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 Illuminated Parchment Cabinet for Parzinger Originals, Signed
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
H 66.9 in W 31.5 in D 11.4 in
"Perf" Bar Cabinet in Varnished Steel by Moroso for Diesel
By Diesel Creative Team 1, Moroso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Perf" is a bar cabinet, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, in varnished steel black mat, with doors in varnished steel available in these colors: copper, b...
Steel
H 32 in W 66 in D 17 in
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
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 di Desio, Luciano Frigerio
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
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
H 33 in W 38 in D 18.5 in
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Sideboard Server Two-Door Cabinet
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined mid-century modern two-door storage cabinet sideboard server designed by Tommi Parzinger (Germany 1903-1981) for Charak Furniture Company, Boston, Mass. The versatile piece...
Brass
H 35.24 in W 40.56 in D 23.63 in
Bow Front Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Folkestone, GB
A superior quality George III period flame figured mahogany chest of four graduated drawers of exceptional colour and beautifully figured surfaces. Standing on splayed feet with shap...
Mahogany
H 33.5 in W 78.25 in D 18.25 in
Danish Mid-Century Teak Credenza Sideboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage teak sideboard makes a stylish storage piece in a variety of settings. Quality Teak veneer, unique carved pulls, interior rosewood drawers and plenty of cabinet...
Teak
H 38.98 in W 21.66 in D 14.57 in
Bar Cabinet with illuminated compartments, 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Bar cabinet with illuminated compartments, 1940s Found in a noble apartment in my hometown, Palermo. Good condition, as per the descriptive photographs, with minor signs of aging. E1...
Wood
H 37 in W 120 in D 23.25 in
Tommi Parzinger Lacquer Marble Top Sideboard Credenza 10 Ft
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A sublime mid-century modern marble top sideboard or credenza designed by Tommi Parzinger (German 1903-1981) for Parzinger Originals New York. The monumental case measuring ten feet ...
Marble, Brass
H 29 in W 44 in D 13.5 in
Tommi Parzinger Style Hollywood Regency Yellow & White Cabinet or Console
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Saint Louis, MO
1960s Hollywood Regency cabinet or console professionally refinished in yellow and white lacquer with original Chinoiserie medallion hardware and mirror top in the style of Tommi Par...
Brass
H 31.89 in W 69.69 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Brass Credenza, Argentina, 1950s
By Englander & Bonta
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
This exceptional walnut credenza exemplifies the sculptural sensibility of 1950s Argentine design. The rectangular case is fronted by four hinged doors in rich walnut, unified by a c...
Bronze
H 32 in W 68 in D 16.5 in
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals MCM Milk Glass Top Console Credenza
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
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
H 33 in W 50 in D 17.5 in
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
H 32.5 in W 72 in D 18 in
'Parzginer Originals' Mahogany & Brass Dresser by Tommi Parzinger c 1959, Signed
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
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
H 20 in W 25 in D 20.5 in
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
H 29.5 in W 123 in D 19 in
Tommi Parzinger Long Cabinet with Bronze Flower Pulls 1950s (Signed)
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare and exceptional long cabinet in white lacquer with bronze stylized flower pulls by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1950s (signed “Parzinger Originals” on insid...
Bronze
H 20 in W 25 in D 20.5 in
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 mahogany with chrome studs and exquisite pulls by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1981. This piece i...
Chrome
H 32 in W 66 in D 17 in
Tommi Parzinger Brass Stud, Shell Pink Lacquer Credenza, Signed
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite custom Botticelli Shell Pink hand gloss lacquered credenza featuring brass studs and signature Parzinger brass door knocker pull rings. The cabinet has adjustable shelves in each compartment and a divided felt lined drawer...
Brass
H 31 in W 38 in D 16.5 in
Tommi Parzinger 2-Door Cabinet with Illuminating Glass Top 1960s
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
2 Door cabinet with sculpted doors and sides with geometric motif with iconic engraved brass pulls and hinges, and illuminating glass top by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, ...
Brass
H 33.5 in W 36 in D 18 in
Tommi Parzinger Iconic Cabinet with Brass Studs 1950s, 'Signed'
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Iconic 2 door cabinet model 146 in white lacquer with brass studs, etched brass pulls, and inset milk glass top by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals 1950s (signed “Parzinger Originals” on inside of drawer). This beautiful cabinet exudes the refined elegance. It is beautifully made and very chic. Reference: Parzinger Originals Inc. catalog published in the 1950’s...
Brass
H 32 in W 84 in D 18 in
Tommi Parzinger Stunning Long Chest of Drawers with Iconic Hardware 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Long chest of drawers model #184 in white lacquer with iconic etched brass flower hardware on ebonized legs by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1950's. This large pi...
Brass
H 34 in W 99.5 in D 19 in
Tommi Parzinger 6-Door Credenza in Walnut with Iconic Brass Hardware 1960s
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Impressive and exceptional 6 door credenza in walnut, sculpted doors with iconic etched brass hardware, by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, Ame...
Brass
H 32.5 in W 33.5 in D 18 in
Tommi Parzinger 2 Door Lacquered and Bronze Studded Cabinet 1960s 'Signed'
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Iconic 2 door cabinet in red lacquer with bronze studs and etched brass hardware with mahogany base and inset milk glass top by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American, 196...
Brass, Bronze