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
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 33 in W 38 in D 18.5 in
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Sideboard Server Two-Door Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
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 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 72 in W 60 in D 13 in
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. ...
Cane, Oak
H 49.22 in W 57.88 in D 18.9 in
Art Deco Lacquered Wood Parchment Bar Cabinet, Galleria Mobili Cantù Italy, 1950
By Galeria Mobili d´Arte Cantù
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This elegant Italian bar cabinet, produced by Galleria Mobili d'Arte Cantù around 1950, is a refined example of Mid-Century design enriched with strong Art Deco influences. Its sculp...
Glass, Ash, Wood, Parchment Paper
H 39 in W 60 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Tommi Parzinger Sideboard Cabinet
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
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.
Mahogany
H 24.5 in W 72 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern Low Cabinet In Tommi Parzinger Style Wood and Brass, 1950's
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This magnificent and fully restored vintage Tommi Parzinger style Mid-Century Modern low cabinet is sculptural with its monumental polished solid brass hardware that opens the cabinet doors on both sides. It has brass inlay on the top and bottom and legs. The special beautiful restored stain on the wood is a light grey to darker grey over the walnut. One can see the grain of the wood as it becomes more of a mix of champagne and grey. This is perfect in back of a sofa, in a bedroom or den in front of a flat screen TV. Also a great large painting or work of art would be fantastic on top of it. There is one-drawer on the right hand side and 2 shelves on the left and one on the right hand side. Quite stunning! Beautifully restored! All of the original fabulous hardware has been polished. It is 2 cabinets on the one base originally designed and made this way. They do not separate as in for nightstands and they cannot be separated. It is one great Mid-Century Modern designer cabinet...
Brass
H 35.25 in W 62 in D 20 in
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...
Brass
H 32.5 in W 48 in D 16 in
Tommi Parzinger Leather Covered Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Dallas, TX
A green leather clad cabinet with gold embossing and brass hardware. Designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern.
Leather
H 20 in W 25 in D 20.5 in
Tommi Parzinger Iconic Studded Small Chest/Bedside Table 1981
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
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 31 in W 38 in D 16.5 in
Tommi Parzinger 2-Door Cabinet with Illuminating Glass Top 1960s
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
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 Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
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 32.5 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
H 74 in W 54 in D 18 in
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.
Brass
H 50.75 in W 40.25 in D 24 in
Parzginer Originals Studded Cabinet by Tommi Parzinger, c 1960s, Signed
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
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...
Brass