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.
Vintage Taverneau and Rattan Deviled Egg Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Pantalcraft
By Arthur Umanoff, Raymor
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern deviled egg tray (model #531) in taverneau wood with rattan-wrapped handles designed by Arthur Umanoff for Pantalcraft as part of a line of wooden serveware that w...
Rattan, Wood
$225
H 0.75 in W 13 in D 11.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Taverneau Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage serving platter tray designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor, circa 1960's. This solid piece is made out of Taverneau wood and features ...
Reed, Wood
$325
H 0.92 in W 18.75 in D 3.4 in
Mid-Century Modern Korina Wood Divided Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage hand carved rectangular wood tray features Modernist shape and graphic wood grain patterns with the natural tonal range. The handle is wrapped with reed or cane. Minimal shap...
Reed, Wood
$275
H 2.25 in W 21.9 in D 6 in
Taverneau Wood Carved Fish Shaped Charcuterie Tray in Style of Arthur Umanoff
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage carved wooden tray or charcuterie board features minimal fish shaped outline with detailed decorative tail element that can be used as a handle. The tray is equipped with cylindrical brass skewer...
Brass
Rattan and Brass Italian Centerpiece Tray Basket, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern brass and rattan round tray basket or centerpiece. It has a brass trim covering the top and brass handles at both sides. Handcraft...
Brass
Arthur Umanoff Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chicago, IL
Wrought iron and leather strapped wine rack.
Wrought Iron
$220 / set
H 1.13 in W 10.13 in D 6.63 in
Vintage Arthur Court Tray & Letter Opener Desk Set Silver Aluminum, 1992
By Arthur Court
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking vintage Arthur Court desk set from 1992, crafted in silver-toned cast aluminum with the designer’s signature. This platter features an intricately detailed Eagle motif wit...
Aluminum
Wicker and Rattan Tray, France, 1960s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Oval wicker and rattan serving tray, France, 1960s. This elegant oval serving tray is crafted from bent rattan and woven wicker, characteristic of French furniture and decorative accessories from the 1960s. Its light yet sturdy structure is enhanced by a fine, even weave, offering a beautiful balance between functionality and natural aesthetics. Featuring integrated handles, this tray is ideal for serving breakfast, drinks, or as a decorative element on a coffee table, console, or veranda. Its warm and authentic look blends perfectly into vintage, bohemian, Mediterranean, or coastal-inspired interiors. A timeless piece, this tray reflects the 1960s' passion for natural materials and decorative craftsmanship. Style : Vintage Bohemian Mid-Century Modern Coastal Natural Key Features : Woven rattan and wicker Oval shape Integrated handles Made in France Lightweight and sturdy construction Decorative or serving use France, 1960s Natural materials Keywords : wicker tray, rattan tray, oval serving tray, vintage rattan tray...
Wicker, Rattan
Arthur Umanoff "Chatter Platter" Bar-B-Que Tray
Located in Highland, IN
Arthur Umanoff's designs often embrace playfulness and whimsy and this plastic serving tray is a great example. From his "Chatter Platter" line of "literals" (a famous 1970s design t...
Plastic
Arthur Umanoff "Chatter Platter" Snack Tray
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Highland, IN
Arthur Umanoff's designs often embrace playfulness and whimsy and this plastic serving tray is a great example. From his "Chatter Platter" line of "literals" (a famous 1970s design t...
Plastic
$425
H 1 in W 21.25 in D 6 in
MCM Taverneau Wood & Wicker Handled Oblong Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool MCM taverneau wood and wicker handle oblong tray by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960s. The tray is in good vintage condition and measures 21.25"W x 6"D x 1"H. The piece is m...
Wicker, Wood
19th Century English Egg and Dart Silver-plate Butler's Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful and substantial 19th century English silver-plate butler's tray with a heavy egg and dart patterned rim. Perfect for your at-home bar set up o...
Silver Plate
Serving Bar Tray Lucite and Rattan, Wicker, circa 1970
By Studio Italia Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist barware serving tray or platter has a refined flair. The rare piece was expertly crafted in Italy, circa 1970. The large rectangular shape features raised edg...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Lucite, Plexiglass
Mid Century Raymor Decorative Serving Dish
By Richard Grossenbach, Raymor
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage decorative serving dish designed by Richard Grossenbach for Raymor. This hand-turned walnut piece features sculptural raised edges and a vibrant ceramic insert.
Ceramic, Walnut
Solid Walnut Splined Top Serving Tray for Raymor
By Raymor, Richards Morgenthau Co., George Nakashima
Located in New Windsor, NY
Beautiful concave clipped corner and splined walnut tray for Raymor. Solid two board top wood construction. Signed with foil label, Made in USA, designed wood, distributed by Richard...
Teak, Walnut
Raymor Signed Italian Modernist Ceramic Serving Plate
By Raymor
Located in North Miami, FL
Strokes of painterly designs in bold colors lend this wonderful large Signed Raymor Italian ceramic serving plate interest to any table and counter. it is numbered on the bottom. Rot...
Ceramic