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Parzinger Originals Cabinets

American

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.

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Creator: Parzinger Originals
Tommi Parzinger One-of-a-Kind Bar Cabinet in White Ash Burl with Inlays 1960s
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
One-of-a-kind custom design raised 4 door bar cabinet with doors in white ash burl with satinwood inlays with etched polished brass pulls and ba...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Tommi Parzinger Rare and Impressive Illuminated Bar Cabinet 1950s 'Signed'
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Rare stunning bar cabinet in artisan parchment lacquer with 4 doors, each with an exquisitely engraved chrome pull, and a beautifully outfitted interior lacquered Chinese red by Tomm...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Related Items
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Two Door Cabinet
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hanover, MA
Classic mahogany cabinet with tooled and gilt diamond pattern green leather door panels and distinctive polished brass door pulls. Features a single adjustable interior shelf. De...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Display Cabinet, c 1955, Signed
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare collectors item, this fully restored Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern (c. 1955) display cabiinet / vitrine, features beautiful french polish with Parzinger's signature statement door handles. Signed with Charak Modern label on the backside of the upper cabinet. This refined and sophisticated Parzinger credenza with glass display hutch is perfect for those high-end luxury pads looking for an incredible and collectible statement piece, which Parzinger was known to create. The gorgeous color is close to the Hermès orange, but perhaps a little bit deeper and bolder - perhaps somewhere between Hermès orange and blood orange. Beauty in every detail, from the cross-cut glass panes, to the upper flared embellishments and the signature Parzinger door handles. Let's not skip one more aspect of this table that is equally important - the collectors appeal. Furniture by Tommi Parzinger is one of the most sought-after and cherished items of sophisticated collectors. This isn't for your typical Eames and George Nelson collector, it is much more for a refined collector, perhaps a connoisseur of fine rarities. The quality of the materials and craftsmanship and design details are something to be admired. Parzinger and Charak Modern designed and crafted some of the highest quality furniture of the early and mid 20th Century. That was at a time when US manufacturing was at its best. And now in this day and age of cheap products not meant to last - this table is your daily reminder that 'they don't make them like they used to.' We restored this incredible sideboard display cabinet with hand-applying a new French Polish lacquer. French Polish is the most laborious and expensive finish because it requires many repetitive coats and each one hand polished to a fine glass-like finish, and while it is very expensive, it is worth it for rare and valuable pieces like this Tommi Parzinger vitrine. The results are nothing short of spectacular - such a smooth, clear and deep finish - it looks almost like a sheet of glass (much more incredible in-person than you can see (or touch / feel) in the photos). And besides how incredible it looks - it will also protect your investment for the decades ahead. This Parzinger cabinet is an ideal example for the most discriminating interior designer client or collector. This french polish cabinet...
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Brass

1950s Rare Wooden Bar Cabinet, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Rare model - By KMEN
Category

1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Vintage bar cabinet with brass details, Belgium 1960s
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Mid-century modern bar cabinet in premium teak wood adorned with stunning golden details. We have a matching sideboard available from the same set.
Category

1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tommi Parzinger Leather Front Chest of Drawers for Charak Modern
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant chest of drawers designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Drawer fronts feature hand tooled yellow/ parchment leather which perfectly compliments the dark wood case....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Leather, Wood

Tommi Parzinger Early Important Tall Cabinet/ Bookcase Limed Sawed Oak Cane Door
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Westport, CT
Highly important Tommi Parzinger tall Limed sawed oak and Cane front Bookcase /Cabinet . 1930's together with original photo and sketch fro catalog page ,one of three possibly made. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Cane, Oak

Tommi Parzinger Originals 4-Drawer Lacquered Console Credenza
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Miami, FL
Tommi Parzinger Originals 4-Drawer Lacquered Console Credenza Offered for sale is an original white lacquered four-drawer console credenda from Tommi Parzinger. This piece is part ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

One of a Kind Custom Dry Bar Cabinet by Philip Johnson
By Philip Johnson
Located in Atlanta, GA
A one of a kind unique custom piece from celebrated American architect Philip Johnson (1906-2005). This tiger maple bar cabinet was designed by Philip J...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Tommi Parzinger Sideboard Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern buffet. Ribbon grain mahogany with wonderful color, featuring 5 drawers centering two doors. Sculptural wood handles.
Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Tommi Parzinger Bar Cabinet Lacquered in White Chocolate with Polished Brass
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Glamorous Hollywood Regency Bar Cabinet attributed to Tommi Parzinger newly lacquered in white chocolate with polished original adorning brass hardware. Fully restored from top to bo...
Category

1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Brass

One of a Kind Italian Midcentury Sideboard with Bar Cabinet a. Vittorio Dassi
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Landshut, BY
Italian 1950s one of a kind BAR / SIDEBOARD attributed to Vittorio Dassi birch root veneer - solid birch "feet" - stained glass top - mirrored bar compartment - carved upper orna...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Stained Glass, Burl, Birch

Previously Available Items
Tommi Parzinger Iconic Studded Small Chest/Bedside Table 1981
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Tommi Parzinger 2-Door Cabinet with Illuminating Glass Top 1960s
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
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, ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Tommi Parzinger Iconic Cabinet with Brass Studs 1950s, 'Signed'
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Tommi Parzinger 2 Door Lacquered and Bronze Studded Cabinet 1960s 'Signed'
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals "Moroccan" Cabinet
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger originals "Moroccan" cabinet in very good original condition.  
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Parzginer Originals Studded Cabinet by Tommi Parzinger, c 1960s, Signed
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite work of art is by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, circa 1960s, signed 'Parzinger Originals' underneath. A sizable liquor cabinet, or can be used for many other purposes such as books, blankets, or paraphernalia, this piece is versatile and would make an eye-catching statement in any room in any home or space. Ideal for collectors or luxury interior designer clients, this extremely rare Parzinger Originals cabinet features glossy black lacquer front, top and sides with large monumental intricately designed brass handles, oversized round wooden studs, and huge carved wood door hinges which wrap front the front to the sides of this incredible work of functional art. This fantastic Tommi Parzinger cabinet sits on top of a wooden base with four elegant turned wood feet. Inside is a glossy pink backing and two glass shelves. Additional shelves can be added and can be reconfigured in many different heights throughout the interior to suit your customized needs. Parzinger Originals signed pieces are extremely sought after by collectors and are exceptionally rare to find. This piece is also quite unique, may be a one of a kind custom request. Whether your home, office or creative studio is designed in Hollywood Regency, Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco, Contemporary or Classical - this fine cabinet will surely be your statement piece taking center stage in your room. Consider using as a blanket chest, highboy credenza, liquor cabinet / dry bar, sideboard, vitrine, bookcase, china wall unit...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parzinger Originals Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Parzinger Originals cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Parzinger Originals cabinets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Parzinger Originals cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original cabinets by Parzinger Originals were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider cabinets by M. Singer & Sons, Charles Hollis Jones, and Johnson Furniture Company. Prices for Parzinger Originals cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $18,000 and can go as high as $45,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $26,000.

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