Skip to main content

Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

American

Admirers of vintage mid-century modern furnishings likely recognize the Widdicomb Furniture Company name for the fruitful partnerships it forged with iconic designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Mario Buatta. But there is more to the Widdicomb story than the albeit quite covetable sofas and bedroom furniture it produced during the middle of the 20th century.

A wealth of pine and oak forests rendered Grand Rapids, Michigan, a logging center during the 1800s, and it eventually gained recognition for its furniture industry. The American city became a destination for furniture makers who hailed from across the United States and beyond. Furniture maker George Widdicomb emigrated from England to the United States in 1845, eventually setting up a cabinet shop in Syracuse, New York, before moving west to Grand Rapids. There, he opened a shop with his four sons, including John Widdicomb, whose name would help carry the family legacy into the 20th century.

The Widdicomb shop in Grand Rapids prospered, as the patriarch’s formal English training allowed him to produce pieces with superior craftsmanship compared to those of his competitors. Although the Civil War halted business and took the life of one of the Widdicomb brothers, the family’s survivors would start anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, soon renamed the Widdicomb Furniture Company.

John Widdicomb, however, split from the family business in 1897 to create the John Widdicomb Company, where he would go on to focus on Louis XV- and French Provincial-style furnishings. Chairs made in these styles have distinct characteristics, such as floral motifs carved in the frames and gently angled backrests. John's company also remained a family affair: The founder’s son, Harry, assumed control of the company when his father died in 1910, while John's nephew Ralph Widdicombe — who retained the English spelling of his last name and joined the John Widdicomb Company at its start — designed every single piece of the offerings at his uncle's manufacturing outfit until he retired in 1951. Ralph was an internationally distinguished furniture designer whose modern mahogany bedroom suite won first prize at the Paris Exposition in 1900.

The original iteration of Widdicomb, which was helmed by John's older brother William while John ran his own brand, had shifted from making period revival styles of furniture, such as Georgian and Chippendale, to manufacturing modern pieces in the late 1920s. Today vintage Widdicomb seating, tables and other pieces produced during the postwar years are particularly sought after by collectors of mid-20th-century furniture.

In 1959, master woodworker George Nakashima created his Origins collection for Widdicomb when the firm merged with Mueller Furniture Corporation and was known, for around 10 years, as Widdicomb-Mueller. Origins, a revered Shaker-influenced group of nightstands, upholstered lounge chairs, dining-room tables and more, saw Nakashima working with woods like Carpathian elm and laurel in his Pennsylvania studio.

Eventually, the two Widdicomb companies would combine in 1970, operating under the name John Widdicomb Co.

In 2002, the business closed after more than a century of operations, and its assets were acquired by Stickley Furniture. Interestingly, it was not the first time Widdicomb and Stickley overlapped: In the final years of the 19th century, the companies opened a shared storehouse in London, while John Widdicomb and Albert Stickley would travel Europe together for the purposes of research.

Find vintage Widdicomb coffee tables, case pieces, dining chairs and more on 1stDibs.

to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
189
77
57
38
23
Creator: Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Robsjohn Gibbings Cart for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Robsjohn Gibbings Cart for Widdicomb in an Original Black Lacquer Finish. The sliding and removable black tray with brass handles is included. The wheels need a minor adjustment re...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Wood

Related Items
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Mesa Coffee Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Countryside, IL
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Mesa Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 74 wide x 50 deep x 17 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call rest...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Wood

Klismos Occasional Table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Ferndale, MI
Klismos occasional table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb furniture. Banded edge top sits on swooping tapered saber legs. Nicely refinished with original Widdicomb TH Robsjohn Gibbings...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Oval Walnut Cocktail / Coffee Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Skokie, IL
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Oval Walnut Cocktail / Coffee Table This elegant oval coffee or cocktail table was designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Furniture Co...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Walnut

Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Sabre Leg Side Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two tier side table by T.H Robsjohn Gibbings, manufactured by Widdicomb c.1950s, USA. This beautiful walnut table features a large round table top with lower display shelf and three ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Marble Coffee Table
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Countryside, IL
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Marble Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 54 wide x 24 deep x 14 inches hi...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Marble

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Colosseum Dining Table 1956
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Colosseum Dining Table, 1956 United Kingdom / USA Elegant octagonal dining table designed by Robsjohn-Gibbing...
Category

1950s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Colosseum Dining Table 1956
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Colosseum Dining Table 1956
$14,400 Sale Price
20% Off
H 30.25 in W 60.5 in D 60.5 in
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century X Base Coffee Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Countryside, IL
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century X Base Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 58 wide x 21 deep x 16.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Wood

Widdicomb Table Designed by T.H. Robsjohn - Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Table designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for the Widdicomb Furniture Company. We had the table professionally refinished. Table measures 30" wi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Wood

Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Walnut Triangular Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern sculpted walnut triangular coffee table or occasional side table By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb USA, 1950s Measures: 36" W x 32.5" D x...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Walnut

Coffee Table T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb in Wood, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Milano, IT
American designed coffee table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for the Widdicomb manufacture from the 1950s. The coffee table is made of walnut wood and under the base of the top there is...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Wood

Coffee Table T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb in Wood, 1950s
Coffee Table T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb in Wood, 1950s
$1,430 Sale Price
20% Off
H 16.15 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
Freeform Coffee Table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, C. 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Westport, CT
An iconic design by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb (1950, USA), this sculpted walnut and brass Freeform cocktail table (Model 1759) embodies organic elegance. Its fluid, cloud-...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Brass

Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Klismos Leg Side or Cocktail Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century Modern walnut klismos leg coffee table or cocktail table designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb furniture. Elegant and graceful square top with a two-tier desig...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Wood

Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Klismos Leg Side or Cocktail Table
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Klismos Leg Side or Cocktail Table
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
H 20 in W 30 in D 18 in
Previously Available Items
Widdicomb Drop Leaf Serving Cart by Robsjohn Gibbings from Alan Moss
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
Mahogany drop leaf serving cart by Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb. USA, circa 1950. Length of 36 inches extends up to 68 inches with both le...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Newly Restored
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extendable bar cart server Designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb USA, 1950s Bleached walnut and brass and casters Measures: 3...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Brass

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings folding flip-top Bar Server Cart for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Charleston, WV
Premises renovation sale on all stock. Ends 22 June 2018. Designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Widdicomb, 1955 Bar Cart Server with flip extension top. 29 7/8 tall x 22 deep and 26 in...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Brass

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Trolley Bar Cart
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This bar cart by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb features three elegantly bowed edged shelves that are supported by ladder like uprights. It is finished with brass casters. ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Brass

T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Bar Cart
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Bainbridge, NY
rare, rolling Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Serving Cart or Dry Bar. Complete with upper and lower shelves, 2 lower cabinets and additional s...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Teak

T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Bar Cart
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Bar Cart
H 34 in W 42 in D 14 in

Widdicomb Furniture Co. carts and bar carts for sale on 1stDibs.

Widdicomb Furniture Co. carts and bar carts 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 Widdicomb Furniture Co. carts and bar carts, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original carts and bar carts by Widdicomb Furniture Co. were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1950s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider carts and bar carts by Edward Wormley, Drexel, and Charles Hollis Jones. Prices for Widdicomb Furniture Co. carts and bar carts can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,925 and can go as high as $16,150, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,038.
Questions About Widdicomb Furniture Co. Carts and Bar Carts
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    To identify Widdicomb furniture, look for a paper label. On tables, you will usually find it on the underside of the tabletop, while it is typically affixed to the bottoms of seats on chairs. With casegoods, search for the label on the backs or bottoms as well as inside drawers and cabinets. The paper label will identify the maker and may also provide information about the name of the collection and/or the year of production. A certified appraiser or expert antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Widdicomb furniture.

Recently Viewed

View All