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.
$420Sale Price|30% Off
Arthur Umanoff for Raymor Red Wrought Iron Wall Sconce Candelabra 30"
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century modern red enameled wrought iron wall sconce / candelabrum designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor circa 1950. It features five arms, each adorned with a candle holder and...
Iron, Wrought Iron
French Iron Double Wall Coat Hooks - 1 available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French iron double wall hooks - one available France, mid century Beautifully contrasted iron with brass accents creates a palette to please Angled iron upper arm is finished wit...
Iron
Wicker Rattan & Wrought Iron Coatrack Shelf, France 1960's
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
A combination shelf and coat rack, wicker wrapped wrought iron.
Wrought Iron
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 16 in W 12 in D 8 in
Gorgeous Pair Sea Shell Encrusted Wall Brackets Sconces
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gorgeous pair of artisan made sea shell encrusted wall brackets or sconces , decorated with sea shells and birds nest coral branches, with pink sea whip branches added on top. Great ...
Shell
Vintage Italian Giltwood Wall Sconce Shelf
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Neoclassical or Rococo style Italian provincial gilt wood wall sconce or bracket Italy, Circa Mid-20th Century Measures: 6.75"W x 3.5"D x 5.5"H. Very good vintage condi...
Giltwood
Antique Wrought Iron Shop Sign Bracket, Late 19th Century
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Original old wrought iron "shop nose"/ shop sign bracket. Anthracite gray painted. Attached to the house wall of a shop so that you can hang your own...
Wrought Iron
Atelier Leather and Iron Coat Rack, Red
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful five hook iron and leather wrapped coat rack. Each hook covered in red leather with white contrast stitching. Newly produced by Orange furniture...
Iron
Antique Cast Iron Articulating Elephant Wall Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique cast iron articulating wall hook Early 20th century This piece is a work of art The long articulating elephant trunk serves as a light weight storage hook which puts the fun in functional Wall mounted hook is supported by a single crescent moon shaped bracket which requires three screws Minor paint loss Wonderful patina from age and use We have a wide inventory of antique wall hooks...
Iron
French Cast Iron Double Wall Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French cast iron double wall hook France, mid century Petite in its construction yet charming nonetheless Curved iron J hook finished with two etched ...
Iron
Snoop Wall Hook, Blood Red
Located in Cincinnati, US
Simple, minimal and fun wall hook.
Brass, Steel
$854Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 6.3 in W 11.42 in D 0.71 in
Gilt and Lacquered Wall Friezes for Antique Light Sconces, 29x16 cm
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/4738 - An idea for these three gilt and lacquered friezes : for wall light sconces: on the wall, hanging above three parchment fans that hide the electrical connections. The parch...
Giltwood
$99 / item
H 9.75 in W 0.75 in D 9.25 in
Wrought Iron Scrolling Wall Mounted Bracket for Lanterns or Signs
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Beautiful hand crafted iron scroll design wall bracket. Wrought iron handcrafted wall-bracket for lanterns or signs. Perfect for hanging lights or plants outdoors. Scrolling wall-mou...
Metal
Scrolling Wall Mounted Iron Bracket for Lanterns or Signs
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand crafted iron scroll design wall bracket. Wrought iron handcrafted wall-bracket for lanterns or signs. Perfect for hanging lights or plants outdoors. Scrolling wall...
Metal