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 for Singer & Sons Model 2184 Walnut, Cane and Brass Credenza
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons Model 2184 Mid Century Walnut, Cane and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 20 deep x 30 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take ...
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
Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons Italian Walnut Asymmetrical Desk
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
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
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
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century walnut executive desk This desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance ...
Metal
Mae Credenza, Sideboard by Crump and Kwash
By Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Mae Credenza by Crump and Kwash Solid wood case / hand-turned legs / hand rubbed oil finish / solid brass pulls / premium, full extension, soft close ...
Brass
$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
$3,695
H 31.25 in W 53.25 in D 14.25 in
Borge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Soner Teak Cane Front Cabinet
By Svend Aage Larsen, Børge Mogensen
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Extraordinarily unique teak cabinet Borge Mogensen teak cabinet. The warm, golden wheat colored caning makes this Borge Mogensen cabinet particularly special. The woven cane adds a s...
Metal
$4,333
H 33.47 in W 72.45 in D 18.9 in
Luxury Walnut Brass Credenza by William Watting for Fristho Modernart Denmark
By Fristho, William Watting
Located in Voorburg, NL
Stunning Walnut sideboard designed by William Watting and produced by Fristho Modernart Denmark in 1955. This piece was part of the 'Modern Art' collection and brought a Scandinavian...
Brass
Rosewood Tambour Door Credenza by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in Denton, TX
Rare Danish modern rosewood tambour door credenza with center dovetailed drawer section and adjustable shelf on each side.
Mahogany, Oak, Rosewood
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
$4,500
H 30.75 in W 50.5 in D 28 in
Vintage Italian Walnut Burl Louis XV Bombay Style Serpentine Writing Desk VGC
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hand-made in Italy, circa 1950s or 60s, this gorgeous 5-drawer Louis XV or Bombay style desk in Italian walnut burl with antiqued brass hardware. This desk has been in my collections...
Brass
Mnemosyne Credenza in Blackened Steel, Brass, and Walnut
By Loran Bohall
Located in Indianapolis, IN
The Mnemosyne credenza is made to be a low, elegent storage piece that has two soft close doors and two soft close drawers. Made to be used as sideboard or a bench. Its outer case is...
Brass, Steel
Dunbar Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage modern Dunbar credenza features a lacquered hard wood base, spacious interior cabinets, and unique metal pulls. This beautiful Mid-Century piece is...
Wood
Gio Ponti Style Horizontal Tambour Storage Cabinet with Key
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Constructed from solid wood with a medium-dark amber-brown finish, this Mid-Century storage cabinet features a horizontal tambour door running the full width of the top. The tambour ...
Oak
Gio Ponti Console Chest with Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Hanover, MA
BG GALLERIES SUMMER SALE Gio Ponti long cabinet of six drawers standing on four integrated legs and topped silvered reverse painted glass and surmounted by a large rectangular mirror and a floating glass shelf cut in Ponti's distinctive diamond form. Drawer faces have knife blade edges. Made in 1957 from ash wood and glass. Original brass keys. Perfect for bedroom or entrance hall. "Certificate of Authenticity" from the Gio Ponti Archives. Mobile da camera o da ingresso con cassetti e grande...
Ash, Glass
Sold
H 30.25 in W 72 in D 20 in
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
Sold
H 35 in W 47 in D 19.5 in
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Cabinet, Walnut, Labeled
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
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
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 Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
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
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
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
Sold
H 37.75 in W 47 in D 20.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Dresser by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
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 M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
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 M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
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