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.
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Coffee / Tea Set
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful vintage Tommi Parzinger coffee / tea set in its original brass finish circa 1950s. The set includes a large coffee pot with curved wood handle, stand with etched "X" details, burner with original wick to keep the pot warm...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Mid Century Chaffing Serving Dish for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A complete Parzinger serving dish or chaffing dish set including bottom tray, stand, burner, pot with lid and wood handles and the Pyrex glass insert. A ...
Metal
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Tea Service in Polished Brass & Walnut
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous coffee or tea service set was designed by Tommi Parzinger, among the most celebrated Mid-Century Modernist designers, for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1960. The set includes one tea pot, a creamer, and a sugar bowl with lid. The service was created in lustrous brass of a particularly warm hue and features burnished walnut...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Brass Coffee Set, Hollywood Regency, 1960s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite exemplary Mid Century 4pc Tommi Paringer brass serving set including original round tray, covered sugar bowl creamer, beverage pitcher. Complete set as designed.
Brass
Large Set of Tommi Parzinger Dining Ware for Dorlyn Silversmith, in Brass
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice and large set made for Dorlyn Silversmith and designed for Tommi Parzinger. Counting all pieces, are a total of 11. Most of the pieces are stamped.
Brass
Pair of Stylized Tiered Silver plated Candleholders by Tommi Parzinger
By Heirloom, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair of stylized tiered silver plated candleholders by Tommi Parzinger.
Silver Plate
Belgian Crystal Candlesticks Holders Val Saint Lambert, Pair
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of Belgian crystal candlestick holders from luxury maker Val Saint Lambert, Belgium. Pair have a hexagon base (a nice alternative to round) and measure 9.63" Height. Markers' acid mark on bottom "Val Saint Lambert" as shown in last image. Dimensions: 5" base x 9.63" Height. Very Good condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Belgian VSL crystal...
Crystal
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Coffee & Tea Service
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Hanover, MA
Four piece coffee/tea service in solid brass designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1950, distributed by Vincent Lippe Co. This is the earliest version with the distinctively ornate thistle finials on the fitted lids. Set includes large and small lidded carafes, lidded sugar container and 12" diameter round tray. All marked: Made by Dorlyn Silversmiths and a conjoined "RP" in which the "R" is reversed. The 'R' here in the mark probably refers to Otto Rasmussen...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Candelabrum & Pair Serving Trays
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hanover, MA
A three piece serving centerpiece grouping from among the least commonly seen items from the 1950's brass ware collection designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, consisting of an exceptionally large candelabrum for five tapers with two tiers of round bon bon trays, and a matching pair of two-tier serving trays...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Faux Bois Tea Set, Vallauris France
Located in London, GB
Complete set of Grandjean-Jourdan’s faux bois tableware. This father and son team of post-WWII regional artists created their hand-painted pottery in the famed town of Vallauris, th...
Ceramic
Large Late 19th Century Blue Willow Serving Platter Staffordshire
By J.H. Warranted Staffordshire 1
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and in excellent condition. No cracks or chips, a few scratches on the underside but nothing deep or threatening the integrity. Great blue and very functional as it's a deep...
Clay, Porcelain
$295
H 14.5 in W 10 in D 5 in
Pair of Rock Crystal, Lead Crystal, and Brass Candelabra, Late 19th Century
Located in valatie, NY
Pair of rock crystal, lead crystal, and brass candelabra, late 19th century. This pair of candelabras have a series of large rock crystal beads supporting their stems topped by a pin...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass
$556Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5 in W 4 in D 4 in
Pair of French Silver Plated Neoclassical Knife Rests
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of French silver plated neoclassical knife rests, each one holds up to 12 full or dessert size knives. Unmarked.
Silver Plate
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Nickel-Plated Coffee or Tea Set
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in St. Louis, MO
A coffee or tea serving set designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. This set is made of heavy brass, and has been newly plated in a nickel finish. It consists of a pitch...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Vallauris Coffee Set, Ceramic, France, 1960s
By Vallauris
Located in HAARLEM, NL
Step into the world of French artistry with this exquisite 8-piece coffee set, crafted in the legendary ceramic town of Vallauris. Known as the ceramic capital of France, Vallauris h...
Ceramic
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Tazza
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
A brass tazza by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn
Brass
Coffee Service With Tray Tommi Parzinger Dorlyn Silversmith
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
A coffee or tea serving set designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmith. The set is made of heavy brass and newly rechromed in a nickle finish. It consists of a pitcher with w...
Steel, Chrome
Art Deco Candelsticks by Feigl & Morawetz, 1930s Set of 2
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Deco Pair Candelsticks Feigl & Morawetz – Libochovice Czechoslovakia Pattern number 1388 Excellent condition. looks simply stunning. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with ...
Art Glass
Mid-Century Glass & Brass Ice Bucket by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Mid-Century Modern ice bucket was designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1950. It features a translucent glass body and a circular brass top with ban...
Brass
Sold
H 3.25 in W 9.75 in D 6 in
Signed Mid-Century Modern Brass Bowl by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern polished brass bowl was designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths in the United States circa 1960. It features a concave oval body with a cy...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Lidded Brass Bowl by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern polished brass bowl was designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths in the United States circa 1960. It features a circular body with a matchi...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Footed Brass Bowl by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern polished brass bowl was designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths in the United States circa 1960. It features a circular body with banding ...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Ice and Champagne Bucket Mid-Century Modern Barware
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in North Miami, FL
This iconic Classic Mid-Century Modern lidded Tommi Parzinger brass ice bucket or champagne bucket is from the 50's. It has been newly...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Coffee/Tea Service in Brass and Walnut
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous coffee or tea service set was designed by Tommi Parzinger, among the most celebrated Mid-Century Modernist designers, for Dorlyn Silversmiths. The set includes one larg...
Brass
Sold
H 3 in W 17 in D 6.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Oval Brass Dish by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern dish was realized by the esteemed Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1950. It features a concave circular top with three bands circumscrib...
Brass
Midcentury Banded Brass Dish by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern dish was realized by the esteemed Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, circa 1950. It features a concave circular top with three bands circumscri...
Brass
Sold
H 2.25 in Dm 6.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Banded Brass Dish by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern dish was realized by the esteemed Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1950. It features a concave circular top with three bands circumscrib...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Ice and Champagne Bucket Barware Mid-Century Modern
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This Classic modernist Mid-Century Modern and solid brass hallmarked Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn ice bucket and or champagne cooler is always timeless with its form and lines. It has the original mercury silver glass liner. This is great barware and a great sculptural Parzinger ice bucket...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Polished Brass Letter or Napkin Holder
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in North Miami, FL
This classic and timeless solid polished brass holder is stamped on the bottom Made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths; that is who executed Tommi par zinger designs in metal. At one time, this...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Modern Brass and Glass Ice Bucket
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This original Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger polished brass ice bucket with original Pyrex glass liner. It has all the classical lines of Tommi Parzinger. It is from the 1950s. T...
Brass