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 Silent Butler
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Lacquered brass lidded silent butler with incised lines designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, New York. Stamped "Dorlyn Silversmiths" on the back. More recently polish...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger For Dorlyn Brass Footed Compote.
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass plated brass footed compote by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn-Silversmiths. Square pedestal base with a three ring incised stem and shallow bowl with three incised rings and a deli...
3 Piece Brass Coffee Service by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Danville, CA
Brass Coffee Service by Tommi Parziger for Dorlyn Brass. The set consists of a tall lidded carafe, creamer, and lidded sugar bowl. The set has been professionally polished and lacq...
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
Wedgwood Porcelain Dinner Service for Twelve People
By Wedgwood & Co
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Wedgwood porcelain dinnerware with exterior / interior hand painted design detail service for twelve people with serving pieces. Each piece is in great condition. Maker's mark undersigned. Set include 12 dinner plate 11" diameter. 12 salad plates...
Porcelain, Paint
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Nickel-Plated Coffee or Tea Set
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
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
$2,975 / set
H 12 in W 9 in D 5.5 in
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
Fabergé Silver Flatware Service for 24
By Fabergé
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fabergé silver is regarded as the highest form of Continental silver in terms of artistry and opulence. This rare 197-piece parcel-gilt silver flatware service for 24 was produced by...
Silver
$1,245
H 8 in W 8 in D 4.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Brass Pitcher by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern polished brass pitcher was designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths in the United States circa 1960. It features an undulating body with a ...
Brass
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
$1,800 / set
H 2 in W 2 in D 2 in
Mid-Century Modern Brass Serving Trays by Tommi Parzinger, USA, 1960s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of elegant solid brass oblong serving/bread trays with brass bar and engraved feet. Stamped
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Chafing Dish
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Pasadena, TX
A Mid-Century Modern chafing dish designed by Tommi Parzinger and made by Dorlyn Silversmiths. Brass with a glass insert.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Double Chafing
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
1950's brass double chafing designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, in vintage original condition with some wear and patina due to age and use.
Brass
Vintage Tommi Parzinger Modernist Brass Box Mid-Century Modern
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This Mid-Century Modern vintage Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths is hallmarked on the back. This chic brass box back in the times of the 1950s was s silent butler tray to pick...
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 Round Brass Tray
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A fine lacquered brass round tray with incised lines designed by Tommi Parzinger for Vincent Lippe / Dorlyn Silversmiths, New York. Stamped "Dorlyn Silversmiths" on the back. Each el...
Brass
Classic Tommi Parzinger Polished Brass Ice Covered Ice Bucket
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
The classical lines and timelessness of this period Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger polished brass and Pyrex glass liner ice bucket is forever. It will never be dated. It is simp...
Brass
Trio of Solid Brass Candelabra by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of three matching candleholders executed in lacquered solid brass by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. Exceptional craftsmanship and classically modern. All original con...
Brass
Elegant Entertaining - Group of Modern Tableware
By Fornasetti, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Group of Modern Tableware by various designers, circa 1950's. The group of tableware is priced at $. They are also priced individually, see below. From top to bottom, they are: 1) An elegant brass centerpiece or compote, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn. It is $750. It measures 5.5" height x 11" diameter. The compote currently retains it's warm original patina. We can polish and lacquer it if you prefer for the same price. 2) Set of six abalone shell bowls, they are SOLD. Each is approximately 1.5" height x 5.5" length. 3) Set of Six Coasters, designed by Piero Fornasetti, rare "Double Face" pattern. They are $550 for the six. Each coaster measure 4 1/8" in diameter. Minor wear, see photo. 4) Set of twelve faux malachite plates, designed for Neiman Marcus. They are $300 for the set of twelve plates. Each plate measures 6.5" diameter. The Italian faux malachite...
Abalone, Porcelain, Ceramic
Brass 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. It consists of a pitcher with wood handle equipped with a heater, a cr...
Brass