walnut and Leather
By M. Singer & Sons, Carlo di Carli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Italian walnut lounge chair and ottoman designed by Carlo de Carli for M. Singer & Sons. Features a highly sculpted, ladder-back fra...
Metal
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Cabinet, Walnut, Labeled
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Sculptural Cabinet, Walnut Iconic, Rare and important cabinet designed by world renowned Italian designer Gio Ponti for America...
Walnut
Ico Parisi for Singer and Sons Mid Century Walnut and Brass Console Table
By M. Singer & Sons, Ico Parisi
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ico Parisi for Singer and Sons Mid Century Walnut and Brass Console Table This console table measures: 71 wide x 19.75 deep x 29.25 inches high Restored - Mint Condition! Ready to ...
Brass
Italian Modern Dining Table by Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian modern dining table, designed by Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons, Italy, circa 1950s. Schaefer was one of the leading female designers of the era, and designed this line ...
Walnut
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons Bench
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this Mid-Century Modern bench designed by legendary Italian architect and designer, Gio Ponti, for Singer & Sons, circa 1950s. This rare piece showcases Pon...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$16,000 / set
Set of Four #116 Dining Chairs by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in San Francisco, CA
A set of #116 Dining Chairs in walnut by Gio Ponti for M Singer & Sons of New York. The walnut frames are in wonderful vintage condition and the seats are newly papercorded.
Rush, Walnut
Pair of M.Singer & Son Loungers, Italy 1960s
By M. Singer & Sons
Located in New York, NY
A pair walnut armchairs, frequently attributed to Bertha Schaeffer and other designers associated with S&S, they have great joinery and a very lightweight structure. These have been ...
Walnut
Gio Ponti for M. Singer & Sons Walnut Coffee Table with Travertine Top
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in West Chester, PA
Mid-Century Modern coffee table with a travertine top on a sculptural solid walnut base. Top measures 60” x 15 7/16” x 3/4”. Designed by Gio Ponti for M. Singer & Sons circa 1950s un...
Travertine
Carlo de Carli Lounge Chair in Italian Walnut for Singer and Sons
By Carlo di Carli, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Italian Lounge Chair, designed by Carlo de Carli for Singer and Sons, Italy, circa 1950s. This chair is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric....
Upholstery, Walnut
Bertha Schaefer, Coffee Table, Walnut, Singer & Sons, USA, 1950s
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut coffee table designed by Bertha Schaefer and produced by Singer & Sons, USA, 1950s.
Walnut
Walnut Nesting or Serving Tables by Bertha Schaefer for Singer & Sons, 1950s
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Walnut Nesting or Serving Tables by Bertha Schaefer for Singer & Sons, 1950s An iconic creation from the mid-century modern era, this exceptional set of nesting or serving tables wa...
Walnut
Bertha Schaefer for Singer & Sons Sculpted Travertine, Walnut End Tables - Pair
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Bertha Schaefer for Singer & Sons Mid Century Sculpted Travertine and Walnut End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 23 wide x 24 deep x 22.5 inches high All pieces of furnitur...
Travertine
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2184 MCM Walnut, Cane and Brass Crednza
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2184 Mid Century Walnut, Cane and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 20 deep x 30.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Brass
Documented Gio Ponti for M. Singer & Son's Bi-Level Cocktail Table
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Hanover, MA
Model 2146 two-tier coffee table in solid walnut with inset white Micarta top designed by Gio Ponti for M. Singer & Sons, produced in Italy by Giordano Chiesa. Documented by Gio Pon...
Laminate, Walnut
Bertha Schaefer (Attr) for Singer & Sons Flip Top Game Dining Table
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A fine Italian walnut flip top dining table with aluminum inlays manufactured by Singer and Sons. The design aims attributed to Bertha Sc...
Aluminum
Early Bar Cabinet Designed by Doro Cundo for Singer & Sons, Italy, 1952
By M. Singer & Sons, Doro Cundo
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early production circular table in wonderful bookmatched walnut with central mechanism which elevates a bar cabinet, Italy, dated 1952. Designed by Doro Cundo and edited by Singer & ...
Plastic, Walnut
Gio Ponti for M. Singer and Sons Rare Model 2160 Floating Credenza
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning mid-century modern credenza by the legendary Italian designer Gio Ponti, crafted circa 1950–1951 for M. Singer & Sons. This exquisite Model 2160 features a sleek, low-prof...
Wood, Walnut
1950s Gio Ponti Glass Coffee Table Model 1101 Singer and Sons Italy
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A glass and cream lacquered walnut coffee table designed by Gio Ponti, Model 1101, for Singer and Sons, imported from Italy c. 1950s. This piece retains its original thin glass top w...
Brass
1950s Bertha Schaefer Walnut Dining Set w/ Table & 5 Chairs
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a handsome oiled-walnut dining set designed by Bertha Schaefer for M. Singer & Sons in 1952 and produced in Italy for the Singer Modern collection. The set includes a large o...
Steel
Carlo de Carli Model 802 Lounge Chairs for M.Singer & Sons
By M. Singer & Sons, Carlo di Carli
Located in San Francisco, CA
Carlo de Carli design lounge chairs for M.Singer & Sons, Model 802. Sophisticated looking chairs with stiletto brass legs and curvaceous arms that is beautiful from all angles. The fabric is an older redo that is usable as-is and very comfortable but could be sensational in velvet. Original Italian midcentury Furniture...
Brass
Bertha Schaefer Long Bench for Singer and Sons
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut bench by American designer Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons, c.1950s, USA. The bench features six sculptural curved support legs and has been newly reupholstered with tufte...
Upholstery, Walnut
Bertha Schaefer Credenza by Singer & Sons
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in New York, NY
Bertha Schaefer credenza by Singer & Sons. Credenza features four drawers with two doors that each conceal storage with a single adjustable shelf. Nice lines.
Walnut
1950s Walnut Nesting or Serving Tables by Bertha Schaefer for Singer & Sons
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a handsome Oiled-Walnut Nesting Side Table Set, designed by Bertha Schaefer for M. Singer & Sons in 1952 and crafted in Italy for the Singer Modern collection. The set includ...
Steel
M. Singer & Sons Triangle Corner Sofa Table
By M. Singer & Sons
Located in Hanover, MA
M. Singer & Sons triangle corner sofa table in walnut with label underside. Likely made for use with their sectional sofas by Gio Ponti and Bertha Schaefer. Total height 27 inches....
Walnut
Ico Parisi for Singer & Sons Coffee Table Italian Mid Century Modern 61x27x16
By M. Singer & Sons, Ico Parisi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Italian Walnut and Brass Coffee Table, designed by Ico Parisi for Singer & Sons, Italy, circa 1960s. Clean lined design with storage shelf and drawer underneath. Singer & Son...
Brass
Carlo de Carli Lounge Chairs for M. Singer & Sons
By Carlo di Carli, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Carlo de Carli. Manufacturer: M. Singer & Sons Period and model: Mid-Century Modern. Specifications: Fabric, wood. Condition: These Carlo de Carli lounge...
Fabric, Wood
Carlo De Carli, Rare Lounge Chairs, Brass, Bouclé, Singer & Sons, America, 1950s
By Carlo di Carli, M. Singer & Sons
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white bouclé and brass lounge chairs designed by Carlo De Carli and produced by Singer & Sons, America, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 16" Arm Height (inches): 22.5" All i...
Brass
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Mid-Century Modern, Rare Sculptural Nightstands, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Rare Sculptural Nightstands or End Tables, Italy/USA c. 1955 A rare and hard to find pair of mid-century modern bedside stands ...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Nesting Tables by Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons.
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Nesting Tables by Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons. Circa 1950s Feature a set of 4 round folding tables that slide underneath a rectangular side table w...
Walnut
$5,200 / set
Mid-Century Armchairs by Carlo De Carli - a Pair
By M. Singer & Sons, Carlo di Carli, Cassina
Located in Raleigh, NC
A pair of exquisite mid-century modern armchairs by the acclaimed Italian designer Carlo De Carli, crafted circa 1950s. These armchairs exemplify De Carli's mastery of Rationalist mo...
Wood, Walnut
Pair of Carlo de Carli Lounge Chairs for M. Singer and Sons
By Carlo di Carli, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Red Lion, PA
Pair of beautiful Carlo de Carli lounge chairs for M. Singer and Sons Beautifully sculpted wood frame with a seat and back cushion Needs some minor restorations and could be reuphols...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Bertha Schaefer Walnut Travertine Top Step Side End Tables Stands MINT!
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti, Edmond J. Spence, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Bertha Schaefer Walnut Travertine Top Step Side End Tables Stands MINT!
Marble
Victor Gruen Lounge Northland Mall Project with Alvin Lustig
By M. Singer & Sons, Victor Gruen, Alvin Lustig
Located in Fraser, MI
Lounge chair designed by Victor Gruen for the Northland mall project with Alvin Lustig. Brass legs and vinyl from M. Singer & Sons.
Brass
Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons Italian Walnut Asymmetrical Desk
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diminutive midcentury angled student desk in Italian walnut designed by Bertha Schaefer for M. Singer & Sons (Model 2162 - USA, ca. 1955). Often co-attributed to Gio Ponti, who also...
Metal
Carlo de Carli for M. Singer & Sons Lounge, Refinished / Mohair
By Carlo di Carli, M. Singer & Sons
Located in St. Louis, MO
Carlo de Carli for M. Singer & Sons lounge chair circa 1950s completely restored with medium espresso finish. Upholstered in gray mohair with new foam. Classic Mid-Century Modern Ita...
Mohair, Walnut
Lounge Chair, Bertha Schaefer for M. Singer and Sons, 1950s, Mahogany
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant modernist armchair by Bertha Schaefer for M. Singer & Sons. Completely restored with a chenille type fabric, new foam, and refinished tapered solid mahogany legs. Chair wa...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Bertha Schaefer for M. Singer & Sons Walnut Serving Tables
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in Hanover, MA
Award winning set of nesting serving tables designed by Bertha Schaefer for M. Singer & Sons in 1952 and produced in Italy for the Singer Modern collection. These were exhibited in ...
Walnut