Drop Front End Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s
View Similar Items
Drop Front End Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:John Keal (Designer),Brown Saltman (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 22.25 in (56.52 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Westport, CT
- Reference Number:Seller: SM17791stDibs: LU928918992122
John Keal
At a time when many furniture makers were turning to cheaper materials for mass production, mid-century modern designer John Keal didn't shy away from utilizing quality woods in his work, like mahogany and walnut to create his coffee tables, cabinets and benches.
While little is known about Keal, he was part of a powerhouse group that collaborated with Los Angeles furniture manufacturer Brown-Saltman in the 1940s and ‘50s. Other designers who had partnered with the firm during the mid-20th century included Greta Magnusson Grossman, Paul Frankl, Paul Laszlo, and Gilbert Rohde, a New York City-born designer who would help legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer Herman Miller avert financial disaster during the Great Depression.
Brown-Saltman was established in 1923 and initially specialized in reproductions of furniture in period styles. When cofounder David Saltman met Frankl, the firm had discontinued its Early California collection and was producing modern furniture.
The Austrian-born Frankl was already a big name in decorating in California in the late 1930s — his clients were Hollywood movie stars who were drawn to pieces such as his Art Deco-style Skyscraper series and other biomorphically shaped designs that showed the influence of Chinese and Japanese forms (Brown-Saltman’s offerings were frequently demonstrative of Asian influences). Frankl had become interested in producing inexpensive furniture for middle-class consumers, and his 1940s-era collaboration with Brown-Saltman was a success — print advertisements touted his name as well as the fact that these furnishings, which drew on the clean lines of chrome-framed Bauhaus pieces but instead integrated organic materials, were intended for modern homes.
Keal’s work also fit snugly into what we now call California modernism, which derived from the Bauhaus and International Style movements, and revolutionized the way we build homes today, not only in the Golden State but across the globe. Keal created sleek end tables in walnut and topped with enameled copper and upholstered low-profile dining chairs framed in bleached mahogany for Brown-Saltman as well as other West Coast mid-century brands such as Glenn of California and Modeline.
Find vintage John Keal seating, storage pieces and tables on 1stDibs.
Brown Saltman
The enduring modern design legacy of Brown Saltman was born from the collaboration between designer Paul Frankl and furniture manufacturer David Saltman. Together, they created stunning mid-century modern solid wood furniture with Art Deco influences. Brown Saltman side tables, cocktail tables and credenzas are known for their thoughtful designs and exquisite details.
Frankl was a leading American designer who came to prominence in the 1930s by making rattan furniture for Hollywood stars. However, he dreamed of bringing his designs to the public. That chance came in 1939, when he met Saltman at a party. Saltman was the head of the Los Angeles-based Brown Saltman, which, at the time, specialized in furniture reproductions.
He asked Frankl to create a furniture line, which was released in 1941. It was a hit, with sales exceeding expectations. Frankl quickly started work on a new line for mass production. It featured simplified designs and less expensive materials like combed wood and textured plywood. This line was even more successful, and Frankl started on a third.
In 1942, Frankl and Saltman signed an extended contract to continue their collaboration. However, Saltman died in a traffic accident the next day. World War II also brought Brown Saltman production to a standstill. After the war ended, Frankl decided not to renew his contract.
Brown Saltman partnered with many other designers over the years. A walnut sideboard by Van Keppel-Green for Brown Saltman was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s 1950-51 Good Design exhibition. Architect and interior designer Paul Laszlo also designed a commercial furniture line for the company in the 1950s.
Brown Saltman dissolved in 1960, but its well-built and beautifully designed furniture remains in high demand today.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Brown Saltman tables, storage cabinets, seating and more.
- Mahogany Dresser by Brown Saltman, C. 1950sBy Brown SaltmanLocated in Westport, CTDresser or sideboard executed in mahogany manufactured by Brown Saltman, circa 1950-1959. Compltely restored, featuring three large center drawers and nickel dome pulls, the side doo...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsNickel
- Walnut End Table by Kent Coffey, 1950sBy Kent-CoffeyLocated in Westport, CTSet of end tables by Kent Coffey, circa 1950s. Executed in walnut, featuring sculptural forms and drawer and shelving for storage. Completely restore...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsWalnut
$4,200 / set - Magazine Table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950sBy T.H. Robsjohn-GibbingsLocated in Westport, CTVersatile magazine table by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, could serve as a coffee or end table as well. Fully restored.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Set of Minimalist Walnut End Tables, C. 1950sLocated in Westport, CTExceptional pair of minimalist nightstands, expertly crafted in walnut to bring a touch of understated elegance to your bedroom. These n...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsBronze
$5,800 / set - Exposed Framework Bedside Tables in Walnut by John Stuart, C. 1950sBy John StuartLocated in Westport, CTPair of mid-century modern bedside tables or nightstands crafted in walnut by John Stuart, circa 1950-1950. These stunning pieces showcase an elegant exposed framework, three spaciou...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Large-Scale Teak End Tables by Johannes Andersen, Denmark, C. 1950sBy Johannes Andersen, CFC SilkeborgLocated in Westport, CTEnhance your space with this set of large-scale teak end tables by Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg, Denmark, circa 1950s. Fully restored to their original elegance, these tables ...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern End Tables
MaterialsTeak
- John Keal for Brown Saltman End TablesBy John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in Los Angeles, CAA pair of square walnut tables with a tile top on a square pedestal base, by John Keal for Brown Saltman. American, circa 1950.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsArt Glass, Walnut
$1,850 / set - John Keal for Brown Saltman Constellation End TablesBy John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in Los Angeles, CASet of walnut with enamel copper tile tables titled ‘Constellation’ produced by high-end Californian furniture manufacturer, Brown Saltman. These two solid walnut wood tables each fe...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsCeramic, Walnut
$1,179 Sale Price / set30% Off - John Keal for Brown Saltman Hexagonal End TablesBy John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in Los Angeles, CASet of two hexagonal John Keal for Brown Saltman tables. Frames are walnut with enameled textured design under glass tops. Price per table.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsEnamel
- Pair Mid Century John Keal Brown Saltman Walnut & Glass End Side Tables 1950sBy John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in Troy, MIUnique pair of side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman circa 1950s Square walnut pedestal bases with decorative reverse painted glass surfaces in mottled gold tones Both ...Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsGlass, Walnut
- Pair of End Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman of CaliforniaBy John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of early Brown Saltman of California teak end tables with brass details designed by John Keal, circa 1950s. These tables can be used as side tabl...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-century John Keal for Brown Saltman Hexagonal Walnut End TablesBy John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in Oakland, CAWalnut side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1960, United States. Crafted from solid walnut, these tables feature a hexagonal shape with glass surfaces. Fully re...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsMarble
