Appleton Sofas

Rare and early Warren McArthur Style No. 977L AUR three-seat sofa, circa 1938. This example represents a transitional phase in McArthur’s production, preceding his later work designing aircraft seating during the 1940s. Constructed with McArthur’s patented system of precision-engineered anodized aluminum tubing, the frame exemplifies his mastery of structural lightness and visual clarity. The softly contoured seat and back reflect his ergonomic sensibility and his pursuit of mechanical elegance in domestic furnishings. Distinctive black rubber “donuts” at both the feet and armrests are original design features, later replaced in subsequent production with smaller fittings. This early detail, combined with the elongated frame geometry, firmly situates the piece within McArthur’s pre-war output. Reupholstered in celadon green mohair with contrasting ivory piping, the sofa presents a refined interplay of color and texture — industrial yet luxurious. The aluminum retains a subtle, even patina consistent with age. This example is both labeled and cataloged, underscoring its authenticity within McArthur’s documented oeuvre. It is only the second 977L AUR I have handled; the last example was acquired in 2013. A superb and historically significant work from one of America’s foremost machine-age designers, bridging the evolution from streamline moderne furniture...

A rare and beautifully preserved example of Gastón Rinaldi’s iconic “Saturno” sofa, designed in 1958 for RIMA, this example was produced in 1970. Upholstered in its original charcoa...

A Warren McArthur Corporation matched pair of Style No. 917-3 3-seater sofas from the late 30s. A stunning example of Art Moderne or Machine Age design, this pair of Warren McArthur...

A slat back three-seat sofa, an early design by Warren McArthur manufactured in Rome, New York in 1933-1934. The slat back seating of Warren McArthur is his first seating design intr...

Cleo Baldon leather upholstered "saddle bag" sofa designed in 1965 for her furniture company, Terra. This elegant studio crafted sofa has a frame of hand hammered and wrought iron s...