Compared to that other furniture-makers in historically minded Grand Rapids, Michigan, the work of Mastercraft seems positively flamboyant. The company was founded in 1947 by brothers Charles and William Doezema, who hailed from a long line of cabinetmakers. They went overseas during their service in World War II, and returned home with a plan to make furniture with cosmopolitan flair. Their firm specialized in chairs and case pieces that have modernized traditional forms, finished in exotic wood veneers such as amboyna, yew, burl and fruitwood, and trimmed in brass. Bureaus and credenzas often feature cabinet fronts with decorative brass details such as silhouettes of flowers and birds, or figures that resemble Chinese characters.
In later years, Mastercraft created chairs and glass-topped coffee tables with brass frames. Some pieces included touches like the Greek key — a motif that appears in the decorative arts of both Asian and European antiquity. After Mastercraft was acquired by industry giant Baker Furniture in 1974, the company produced a large group of case pieces featuring applied brass plaques, acid-etched with semi-abstract forms by the German-born, Vancouver-based artist Bernhard Rohne.
The latter are some of the most popular Mastercraft pieces, and like all the company’s wares range in price from about $2,000 to $12,000 depending on size, condition and the amount of decorative trim. As you will see on 1stDibs, Mastercraft furnishings made a bold but artful statement — perfect for lending a bit of dash and brawn to a contemporary decor.
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
Mastercraft Brass and Metal Freestanding Fireplace, circa 1970s
By Mastercraft
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A sexy Scandinavian vibe emanates with a warm glow from this vintage Mastercraft faux fireplace, which can conveniently move with you as there is no installation required. Faux logs...
Metal, Brass
Mod Space Age Metal Fireplace by Mastercraft Metal Inc.
By Mastercraft
Located in New York, NY
Groovy Space Age fireplace, made by Mastercraft Metal Inc. circa 1960/70's. The mantle is constructed of a white metal shell and pedestal with a black metal mesh screen, which opens ...
Metal
$3,795
H 94 in W 38 in D 29 in
1970s Preway Freestanding Fireplace, Rare Avocado Porcelain Enamel, Wood/Gas
By Preway
Located in Madison, WI
Fireplace, freestanding, mid-century by Preway Mfg. Designed to burn wood or gas, inside your home or out. Original gloss porcelain enameled paint. Avocado color is rare. Includes sp...
Enamel, Steel, Cut Steel
Glamorous Brass Mantel by Danny Alessandro circa 1970s Fireplace
By Danny Alessandro
Located in Atlanta, GA
Glamorous brass fireplace mantel by Danny Alessandro, American, circa 1970s. It measures 41"H x 54"W.
Brass
Avanti Freestanding Gas Fireplace, Metal, Modern Style, USA, 1970
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful freestanding gas fireplace. It features a white base and top, with a glass front showcasing and artificial logs. It comes with thr...
Metal
$3,595
H 102 in W 36 in D 24 in
1970s Majestic Freestanding Fireplace in Mustard Porcelain Enamel, Wood/Gas
Located in Madison, WI
Fireplace, freestanding, mid-century Majestic brand. Designed to burn wood or gas, inside your home or out. Original gloss porcelain enameled paint. Includes spark screen, grate and ...
Steel, Iron
Bolection Fireplace in Black Marble
Located in London, GB
An English moulded bolection fireplace in black marble. Based on a period original. An elegant shape. Modern. Please note that whilst the marble is largely pure black in color there ...
Marble
Carved Pine Fireplace with Lion's Mask and Drapery
Located in London, GB
A carved pine fireplace with lion's mask and drapery to centre, barrel frieze with stiff acanthus leaf, egg and dart and leaf cornice mouldings and acanthus leaf inner leg moulding. ...
Pine
Blue and White Statuary Marble Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This amazing, one of a kind fireplace mantel, surround is in perfect condition; it was made by special order for a Parisian salon (France). It is crafted from white statuary marble w...
Statuary Marble
$336,900
H 64.25 in W 88.75 in D 9 in
Rare and Beautiful English Coade Stone Fireplace Mantel, circa 1790
Located in London, GB
A rare and beautiful Coadestone fireplace, circa 1790 from Capesthorne in Cheshire. After a fire and rebuilding, the fireplace was taken there in the 1860s from the family's house in...
Stone
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.5 in W 26.25 in D 2.5 in
Arts & Crafts Brass Tooled Celtic Themed Fireplace Bungalow Mantle
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Fine Arts & Crafts mantel (fireplace) example with dark patina brass. Salvaged from old bungalow of the period. Subtle details and understated elegance, circa 1905-1910.
Brass
$75,201
H 41.34 in W 53.15 in D 13.78 in
18th Century Fine Marble Fireplace Surround With Bespoke Brass Bijouterie
Located in Beervelde, BE
This unusual antique fireplace surround was crafted at the end of the 18th century. It is made of a very special colored marble with brass bijouterie; it is typical of Directoire per...
Marble, Brass
Architectural Stone Fireplace
Located in London, GB
An architectural French stone fireplace. The panelled frieze with shaped, panelled jambs below. A rustic stone with nice, aged patina. French, late 18th-early 19th century. Shelf W...
Stone