When in the 1930s Tommi Parzinger won a trip to the United States through a poster design competition for a German steamship company, it led to him to become one of the country’s most influential mid-century modern furniture designers with his company, Parzinger Originals.
Born in 1903 in Munich, Germany, into an artistic family, Parzinger studied ceramics, painting and design at the Kunstgewerbeschule. In 1932, he entered and won a poster design contest for the Norddeutscher Lloyd steamship company. The grand prize was a voyage to the United States. By the time Parzinger returned to Germany, unrest leading to World War II was emerging, and he was pressured to join the Nazi party. Parzinger fled back to the United States and settled in New York City, where he pursued a career in interior design.
His first job in the country was with Manhattan trendsetter Rena Rosenthal, who employed him to design household silverware for her famed Madison Avenue store. Later, he became the lead designer for the Charak Furniture Company. In the 1940s, with the help of business and life partner Donald Cameron, Parzinger opened his showroom, Parzinger Originals, on East 57th Street in Manhattan.
Throughout his career, Parzinger produced up to 30 pieces a year for his namesake company. They included refined, elegant and meticulously designed end tables, side tables, consoles, floor lamps, table lamps, seating and mirrors. His signature creations were commodes and credenzas featuring beautifully ornamented hardware and lacquer finishes. His clients included Marilyn Monroe, Billy Baldwin and some of New York’s wealthiest families, like the DuPonts and Rockefellers.
Parzinger also collaborated with other furniture companies, including Salterini, Hofstatter, Lightolier, Reed & Barton and Dorlyn. In the last 15 years of his life, he shifted his focus from furniture to Expressionist painting.
When Parzinger died in 1981, Parzinger Originals was left to Donald Cameron, who fought to protect Parzinger’s design legacy from copycats and reproductions. Nevertheless, Parzinger Originals soon closed.
In recent years, Parzinger Originals furniture has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity among interior designers and collectors of mid-century modern and modern furniture. Pieces from Parzinger Originals are in the collections of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of Parzinger Originals case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, lighting and more.
Tommi Parzinger Coffee Table for Parzinger Originals
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Tommi Parzinger Coffee Table, Model 222 Parzinger Originals, USA, c. 1965 Glass coffee tables features a lower wood table top mounted to steel frame. Metal from underside shows a...
Steel
Tommi Parzinger Chandelier for Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Chicago, IL
Tommi Parzinger Chandelier for Parzinger Originals, c. 1955 Design: Six-arm light source with individual shades Materials: Zinc-plated brass, paper, and glass Dimensions: 40.75" H x ...
Brass
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Console Flip Top Dining Table by Parzinger with Brass String Inlay
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in New York, NY
Rare flip top dining table, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger originals, circa 1950s. Stunning diamond pattern veneer, with elegant arch...
Brass
$3,950Sale Price|46% Off
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Floor Lamp with Side Table, 1955, Signed
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible floor lamp with built-in side table by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals is finished in a black lacquer with Parzinger's signature brass accents. Signed 'Parzinger Originals' under the base, making this 1950s authentic designer piece ultra-collectible. The three lights comprise of a single up-light and two down-lights which can be turned on and off independently of one another or used in unison as demonstrated in the photos. A glass Stiffel branded glass cone shade sits on top of the lamp and a larger black fabric shade with golden insides is included. Can be used with or without the larger black shade. Consider using in a Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency or Postmodern home...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Mid Century Walnut and Brass Credenza
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Mid Century Walnut and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 99.75 wide x 21.25 deep x 34.25 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Minor Sc...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Illuminated Parchment Cabinet for Parzinger Originals, Signed
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional illuminated cabinet designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, circa 1950 (signed 'Parzinger Originals'). Originally conceived as an elegant bar cabinet, thi...
Chrome
Original Tommi Parzinger Sculpted Front Chest of Drawers 'Signed'
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in North Miami, FL
This is an original condition, beautifully preserved 6-drawer chest by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals in a high lacquer mahogany, all original brass pulls. The front is a se...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Sofa for Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Chicago, IL
Tommi Parzinger sofa for Parzinger Originals, ceruse oak solid legs, fully restored and reupholstered with great plains cotton-poly.
Upholstery, Oak
$12,900 / set
Tommi Parzinger Large Scale End Tables
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare pair of large scale end tables designed by Tommi Parzinger. Tables feature elegant curved legs and a beautiful top. Model #209. Great styling cues reminiscent of T.H. Robsjohn-G...
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Coffee Table, Model 222 Parzinger Originals, USA, c. 1965
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tommi Parzinger Coffee Table, Model 222 Parzinger Originals, USA, c. 1965 This elegant mid century modern coffee table, designed by Tommi Parzinger, exemplifies the Hollywood Regen...
Brass, Steel
$7,290Sale Price|70% Off
Tommi Parzinger Originals Modern Armchair and Ottoman, Club Chair, 1958
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tommi Parzinger lounge chair and ottoman, ebonized frame, charcoal grey upholstery. Single owner. Authenticated with the original purchased receipt from Parzinger Originals Inc., dat...
Textile
$8,960Sale Price|60% Off
Tommi Parzinger Originals Modern Armchair and Ottoman, Club Chair, 1958
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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Textile
Tommi Parzinger Lacquered and Studded Cabinet
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Tommi Parzinger Studded Two-Drawer Chest with Inset black Glass Top. Finish is original and untouched. This example was manufactured in the mid fifties to early 60's, and was part of...
Brass
Stunning Tommi Parzinger Studded Handcuff Credenza Sideboard
By Parzinger Originals
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A luxurious chrome studded lemon-yellow credenza sideboard with unique heavy chromed handcuff door pulls. This exceptional piece has four doors, the in...
Metal, Chrome
Tommi Parzinger Tall Illuminated Bar Cabinet for Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An extraordinary dry bar designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals. This cabinet is absolutely fabulous. It features gorgeous door fronts with a wave like pattern in high g...
Walnut
1950's Tommi Parzinger Dining Chairs in Brunschwig & Fils
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Southampton, NJ
Set of 6 Mahogany dining chairs for Parzinger Originals newly upholstered in Brunschwig & Fils woven Chinoiserie fabric. Circa 1950's in excellent vintage condition; ready for us...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Chandelier for Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Chicago, IL
Tommi Parzinger Chandelier for Parzinger Originals, c. 1955 Design: Six-arm light source with individual shades Materials: Zinc-plated brass, paper, and glass Dimensions: 40.75" H x ...
Zinc
Tommi Parzinger, Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Burl, Rare Sideboard, USA, 1960s
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Stamford, CT
Tommi Parzinger, Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Burl, Rare Sideboard, USA, 1960s Unique sideboard designed by Tommi Parzinger (1903 - 1981) for Parzinger Originals in New York, circa 1...
Brass
Parzinger Originals Stainless & White Lacquer Wall Mounted Console
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Hanover, MA
Tommi Parzinger designed custom seven foot long wall mounted floating console sideboard fitted with with two drawers. Wood case and supporting brackets finished in white lacquer and...
Stainless Steel
$176,584
H 45.28 in W 56.3 in D 17.33 in
Italian Art Deco Bar Cabinet in Parchment with Inlays Signed by Anzani, 1930s
By Giuseppe Anzani
Located in Meda, MB
This bar cabinet was produced in Italy, in the late 1930s and is a really unique and special piece. Its tremendous historical and artistic value is what makes this item a real piece of art, hard to find and one of a kind. Firstly, let's talk about its history. It was produced most likely in 1939 in Mariano Comense which is a small village near Milan by the artist Giuseppe Anzani. Anzani has been one of the greatest, if not the greatest wood crafter and inlaid maker. He started his career as an engraver when he was a little child and he won awards for his skills when he was only 16. Later on, he started also to master the art of wood inlay, becoming the most skilled inlayer of all times. His fame was so big that people from all over the world used to come to his little laboratory in the small and unknown village...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Maple, Walnut, Parchment Paper
Tommi Parzinger Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tommi Parzinger 4 door Cabinet, Brass Hardware and studs to front and sides Marked Parzinger Originals
Mahogany
$4,000
H 80 in W 60 in D 20 in
Barney Flagg for Drexel Parallel Mid-Century Walnut and Cane Credenza and Hutch
By Drexel, Barney Flagg
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning and highly collectible Mid-Century Modern credenza and hutch from Drexel's iconic Parallel collection, designed by renowned American designer Barney Flagg. Introduced in t...
Cane, Walnut
$12,360
H 85.44 in W 85.44 in D 17.72 in
Signed Luciano Frigerio Rare Italian Inlaid Bar Cabinet "Paganini", 1975s
By Luciano Frigerio, Luciano Frigerio di Desio
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This bar cabinet was designed by master furniture maker Luciano Frigerio and features a label with his signature which attests to its authenticity. The inlay of the central doors was...
Walnut, Maple
Mid-Century Modern Brass Bound Walnut Credenza / Sideboard By Heritage
By Heritage Furniture
Located in Kennesaw, GA
It is a mid-century modern brass bound walnut credenza by Heritage. It opens to three sections of storage. It is in very good vintage condition. Minor age wear.
Brass
$1,495
H 31 in W 67.1 in D 19.5 in
1950's Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Mahogany & Brass Credenza or Lowboy Dresser
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co., Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Chester, PA
1950's Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Credenza or Lowboy Dresser with interesting large scale brass and black enamel drawer pulls and vertical brass ...
Brass, Enamel, Steel
$35,000 / set
H 28.5 in W 103 in D 54.5 in
American Classical Mahogany Dining Table with Console Table, Boston Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
American Classical mahogany expandable round to oval dining room table with a turned bulbous centered pedestal on original brass casters. B...
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Flip Top Console Dining Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Flip Top Console Dining Table This flip top console table measures: 60 wide x 21 deep x 28.75 inches high, with ...
Walnut
Tommi Parzinger Originals Credenza
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic server/buffet by Tommy Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, ca' 1960's. Beautiful brass hardware, key, felt lined top drawer. High quality construction and original warm finish.
Wood
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Mahogany Danbury Extend Dining Table
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare mid-century modern drop-leaf expanding "Danbury" bleached mahogany dining table designed by Tommi Parzinger (Germany 1903-1981) for Charak Furniture, Boston. The table is cons...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Poppy Lacquer Credenza with Brass Accents, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Iconic mid-century sideboard in a stunning Poppy lacquer, accented with aged brass studs and pulls. Cabinet has 2 compartments each housing adjustable shelves and drawers. A true col...
Brass
$5,400 / set
H 17 in W 54 in D 21 in
Rare Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Modern Cocktail Table and Stools
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Modern two-tier cocktail table with stained walnut top featuring an inlaid dot motif in a contrasting blonde finish and having a glass top. Four pull out ...
Walnut
Tommi Parzinger Curly Maple & Brass Floor Lamps, Mid-Century 1956
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Astoria, NY
Tommi Parzinger (German, 1903-1981) for Parzinger Originals Pair of Curly Maple and Brass Floor Lamp, 1956, custom-made from the Appleman Commission, with silk octagonal shades. Ove...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Rare and Exquisite Pair of Lounge Chairs 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare pair of lounge chairs model #224 with sculptural legs and exquisite backrest design in dark walnut with upholstered seats and backs by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, A...
Bouclé, Walnut
Tommi Parzinger Floor Lamp
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this exceptional circa 1950s midcentury floor lamp by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals. The lamp is fully restored and in great working order. It fea...
Brass
Sold
H 32 in W 68 in D 16.5 in
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals MCM Milk Glass Top Console Credenza
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Mid Century Milk Glass Top Console Credenza This credenza measures: 68 wide x 16.5 deep x 32 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition - Finis...
Milk Glass, Wood
Tommi Parzinger Rare and Exquisite Pair of Lounge Chairs 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare pair of lounge chairs model #224 with sculptural legs and exquisite backrest design in dark walnut with upholstered seats and backs by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, A...
Bouclé, Walnut
Tommi Parzinger Rare Chic King Size Headboard 1960s
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
King size headboard in white lacquered steel with stylized brass decorative elements by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1960's. Tommi Parzinger was celebrated for r...
Brass, Steel
Tommi Parzinger 3-Door Credenza with Iconic Brass Pulls 1950s (Signed)
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beautifully tailored and finished 3-door credenza in high gloss black lacquer with engraved brass pulls by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1950's (signed “Parzinger...
Brass
Sold
H 32.5 in W 72 in D 18 in
'Parzginer Originals' Mahogany & Brass Dresser by Tommi Parzinger c 1959, Signed
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite work of art is by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, circa 1959, signed 'Parzinger Originals' in one drawer interior. Effortlessly refined, this versatile brass...
Brass
Sold
H 28.5 in W 84 in D 48 in
Tommi Parzinger Rare Dining Table with Bronze Base and Inlaid Mahogany Top 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare extension dining table with hand-forged bronze base with engraved brass accents and top in mahogany with satinwood inlays by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 19...
Brass, Bronze
Tommi Parzinger, Coffee Table, Steel, Glass, Wood, USA, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in High Point, NC
A steel, glass and beige-lacquered wood coffee table designed by Tommi Parzinger and produced by Parzinger Originals, USA, 1950s.
Steel
Tommi Parzinger Iconic Studded Small Chest/Bedside Table 1981
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Small cabinet/chest/bedside table model 223S with 2 drawers in white lacquered mahogany with chrome studs and exquisite pulls by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 198...
Chrome
Tommi Parzinger Elegant Upholstered Bench with Tapering Legs 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare elegant upholstered bench, model number 313, with base in mahogany and upholstered seat with signature elements that wrap around frame b...
Fabric, Mahogany