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 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
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 for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Coffee / Tea Set
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
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 for Dorlyn Silversmiths Tea Service/Chaffing Set, 1960
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Tea Service/Chaffing Set, 1960. Beautiful brass patina all original. Measurements: Tea pot 14.75" tall on burner, total height of tea pot 11....
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
Hollyood Regency Brass Coffee Set by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silver
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish Hollyood Regency brass coffee set by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silver, circa 1970's. The set includes a coffee pot (including Sterno riser), creamer, lidded sugar bowl and s...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Pitcher
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass Pitcher with lid and walnut handle.
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
Silver Plated Tea Pot by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A silver plated brass tea pot with walnut handle and beautiful patina.
Brass, Silver
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Candelabrum & Pair Serving Trays
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
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
Japanese Silver Plated 5-Piece Coffee or Tea Set
Located in North Miami, FL
Japanese silver plated 5-piece coffee or tea set Dimensions: Serving tray, 26.5 wide, 14.5 deep, 1 inch tall Larger coffee pot, 11.75 inches tall, 12.5 deep, 5.5 wide Smaller tea...
Silver Plate
Limoges Tea Set, Service for 6, Plus 1
Located in Vista, CA
Limoges tea set, service for 6, plus 1. Gold Farmhouse collection, France, perfect condition, 7 cups and saucers, coffee/tea pot, creamer and sugar.
Porcelain
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
Haviland Limoges Gilt Porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 12
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Late 20th century Haviland, Limoges France gilt porcelain tea / coffee service for twelve people. Each piece is great condition. Marks (Tower) Haviland Limoges, France undersigned. Alltogether 27 pieces. Set include 12 tea / coffee cups 4" x 2.3". 12 tea / coffee saucers...
Gold
German Porcelain Tea / Coffee Service For Ten
Located in Tarry Town, NY
German porcelain tea / coffee service for ten people. Each piece is in great condition. Maker's mark undersigned "Crown Heinrich Germany". All together 30 pieces. Measures: Include tall covered coffee / tea pot 9.7" x 8". Medium tea / coffee pot 9" x 7". Small coffee / tea pot 5.8" x 7". Ten coffee / tea cups 4.3" x 2.5". Ten coffee / tea saucers...
Porcelain
Antique Rogers Aesthetic Period Six Piece Silverplate Tea and Coffee Service
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine antique service in very good condition. With fine chased decoration in the Japanese manner with decorative floral sections alternating with angular decorated bands. All pieces footed. Including: a teapot with hinged lid, a coffee pot, a large hot water pot on stand with a burner below (H. 16", W. 11", the bone finish resin knob...
Vermeil, Silver Plate
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
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Tazza
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
A brass tazza by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn
Brass
$768 / set
H 5.12 in W 11.03 in D 4.73 in
Antique Edwardian Quality Silver Plated Tea Set Stamped Goldsmiths & Silversmith
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality silver plated tea set stamped Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Regent Street, London consisting of a teapot, sugar bowl and milk jug of compressed ovoid form. ...
Silver Plate
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
$466 / set
H 2.56 in W 2.76 in D 3.55 in
Vintage Glass Coffee Set with Metal Handles, Italy, 1970s, Six Cups
Located in Roma, IT
Glass coffee set is a wonderful glass decorative object, realized during the 1970s. Beautifully glass set of six little coffee small cup with metal handles. Label of manufacturer ...
Metal
Tommy Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Modernist Silver Plate Coffee Set
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Astoria, NY
American Modernist coffee or tea set in heavy silver plate, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. The set was manufactured in the 1940s and is in great vintage and unu...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 12 in W 9 in L 12 in
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 5 in W 5.6 in D 3 in
1960s Creamer and Sugar Bowl by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Brass, Midcentury
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a beautiful brass creamer and sugar bowl. By Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Brass, circa 1960s. Measures: Creamer: 5" H x 5.6" W...
Brass
Sold
H 14 in W 6.25 in D 9 in
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Coffee/Tea Service in Brass and Walnut
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, 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
Tommi Parzinger Brass Coffee Service
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional coffee service in polished brass by Tommi Parzinger comprised of a round tray, coffee pot with stand and warmer, creamer and sugar bowl.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Coffee Set
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional 4 piece brass coffee service by Tommi Parzinger. Depicted as originally designed.
Brass