Tommi Parzinger Desks
German, 1903-1981
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.
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Creator: Tommi Parzinger
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Mahogany & Leather Desk
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in Stamford, CT
In the early 20th century, modernism emerged as a bold response to the ornate traditions of the past. At the forefront of this shift was Tommi Parzinger, a designer who married the s...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Superb Desk in Walnut with Iconic Brass Hardware 1960s (Signed)
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Fine desk in dark walnut with ebonized satinwood inlays on top and exquisite engraved brass hardware on drawers by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1960's (branded s...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
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Tommi Parzinger Small Chest for Parzinger Originals
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A small chest / nightstand designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals. Original blue lacquer with pull out file drawer on casters.
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Tommi Parzinger Tall Illuminated Bar Cabinet for Parzinger Originals
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Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Display Cabinet, c 1955, Signed
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare collectors item, this fully restored Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern (c. 1955) display cabiinet / vitrine, features beautiful french polish with Parzinger's signature statement door handles. Signed with Charak Modern label on the backside of the upper cabinet.
This refined and sophisticated Parzinger credenza with glass display hutch is perfect for those high-end luxury pads looking for an incredible and collectible statement piece, which Parzinger was known to create. The gorgeous color is close to the Hermès orange, but perhaps a little bit deeper and bolder - perhaps somewhere between Hermès orange and blood orange. Beauty in every detail, from the cross-cut glass panes, to the upper flared embellishments and the signature Parzinger door handles.
Let's not skip one more aspect of this table that is equally important - the collectors appeal. Furniture by Tommi Parzinger is one of the most sought-after and cherished items of sophisticated collectors. This isn't for your typical Eames and George Nelson collector, it is much more for a refined collector, perhaps a connoisseur of fine rarities. The quality of the materials and craftsmanship and design details are something to be admired. Parzinger and Charak Modern designed and crafted some of the highest quality furniture of the early and mid 20th Century. That was at a time when US manufacturing was at its best. And now in this day and age of cheap products not meant to last - this table is your daily reminder that 'they don't make them like they used to.'
We restored this incredible sideboard display cabinet with hand-applying a new French Polish lacquer. French Polish is the most laborious and expensive finish because it requires many repetitive coats and each one hand polished to a fine glass-like finish, and while it is very expensive, it is worth it for rare and valuable pieces like this Tommi Parzinger vitrine. The results are nothing short of spectacular - such a smooth, clear and deep finish - it looks almost like a sheet of glass (much more incredible in-person than you can see (or touch / feel) in the photos). And besides how incredible it looks - it will also protect your investment for the decades ahead. This Parzinger cabinet is an ideal example for the most discriminating interior designer client or collector.
This french polish cabinet...
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By Knoll, Florence Knoll
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This is a Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table, Model 2485, designed in 1961. It was manufactured in the 1960s by Knoll International. It features a walnut top that sits o...
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Tommi Parzinger, Wood, Brass, Green Leather, Chests of Drawers, USA, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
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'Parzginer Originals' Mahogany & Brass Dresser by Tommi Parzinger c 1959, Signed
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This exquisite work of art is by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, circa 1959, signed 'Parzinger Originals' in one drawer interior. Effortlessly refined, this versatile brass...
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Tommi Parzinger Tall Chest or Dresser for Charak Modern
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A tall chest of drawers designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Two piece cabinet with lower portion consisting of three generous sized drawers. Above sits a cabinet with door...
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Mid-Century Tommi Parzinger Sideboard Cabinet
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Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern buffet. Ribbon grain mahogany with wonderful color, featuring 5 drawers centering two doors. Sculptural wood handles.
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Tommi Parzinger Leather Front Chest of Drawers for Charak Modern
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An elegant chest of drawers designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Drawer fronts feature hand tooled yellow/ parchment leather which perfectly compliments the dark wood case....
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Macassar Desk by Tommi Parzinger for Charak
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Tommi Parzinger Secretary
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Tommi Parzinger Leather Top Desk
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Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Modern Desk, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak, circa 1950's. It retains it's wonderfully patinated cognac brown color tooled leather top and is refinished in an ultra-d...
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Lacquered Vanity by Tommi Parzinger for Willow and Reed
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Lacquered bamboo vanity with mirror and etched iconic brass handle designed by Tommi Parzinger for Willow and Reed, American 1950's
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Tommi Parzinger desks for sale on 1stDibs.
Tommi Parzinger desks are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tommi Parzinger desks, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks by Tommi Parzinger were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks by Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber, and John Van Koert. Prices for Tommi Parzinger desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $16,800 and can go as high as $16,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $16,800.