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, Dresser, Walnut, Singer & Sons, America, 1950s
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
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 Walnut Dresser Cupboard by M. Singer & Sons, Circa 1940
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
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
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2160 Mid Century Walnut Cabinet
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
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
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
Gio Ponti for M. Singer and Sons Rare Model 2160 Floating Credenza
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
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
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Cabinet, Walnut, Labeled
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Stamford, CT
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
Bertha Schaefer Credenza by Singer & Sons
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Early Knoll Walnut 2-Door Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Diminutive credenza from the early 1950s. Walnut top is new veneer replacing worn Formica. Leather pulls a signature Florence Knoll design mark. Two sliding doors open to reveal two ...
Steel
$215,062
H 81.5 in W 116.54 in D 18.12 in
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Giordano Chiesa Illuminated Organized Wall
By Giordano Chiesa, Gio Ponti
Located in Turin, Turin
An eclectic personality, from his early days he was active in the fields of architecture, painting, graphics and set design. He graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic i...
Glass, Wood
$52,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 36.5 in W 47 in D 19 in
A Pair of Vintage Gio Ponti Dressers For Singer& Sons Ca' 1950's
By (After) Gio Ponti
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of four drawer chests designed by Gio Ponti for Singer &Sons. Made in walnut ca' 1950's. Both signed.
Walnut
Gio Ponti Style Horizontal Tambour Storage Cabinet with Key
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century storage cabinet with tambour door and key. Classic rustic style with tons of character and functionality making for a perfect addition to any space that values efficiency...
Oak
$3,345Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 38.98 in D 17.72 in
Gio Ponti style Console Table for Singer, Lacquered Oak & Iron, Italy, 1960s
By Gio Ponti, Singer
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Gio Ponti style Console Table for Singer, Lacquered Oak & Iron, Italy, 1960s A rare 1960s console table manufactured by Singer. Manufactured in Italy in the 1960s, the item is made ...
Brass, Iron
Italian Mid-Century Bar Cabinet in the manner of Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Austin, TX
Elegant Italian mid-century bar cabinet in the manner of Gio Ponti. Distinguished by a sculptural wooden case made of rosewood, elevated on slender brass legs with mirrored interior ...
Brass
CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane
By Craft Associates, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane The CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane is expertly hand crafted. The Peabody collection pieces are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates®. This cabinet is built with a solid oak frame, door fronts, interior shelf and legs. It features beautiful cane front door that have slide left to right covering an adjustable shelf. This cabinet is amazing and has perfect proportions to be used in multiple settings. It is available in custom wood and variations (different sizes). Craft Associates® Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle chair...
Cane, Oak
$1,338Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.3 in W 37.6 in D 17.92 in
Bar Cocktail Cabinet, Walnut & Marble France, 20th Mid-Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Buffet cocktail bar made from a sewing machine cabinet Walnut lacquered Marble has been inlaid at the sewing-machine level, giving it a quality design that's practical for placing gl...
Wrought Iron
$2,400
H 31 in W 54 in D 18.5 in
Classic Mid-Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning walnut Modernist dresser designed by Merton Gershun ,,manufactured by American Of Martinsville. Classic aluminum x's and asymetrical pulls. Beautiful original condition. Han...
Aluminum
$4,850 / set
H 70.5 in W 72 in D 18 in
True Mid-Century Classic Inlaid Rosewood Walnut Credenza Cabinet by Stanley USA
By Stanley Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a superb Mid-Century Modern credenza or sideboard by Stanley. It is mostly walnut with geometric rosewood inlays on the fronts and has turned aluminum pulls. The lower cabine...
Aluminum, Iron
$1,710Sale Price|26% Off
H 28.75 in W 38.98 in D 14.97 in
French Vintage Bar Cocktail Cabinet Iroko Veneer and Brass, Mid-Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Cocktail bar cabinet, mid-century circa 1950. Two parts, one to store bottles and glasses. Marquetry nets on the shelves. French, iroko veneer and brass. Good condition. Shipp...
Wood
Modern Walnut 3-Drawer Dresser
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Modern walnut 3-drawer dresser is made in the heart of Ohio with locally sourced wood. Each piece is hand-made with solid walnut and finished with a beautiful matte commercial g...
Walnut
Sold
H 63.5 in W 70 in D 18.5 in
Gio Ponti for M. Singer & Sons Italian Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cabinet
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern 2-tier cabinet with three-doors and interior double-wide drawers. One door opens to reveal open shelf storage, and the base cabinet supports a floating dis...
Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 37.75 in W 47 in D 20.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Dresser by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous design by the iconic Gio Ponti. Excellent craftsmanship, drawer glides have dovetailed slots and rails. Created out of Walnut with Oak being the secondary wood. In excellent...
Oak, Walnut
Gio Ponti Four Drawer Dresser for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning walnut dresser by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons, c.1950s, Italy is an exquisite example of mid-century craftsmanship. This piece features modernist geometric walnut drawe...
Walnut
Gio Ponti Eight Drawer Dresser for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning walnut dresser by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons, c.1950s, Italy is an exquisite example of mid-century craftsmanship. This piece features modernist geometric walnut drawe...
Walnut
Gio Ponti Cabinet
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in New York, NY
Rare 3-door cabinet designed by Gio Ponti. Produced for M. Singer & Sons, model # 2160. Walnut cabinet featuring 3 front doors with knife-edge detailing, raised on tapering legs. 2 d...
Walnut
Sold
H 36.75 in W 72 in D 19.75 in
Gio Ponti, Rare Double Dresser, Walnut, for Singer & Sons, America, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in High Point, NC
An iconic and rare double dresser / cabinet. Designed by Gio Ponti in his signature style where the grips of the drawers form a highly modernist ornamentation. Production of studio-l...
Walnut
Sold
H 55.12 in W 98.43 in D 17.72 in
Gio Ponti Large Sideboard in Walnut and Brass for Singer & Sons 1950s Italy
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Cascina, Pisa
20th-Century sideboard with five doors and inner shelves in walnut veneer with brass handles and keys. Designed by Gio Ponti and manufactured by Singer & Son between the late 1940s and the early 1950s. The sideboard has accompanied the authenticity certificate n. 17090/000 released by the Gio Ponti Archives in Milan. According to the Archives study...
Brass
Gio Ponti Chest for Singer & Sons, Model 2129, circa 1955
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Gio Ponti rare chest for Singer & Sons, model 2129, circa 1955. This piece has been professionally restored.
Walnut
Bertha Schaefer Credenza Model 2154 for Singer & Sons, circa 1955
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Italian walnut cabinet model 2154 by Bertha Schaefer for Singer & Sons, circa 1955. This piece has been professionally restored.
Walnut
Sold
H 29.53 in Dm 23.63 in
Doro Cundo Modern Circular Multi-Color Melamine Wood Italian Bar Cabinet, 1980s
By M. Singer & Sons, Doro Cundo
Located in Madrid, ES
Modern circular Italian bar cabinet designed by Doro Cundo and edited by Singer & Sons. Made of solid wood structure covered in different colors melamine. Composed of a central mecha...
Plastic, Wood
Gio Ponti Cabinet
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in New York, NY
Rare three-door floating cabinet by Gio Ponti for M. Singer & Sons. Mahogany cabinet raised on tapering legs. Three knife-edge doors set into a bevelled frame. Interior drawers and ...
Brass
Gio Ponti Cabinet
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in New York, NY
Rare two-tier cabinet by Gio Ponti for M. Singer & Sons. Three-door cabinet (#2160) with interior double-wide drawers. One door opens to reveal open shelf storage. Up top is a f...