Grand Rapids, Michigan, was once known as “Furniture City” for its local mass-production industry that flourished from the mid-19th century into the early 20th century, led by furniture manufacturers like John Stuart. Stuart’s eponymous company, which would build showrooms in New York and Philadelphia, designed and sold elegant reproductions of various furniture styles, including 18th-century French and English furniture as well as what we now call mid-century modern home furnishings built by European craftsmen in the entrepreneur’s Grand Rapids factory.
In 1845, a British cabinetmaker named George Widdicomb arrived in New York before moving to Grand Rapids. There he set up a small cabinet shop in 1857 with a dozen craftsmen, including his son John Widdicomb. The store quickly found success due to Widdicomb’s English training and the dearth of other quality furniture makers in the region. Toward the end of the 19th century, Grand Rapids had earned an international reputation as a leader of American furniture manufacturing, and while the Widdicomb family would navigate some difficulty after the Civil War, they emerged anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, and then the Widdicomb Furniture Company. Widdicomb’s son started his own company in 1897, the John Widdicomb Company, and in 1929, the Grand Rapids–born John Stuart joined the company as a director.
Stuart, who had been in the furniture industry since 1913, was named president of John Widdicomb Company in the early 1940s and by then had formed John Stuart, Inc., with partner Herbert M. Rothschild. John Stuart, Inc.’s offerings included oak buffets and other dining-room furnishings crafted in the Tudor and Elizabethan styles, with cabinet doors and drawer fronts characterized by meticulously carved natural-world motifs and other decorative flourishes. Stuart also oversaw the design of reproductions of sophisticated walnut and mahogany Queen Anne side tables and dining chairs, with the latter marked by pronounced, vase-shaped curves in the back splats and cabriole legs. In 1952, the manufacturer and distributor’s founder sold the business, including the right to trade under his name, to the John Widdicomb Company.
Find a wide variety of vintage John Stuart furniture on 1stDibs.
Classic John Stuart Dresser Brass Hardware 1940's Elegant
By John Stuart
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Classic 1940's John Stuart four drawer dresser with elegant, mounted hardware. Heavy and well made. Signed with John Stuart and Grand Rapids labels. Featuring a typical 1940's scallo...
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Credenza Dresser by Bert England for John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous brutalist credenza or long dresser by Bert England for John Stuart. Bi fold doors open to reveal 8 total drawers and a shelf. Walnut mosaic panels which are framed. Marble top on 90 % front edge is walnut. Brass tubular base with walnut sabots. A true quality piece. Signed John Stuart. Has been refinished. All doors...
Carrara Marble, Brass
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Mid Century Walnut 8 Drawer Dresser by Mount Airy Janus Collection
By Mount Airy Furniture Company, John Stuart
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing Mid-Century Modern dresser designed by John Stuart for Mount Airy "Janus Collection,” ( it has the label in the back and also in the drawer, it is shown in the pictures above...
Walnut
$5,600Sale Price / set|40% Off
Paul Frankl Dresser and Nightstand for Johnson Furniture, 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic 1950s ten-drawer double dresser and nightstand was designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture and retailed by John Stuart duri...
Metal
John Stuart Grand Rapids Faux Goatskin Dresser
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage John Stuart six-drawer dresser with brass pulls, rounded sides and faux goatskin finish. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Goatskin
John Stuart Mid-Century Modern Walnut Triple Dresser or Credenza, Refinished
By John Stuart, Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern long dresser or credenza By John Stuart for Mount Airy, "Casalinda Collection" USA, 1960s Walnut, with original brass teardrop drawer pulls...
Brass
John Stuart 5 Drawers Walnut High Boy Chest Dresser Mid-Century Modern Mint!
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
John Stuart 5 drawers walnut high boy chest dresser Mid-Century Modern Mint! Book matched drawers.
Brass
John Stuart Burled Wood Dresser or Cabinet, 1970s, Restored
By John Stuart
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking example of 1970s American design, this vintage dresser or cabinet is crafted in beautifully figured burled wood and signed by John Stuart. The clean-lined rectangular form...
Wood
Magnificent Rare Modern Commode by John Stuart, circa 1940 - Pair Available
By John Stuart
Located in Atlanta, GA
This majestic commode has undergone a meticulous complete restoration. The chest may be re-lacquered in another Ben Moore color in advance of shipment, if so desired. A stellar ex...
Brass
John Stuart mid-century modern long burl walnut dresser credenza w/ Chrome bezel
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century modern 11 drawers burl walnut long cadenza w/ chrome bezel by John Stuart.
Chrome
Milo Baughman, Mid-Century Modern Dresser, Rosewood, Chrome, John Stuart, 1960s
By Milo Baughman, John Stuart
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Rosewood Dresser for John Stuart, Chrome Accent Fully refinished American mid-century dresser designed by Milo Baughman for John Stuart...
Chrome
Patchwork Credenza by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Denton, TX
Patchwork credenza / dresser by John Stuart. Newly refinished ebonized wood with brass legs. Tons of drawers for maximum storage.
Brass
Five Drawers Black Lacquer Mahogany High Chest Dresser by John Stuart
By Knoll, John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern five drawers black lacquer high chest dresser by John Stuart.
Mahogany
Pair of Ebonized Mahogany Three Drawers Narrow Chests End Side Tables
By Knoll, John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern black lacquer three drawers large end tables or bachelor chests or drawers by John Stuart.
Mahogany
Ebonized Walnut Large Gold Rings Drop Pulls 3 Drawer Bachelor Chest MINT!
By John Widdicomb, Harvey Probber, John Stuart, James Mont, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Ebonized Walnut Large Gold Rings Drop Pulls 3 Drawer Bachelor Chest MINT!
Brass
Compatible Pair Mid-Century Modern Dressers, Chests by Paul Frankl, John Stuart
By John Stuart, Paul Frankl
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair Mid-Century Modern Double dressers by Paul Frankl for John Stuart, Lacquer Highly compatible Set of two spectacular dressers designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart, recently f...
Brass, Chrome
Hollywood Regency Ebony Dresser or Chest, Paul Frankl / John Stuart, Refinished
By Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Stamford, CT
Hollywood Regency ebony dresser or Chest, Paul Frankl / John Stuart, fully refinished. A spectacular dresser designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart in a fine ebony recently lacqu...
Brass
Pair John Stuart Refinished 3 Drawer Bachelor Chests Dressers W/ Long Brass Pull
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair John Stuart refinished 3 drawer bachelor chests dressers w/ long brass pulls.
Brass
John Stuart Midcentury Highboy Walnut Dresser
By John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
Absolutely stunning Mid-Century Modern Highboy dresser designed by John Stuart for Johnson Furniture Co. in the United States, circa 1960s. Pure style and sophistication, featuring t...
Walnut
John Stuart Twelve Drawer Dresser
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant twelve drawer dresser boasts iconic design by John Stuart in a rich natural walnut. Brass stretcher and unique drawer pulls add to t...
Walnut
John Stuart Walnut Mid Century Modern 6 Drawer Long Dresser Thin Edge Style MINT
By Drexel, John Stuart, Jens Risom, George Nelson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
John Stuart Walnut Mid Century Modern 6 Drawer Long Dresser Thin Edge Style MINT!
Aluminum
John Stuart Walnut 4 Drawer Bachelor Chest Small Dresser
By Henredon, John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern John Stuart petit credenza 4 drawers bachelor chest dresser.
Walnut
Jonn Stuart Mid Century Modern 3 Drawer Aluminum Pulls Bachelor Chest Dresser
By George Nelson, John Stuart, John Keal, Jens Risom, Herman Miller
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Jonn Stuart Mid Century Modern 3 Drawer Aluminum Pulls Bachelor Chest Dresser. 1970s classic all restored to a like brand new condition.
Aluminum
Gorgeous Mahogany Black Lacquer Commode by John Stuart, circa 1940
By John Stuart
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite restored Art Deco commode by John Stuart, circa 1940. Stout, expertly crafted mahogany case construction finished in black lacquer. Heavy elegant solid brass strap hardw...
Brass
Magnificent Rare Restored Modern Commode by John Stuart, circa 1940
By John Stuart
Located in Atlanta, GA
This majestic commode has undergone a meticulous complete professional restoration. It is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the narrative: Completely Installati...
Brass
John Stuart Casalinda Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza Triple Dresser
By John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
John Stuart Casalinda Collection for Mt Airy Furniture Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza Cabinet Triple Dresser. Item features 9 dovetailed ...
Walnut
Paul Frankl Designed Mahogany Sideboard
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul Frankl for Johnson Brothers credenza featuring mahogany veneer, cork laminated doors and brass hardware. inside the left door holds 4 dovetail jointed drawers, right door contai...
Cork
John Stuart Midcentury Credenza
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage sliding door cabinet with brass trim and accents. Twelve total drawers make for a great bedroom dresser. (Please confirm ite...
Wood
$22,000
H 32.5 in W 48 in D 20 in
Magnificent Rare Modern Commode by John Stuart, circa 1940 - Pair Available
By John Stuart
Located in Atlanta, GA
This majestic commode has undergone a meticulous complete restoration. The chest may be re-lacquered in another Ben Moore color in advance of shipment, if so desired. A stellar ex...
Brass
$3,750
H 32 in W 72 in D 18.5 in
Vintage Mid-Century Walnut Credenza by Raymond Sobota for Mount Airy, 1960s
By Raymond Sabota, Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Refined and architectural, this vintage mid-century walnut credenza was designed by Raymond Sobota for Mount Airy Furniture Company. Known for their exceptional American craftsmanshi...
Brass, Enamel
$5,600
H 28 in W 68.5 in D 22 in
Mid Century Modern White Bubble Front Dresser or Credenza after Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek ultra mod look after Karl Springer. This 6 drawer dresser features semi-gloss white laminate sculptural design with tons of storage.
Laminate, Wood
Mount Airy Janus Mid Century Walnut 8 Drawer Dresser
By Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mount Airy Janus mid century walnut 8 drawer dresser This dresser measures: 59.75 wide x 19 deep x 31.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored ...
Walnut
$9,200
H 32 in W 72 in D 20 in
1950s Paul Frankl Moroccan Red Lacquered Double Dresser / Chest of Drawers
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Iconic Paul Frankl 10-drawer chest with freshly polished brass X pulls, refinished and shown in Moroccan Red Lacquer from Frankl's Debonair Collection for Johnson Furniture. Pair Available. Please note buyer has the option to select any color for professional refinishing to match the desired interior. Certainly one of Paul Frankl's most celebrated designs, the chest is timeless and pairs well with contemporary, eclectic and mid century decor. Paul Frankl was known in the Art Deco period for his architectural skyscraper...
Lacquer
Mount Airy, Dresser, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and brass dresser designed and produced by Mount Airy, USA, 1950s. Dimensions: 31.4” H x 60” W x 20.2” D
Brass
$4,600
H 32 in W 72 in D 19 in
Long Walnut Mid-Century Modern 9 Drawers Credenza Dresser Double Door Cabinet
By Drexel, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Long walnut Mid-Century Modern 9 drawers credenza dresser double door cabinet. Gorgeous walnut wood pattern super clean original condition.
Walnut
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 72 in D 19 in
Mount Airy Janus Mid Century Walnut 14 Drawer Lowboy Dresser Credenza Beautiful
By Janus Collection, Mount Airy Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Walnut 14 Drawer Dresser Credenza by Mount Airy part of the Janus collection. Beautiful walnut woodgrain. Made in USA circa 1960. Located...
Walnut
$3,600
H 32 in W 60 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern "Accordion" Doors Dresser by John Widdicomb Brass Pulls
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
High quality folding doors dresser or credenza by John Widdicomb.
Cherry
Mid-Century Modern Walnut 9 Drawer Dresser by Dixie
By Dixie Furniture Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
An elegant dresser. This is a beautiful example of Mid-Century craftsmanship by Dixie Furniture, features nine drawers for plenty of storage. An extremely well made and solid piece ...
Walnut
Mid Century Rougier 9 Drawer Walnut Dresser
By Edition Rougier
Located in Pasadena, TX
This dresser has 9 drawers and a plinth base. It was made by Rougier in the mid century period. The pulls are rosewood. and the plinth base is black lacquered.
Walnut
$6,800
H 31 in W 72 in D 18 in
American Walnut Burl Mid-Century Modern 9 Drawers Dresser Credenza Cabinet MINT!
By Kipp Stewart, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Stunning American Walnut Burl Accents Mid-Century Modern 9 Drawers Dresser Credenza Cabinet MINT!.
Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 72 in D 22 in
Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Mid-Century Modern, Dresser, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart, Paul Frankl
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Mid-Century Modern, Dresser, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s Fully refinished dresser designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart. This cabinet has 8 drawers in tota...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Cherry Dresser by John Stuart with Brass Legs
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This mid century modern dresser by John Stuart showcases a beautifully grained cherry wood case with a warm, rich tone that reads classic and timeless. The design is clean and well b...
Cherry
Sold
H 30 in W 83.5 in D 20 in
Extra Long American Walnut MCM Dresser by John Kapel for Glenn of California
By John Kapel, Glenn of California, John Stuart
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning extra long American walnut and black lacquer MCM dresser by John Kapel for Glenn of California, circa 1950s. Exceptional sculpted drawer handles in a gorgeous minimalist de...
Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 72 in D 22 in
Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Mid-Century Modern, Dresser, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
By John Stuart, Paul Frankl
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Mid-Century Modern, Dresser, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s This fully refinished dresser designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart is a stunning piece. It featur...
Brass
Mid Century John Stuart Tambour Dresser for John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, John Stuart
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Mid Century tall dresser with tambour doors that conceal several cubbies and one small drawer. Fantastic design with brutalist detail with great stylish drawer pulls with star design...
Brass
Sold
H 33 in W 54 in D 20 in
Gibbings for Widdicomb Black Lacquer Solid Brass Drop Ring Pulls Dresser MINT!
By John Widdicomb, John Stuart, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Gibbings for Widdicomb Black Lacquer Solid Brass Drop Ring Pulls Dresser MINT!
Brass
Exposed Framework Dresser by John Stuart, C.1950s
By John Stuart
Located in Westport, CT
Mid-century Modern dresser in walnut by John Stuart, circa 1950-1950. This stunning piece showcases an elegant exposed framework, twelve spacious drawers, and luxurious brass hardwar...
Brass
Post modern white cane chrome 6 drawer dresser credenza
By Lane Furniture, John Stuart
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Post modern white cane chrome 6 drawer dresser credenza. White lacquer top with cream lacquer cane drawer fronts and sides. Has chrome accents behind drawers. Drawers are made of solid oak with metal drawer glides...
Chrome
Midcentury John Kapel for Glenn of California Long Dresser Credenza
By John Stuart, John Kapel, Glenn of California
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Stunning very clean midcentury John Kapel for Glenn of California long walnut and black lacquer dresser credenza. Very clean all original dresser credenza with all drawer dividers. b...
Walnut, Lacquer
John Stuart 12 Drawer Low Walnut Dresser
By John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
John Stuart Walnut and Brass 12 Drawer Dresser. Newly refinished and ready to go! Tons of storage with a nice row of small drawers down the center. Matching Tall Dresser in a sepa...
Brass
John Stuart Tall Walnut Dresser
By John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
John Stuart Walnut Dresser with brass Knobs and new black iron legs. Book matched walnut veneer gives this dresser an amazing look! One sh...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 32.25 in W 72 in D 19 in
John Stuart Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Mount Airy Furniture Company, John Stuart
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern long dresser or credenza By John Stuart for Mount Airy, "Casalinda Collection" USA, 1960s Walnut, with ...
Brass