German furniture designer Tommi Parzinger brought high-style modernism to the forefront. Taking a vivid, stylized approach to mid-century furniture, many of his works feature boldly colored lacquers and offbeat finishes that make his pieces stand out among the works of his peers. Despite his uniquely progressive vision, Parzinger showed equal expertise in producing fine, traditional furnishings.
Born in Munich, Parzinger moved to New York City in 1932. He began his practice in the United States by designing for the Manhattan style trailblazer Rena Rosenthal. In 1939, he established his first company, which split its focus between handcrafted silver household items — such as tea sets and barware — and home furnishings, like dining tables and cabinets. In his first year in business, Parzinger exhibited several pieces of furniture at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
A master craftsman, Parzinger sought out the most exceptional materials for his furniture, employing the finest woods — like mahogany and walnut — as well as including custom brass hardware and pewter inlays.
His silver works presented an elevated level of style and grace. A November 1939 article in LIFE magazine described Parzinger as “the most creative original designer of silverware in the United States.”
While he was still running his own business — creating 12 to 30 new designs each year — Charak Furniture Company appointed Parzinger as its head of modern furniture design. He modernized Charak’s design approach from a more traditional form to a mid-century modern style.
In the mid-1960s, Parzinger stopped designing furniture, turning his company over to his friend Donald Cameron. He shifted his attention to paintings, which he created until his death in 1981.
On 1stDibs, find a broad selection of vintage Tommi Panzinger tables, lighting, storage pieces and more.
Mid Century Modern 1950's Brass Box By Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This iconic vintage mid century hinged lidded brass box by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths was originally used at the time at elite dinner parties for the upper class to swee...
Brass
$1,000 / set
H 8 in W 4 in D 4 in
Tommi Parzinger Brass Candlesticks, Mid-Century Modern, Polished, USA
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of midcentury classically styled candlesticks with a square base stylized column and engraved drip plate. Designed by Tommi Parzinger, signature stamp on bottom. Polished.
Brass
$692Sale Price / set|44% Off
H 7 in W 4 in D 4 in
Tommi Parzinger Brass Candlesticks by Dorlyn Silversmiths, 1960, Pair
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Tommi Parzinger candlesticks brass signed. Small scale pair of candlesticks both signed on the undersides: "Made by Dorlyn Silversmiths" with conjoined cypher - PR. In good original ...
Brass
Vintage Brown Leather Bronze Nailhead Jewelry Box, Tommi Parzinger style
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Wonderful leather clad jewelry box with bronze nailhead design and embossed "X" and stars. Red velvety lining. Has a lock but no key included. Not signed or marked. It's design is si...
Bronze
$3,850 / set
H 19.25 in Dm 5 in
Pair of Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Hurricane Candle Sconces
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of c1950 brass candle sconces by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. These candle sconces exhibit Parzinger's unique talent of mixing classical with the modern. Parzing...
Brass
$380 / set
H 6.75 in W 4 in D 4 in
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Brass Candleholders Made by Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant pair of Tommi Parzinger solid polished brass candleholders made by Dorlyn Silversmiths New York, a nice clean condition some patina.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Dorlyn Brass Candelabra
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
pair of elegant candelabra by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn. Four arms complete with inserts. Laquered brass.
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Tazza
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
A brass tazza by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn
Brass
Large Tommi Parzinger Brass Candelabra for Dorlyn
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Chicago, IL
At two-and-a-half feet tall, this stately four-arm candelabrum is one of Parzinger's larger designs for Dorlyn. Measures: 30".
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Polished Nickel Candlesticks, Mid-Century Modern, USA
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite pair of round polished nickel candle holders with an engraved band on base, stamped on bottom.
Nickel
Polished Brass Three-Piece Candelabra Set by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1950s polished brass candelabra set by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmith. Both candelabra and candle holders are marked Dorlyn Silversmiths. This elegant set is newly polished a...
Brass
$775 / set
H 6.75 in W 4 in D 4 in
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Brass Candleholders Made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Tommi Parzinger brass candleholders, made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths, circa 1950s. Candleholders appear to have little or no use. Branded made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths. Minor patina.
Brass
$636Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.5 in W 9 in D 7.5 in
Solid Brass Covered Bowl Designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Doraville, GA
DISCRIPTION A design by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, a vintage solid brass covered bowl. The bowl is embossed on the bottom with the Tommi Parzinger insignia and marked ...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Mid Century Modern Brass Box or Bowl/ Serving Bowl
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This hallmarked midcentury modern Tommi Parzinger polished and lacquered brass box or bowl is classic and timeless. There is a glass insert from the time period for relish or pickles...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Decorative Brass Lidded Box with Divider Insert
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A lacquered brass cylindrical box with divider insert and 'donut'-handled top designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. Classic Parzinger concentric rings motif at rim and...
Brass
Sold
H 1 in W 6.25 in D 8.38 in
Tommi Parzinger Brass Box for Dorlyn Silversmiths with Incised Grid Pattern
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Chicago, IL
Rectangular box with attached, hinged lid and incised grid pattern by Tommi Parzinger and made by Dorlyn Silversmiths. The wood lined interior is divided. Please contact us if you h...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Etched Brass Candlesticks and Box
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This Tommi Parzinger grouping consists of a beautiful box and tall candlesticks with Classic linear etchings on brass. Box dimensions: 8.75 inches long, 4.5 wide, 2 inches tall.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Polished Diamond Criss Cross Brass and Wood Box
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This Classic and timeless gem of a box made by Dorlyn Silversmiths for Tommi Parzinger has the crisscross diamond pattern all-over the box. Hard to find these days. It is hallmark...
Brass
Leather and Brass Presentation Box by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Rare leather presentation box by Tommi Parzinger. This box was given to the previous owner from Tommi Parzinger as a gift after purchasing two case pieces from them in the 1960's.
Brass