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.
$8,960Sale Price|20% Off
"Vintage Mastercraft Brass and Glass Shelves Vitrine, Black Lacquer, 1920s"
By Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mastercraft brass and glass vitrine, operational dome lighting and switch.
Brass, Metal
Mastercraft Brass Vitrine
By Mastercraft
Located in Hanover, MA
Mastercraft model 326 vintage 1970s Palladian style brass, glass and antiqued smoked mirror vitrine display curio cabinet, designed circa 1970 by ...
Brass
$75,500 / set
H 87 in W 119 in D 18 in
Grand Mastercraft Designed Three Part Brass & Glass Vitrines or Curio Cabinets
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
Architecturally-inspired this breathtaking three part brass Curved China cabinet set by Mastercraft, inviting drama into any space. Dedicated to c...
Brass
$3,100Sale Price|24% Off
H 29.75 in W 45.25 in D 18.5 in
Mastercraft Brass Illuminated Demilune Vitrine Cabinet, 1970s, Signed
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible brass demilune display cabinet, produced by Mastercraft in the 1970s, features a mirrored and illuminated interior, exquisite textured top, a pair of glass doors and ...
Brass
Mastercraft Vitrine Brass & Ebonized
By William Doezema, Mastercraft
Located in Hanover, MA
Mastercraft model 21-420 china cabinet vitrine. Clad in antiqued brass with black lacquer trim. Backwall is smoked antiqued mirror. Three tempered clear glass shelves with plate gro...
Brass
Tall Mid Century Modern Brass and Glass Mastercraft Vitrine Cabinet
By Mastercraft
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous brass and glass tall showcase with 4 thick glass shelves etched for showing plates. Shelves are adjustable. Two glass doors each hung on 4 hinge...
Brass
Henredon Black Lacquer and Brass Display Cabinets/Vitrines
By Henredon
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful pair of Henredon lacquer, brass, and beveled glass display cabinets. Each equipt with four adjustable shelves with plate ridge and 3 way adj...
Brass
Iron and Glass Vitrine, 1920s Argentina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Slender Art Deco Vitrine made in the 1920s, Argentina. Rectangular frame sitting atop tapered legs. Original glass frame and door. Three glass shelves. Original lock with working key...
Iron
Vintage Italian Beech Haberdashery Shop Cabinet, 1950s
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This haberdashery cabinet was produced during the 1950s in Italy. This piece features 10 drawers in light beech with glass fronts and metal handles. It was originally used in a shop ...
Beech
French Art Deco Wall Vitrine with Brass Frame and Glass Shelves
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French Art Deco hanging wall vitrine with solid brass frame, mirrored back and glass panes. Two adjustable glass shelves. Working lock and key. Brackets on the back at the top and ...
Brass
Mastercraft Brass Empire Style Vitrine
By William Doezema, Mastercraft
Located in Hanover, MA
Mastercraft model 260 'China Cabinet' or vitrine, display cabinet, curio in the empire style with pediment. Hardwood structure clad in patinated solid brass and black mirror trim. Beveled glass sidelights and windowed doors. Storage cupboard behind lower square doors with solid brass ring pulls. interior is fitted with three removable glass shelves and smoked antique mirror back Recessed lights with...
Brass
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 85 in W 32 in D 16 in
Stunning Mastercraft Brass Vitrine Mid-Century Regency Modern
By Mastercraft
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic Mastercraft brass vitrine. This magnificent vitrine has four heavy doors that open to reveal thick glass shelves with a plate ridge for displayin...
Brass
Mastercraft Brass Vitrine / Display Cabinet
By Mastercraft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover the allure of refined vintage design with this exceptional Mastercraft brass vitrine display cabinet. Meticulously ...
Brass
Apothecary Style Cabinet
By Mastercraft
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning cabinet with lots of drawers.
Brass