Few had their finger on the pulse of American furniture like importer and distributor Raymor. Founder Irving Richards first had his eyes opened to the world of furniture while attending the 1928 Salon d’Automne art and design fair in Paris. He joined Lightolier two years later and developed its business relationships, including with designer Russel Wright.
Wright and Richards met in 1935 and Russel Wright, Inc. was formed in 1936. Its American Modern ceramic tableware, produced under the name Wright Accessories in 1938, was a notably lucrative collaboration. Following the early success of American Modern, Richards obtained the majority share of Wright Accessories and changed its name to Raymor Mfg Division Inc. in 1941.
By 1952, the exclusivity over American Modern had ended (the line was initially produced by Wright Associates and later manufactured by Steubenville for two decades). To keep up with American markets, Raymor worked with prominent designers such as George Nelson, Arthur Umanoff, Ray and Charles Eames, and Hans J. Wegner.
The company’s imports expanded to Denmark, which contributed to the rise of Scandinavian modern designs in the American market. Throughout the 1950s, Richards established relationships with factories in Scandinavia, Italy and Germany, as well as with the influential tastemaker and importer Charles Stendig.
The furniture company Simmons bought Raymor in 1963 and changed its name to Raymor Richards, Morgenthau Inc. in 1969. During that time, Raymor’s Omnibus range of Scandinavian-style wall units became widely popular, along with Italian glass and pottery like Bitossi ceramics designed by Aldo Londi and Bagni ceramics by Alvino Bagni.
Shifting styles coupled with rising competition, and the departure of Richards from the company, ended Raymor. By the late 1970s, Raymor faced a wave of international factories able to produce similar products of lesser quality for a lower cost. Buyers were eager to frequently change their interior styles, limiting the need for high-end, durable furniture, which Raymor had been importing.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Raymor ceramics, lamps, decorative objects and more.
Tommaso Barbi Style Burled Elm & Chrome Hanging Wall Clock, Circa 1970
By Tommaso Barbi, Raymor
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Tomasso Barbi attributed Circular Burl and Chrome Wall Clock by Raymor. Featuring a round Chrome rimmed Burled Elm front with reflective Chrome surround. With German clock mechanism...
Metal
$1,109
H 13.78 in W 13.78 in D 9.85 in
Midcentury Tommaso Barbi Burl and Chrome Square Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Roma, IT
Astonishing midcentury chromed brass and burl square photo frame. This beautiful piece was designed in Italy in the 1970s by Tomaso Barbi and is als...
Metal, Chrome
$267 / item
H 3.15 in Dm 7.88 in
1970s British Racing Green AC.GMT.CO. Industrial Wall Clock Chrome Bezel
By Industrial Design
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Rescued from industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert process allows us to create a high quality clock of luxury standards. At A.C GMT Co. we ...
Steel, Chrome
$267 / item
H 3.15 in Dm 7.88 in
1970s British Orange & Chrome AC GMT Co. Industrial Wall Clock Black Dial
By Industrial Design
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert process allows us to create a high quality clock of luxury standards. At A.C GMT Co. we a...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Midcentury Rare Wall Clock Krups, Space Age Style, Germany, 1970s
By Krups
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type - space age style
Plastic
$1,456
H 5.12 in Dm 5.52 in
Tommaso Barbi Signed “Egg” Ashtrays / Catchall in Brass & Chrome, Italy 1970s
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic and iconic sculptural “egg” stacking ashtray in an elegant combination of brass and chrome-plated metal. This iconic piece was designed by Tommaso Barbi and produced in Ita...
Brass, Chrome
Gucci Wood + Chrome Clock, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
This 1970s Gucci desk clock showcases the brand’s signature equestrian influence. The design pairs warm-toned wood with polished chrome accents, featuring bridle bit motifs—a nod to ...
Chrome
Fancy Antique Wall Clock, circa 1850
Located in Berlin, DE
Fancy antique wall clock, circa 1850. Octagonal-shaped and black-framed body with glazed door. White dial. Hand-inserted inlaid brass elements in Boulle technique. Movement must be ...
Wood
$3,269
H 17.72 in W 11.82 in D 3.55 in
Boleslaw Danikowski (1928-1979) ceramic wall clock circa 1960/1970
By Boleslaw Danikowski, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Boleslaw Danikowski (1928-1979) ceramic wall clock circa 1960/1970 Origin: “Votre Maison” store in Lille. Boleslaw Danikowski was the leading ceramist to work with Robert Guillerme a...
Ceramic
Vintage Tommaso Barbi Wine Cooler 1970s
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant mid-century modern wine cooler by Tommaso Barbi, Italy, circa 1970s with engraving in the bottom. This striking piece features a polished brass frame with richly marbled faux...
Lucite
1970s Cobra Lamp by Tommaso Barbi
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Paris, FR
Unique gold-glazed ceramic table lamp in the shape of a cobra. A fine work signed by Tommaso Barbi, 1970 period. In absolutely perfect condition with original lampshade. Height with...
Ceramic
Junghaus Wall Clock 1970s "ELECTORA"
By Junghans Uhren GmbH
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original Vintage Wall mounted clock designed in the seventies by the Manufacture Junghaus, Germany, model Electora. The clock is in original...
Brass
$822
H 21.66 in W 28.35 in D 3.15 in
VINTAGE CIRCA 1950's WALL HANGING CLOCK WITH LAMPS DEPICTING A VILLAGE SCENE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this interesting circa 1950’s vintage wall hanging clock with twin lights A very good looking decorators piec...
Wood
Mid century modern rattan wall clock by Raymor, circa 1960s.
By Raymor
Located in Houston, TX
Mid century modern rattan wall clock by Raymor, circa 1960s. In great working order. 14x14
Rattan
Vintage Chrome and Burl Wall Clock by Raymor
By Raymor
Located in Chicago, IL
A nice vintage wall clock by Raymor. The works are German by Kienzle / battery operated. A wall clock fitting for an interior with Milo Baughman or Paul Evans furniture. Signed with...
Burl
Meridian Clock for Raymor Designed by George Nelson
By Raymor, George Nelson
Located in Southampton, NJ
Ceramic wall clock having Bitossi Rimini Blue style design in a glazed ceramic body. George Nelson clock components by Howard Miller clock company.
Steel