New York furniture manufacturer M. Singer & Sons is well known to collectors of dazzling mid-century modern design — the company played an integral role in introducing Italian furniture masters to the American marketplace and introduced striking dining room tables, lounge chairs and dressers that were created in rich woods and met the day’s growing demand for sleek and simple furnishings.
While M. Singer & Sons had been offering upholstered furniture out of its storefront in downtown Manhattan in as early as 1923, it is today widely recognized for the alluring tables, seating and other designs of the postwar era.
M. Singer & Sons rose to prominence in the 1950s. A boom in prosperity followed World War II, and new homeowners all over the United States were seeking modern furniture to move into their living rooms and dining rooms. This yielded a heyday of innovation, and the likes of Herman Miller, Knoll and other furniture manufacturers of the era endeavored to position themselves as leaders in the space. M. Singer & Sons was no different, and the company’s success over the subsequent decade can be credited to Joe Singer, who was then steering the ship.
Singer saw how important it was to offer furnishings in a style that broke from the bulky and overly ornamental pieces that characterized interiors in the previous century — M. Singer & Sons would need to manufacture streamlined storage cabinets, low-profile coffee tables and practical but comfortable seating that didn’t occupy lots of real estate.
It was thanks to his quest for modernist furniture that Singer discovered legendary polymath Gio Ponti, arguably the most influential figure in 20th-century Italian modernism.
Singer reached out to Ponti and offered a partnership for M. Singer & Sons to bring the Milanese designer’s work to America. He created elegant armchairs, sideboards set on tapered legs and more for the company. At the same time, Singer struck up a collaboration with Bertha Schaefer, an acclaimed Mississippi-born interior decorator and the owner of an important Manhattan art gallery at the time Schaefer, an enthusiast of Bauhaus design, would go on to create sculptural walnut desks, angular seating framed in mahogany and other pieces for the brand. With conceptual input from Ponti, she developed a furniture line called Modern by Singer.
The new collection — which merged the alluring forms and materials associated with Italian modernism and quality American manufacturing — was an instant success for M. Singer & Sons. Smooth lines, exceptional hardwoods and luxurious finishes lent the line a high-end feel and spurred demand.
A Schaefer-designed nesting table from the Modern by Singer line was included in 1952’s “Good Design” exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, which featured work from the likes of George Nelson, Paul McCobb, Jens Risom and others.
M. Singer & Sons introduced Ponti to an American audience, and he, in turn, introduced the company chairman to Italian designers like Ico Parisi and Carlo Mollino. These relationships also developed into successful collaborations that helped cement M. Singer & Sons' presence and prominence in modern American furniture.
Today, M. Singer & Sons’ designs by Schaefer and its stable of Italian designers are coveted and collected all over the world.
Find vintage M. Singer & Sons furniture on 1stDibs.
Bertha Schaefer Credenza by Singer & Sons
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in New York, NY
Bertha Schaefer credenza by Singer & Sons. Credenza features four drawers with two doors that each conceal storage with a single adjustable shelf. Nice lines.
Walnut
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons Model 2184 Walnut, Cane and Brass Credenza
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons Model 2184 Mid Century Walnut, Cane and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 20 deep x 30 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take ...
Brass
Gio Ponti, Dresser, Walnut, Singer & Sons, America, 1950s
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut dresser designed by Gio Ponti and produced by M. Singer & Sons, New York, America, 1950s. Labeled. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions: 36.75"H x 47...
Walnut
Mnemosyne Credenza in Blackened Steel, Brass, and Walnut
By Loran Bohall
Located in Indianapolis, IN
The Mnemosyne credenza is made to be a low, elegent storage piece that has two soft close doors and two soft close drawers. Made to be used as sideboard or a bench. Its outer case is...
Brass, Steel
$3,695
H 31.25 in W 53.25 in D 14.25 in
Borge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Soner Teak Cane Front Cabinet
By Børge Mogensen, Svend Aage Larsen
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Extraordinarily unique teak cabinet Borge Mogensen teak cabinet. The warm, golden wheat colored caning makes this Borge Mogensen cabinet particularly special. The woven cane adds a s...
Metal
$4,231
H 33.47 in W 72.45 in D 18.9 in
Luxury Walnut Brass Credenza by William Watting for Fristho Modernart Denmark
By Fristho, William Watting
Located in Voorburg, NL
Stunning Walnut sideboard designed by William Watting and produced by Fristho Modernart Denmark in 1955. This piece was part of the 'Modern Art' collection and brought a Scandinavian...
Brass
$52,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 36.5 in W 47 in D 19 in
A Pair of Vintage Gio Ponti Dressers For Singer& Sons Ca' 1950's
By (After) Gio Ponti
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of four drawer chests designed by Gio Ponti for Singer &Sons. Made in walnut ca' 1950's. Both signed.
Walnut
$3,000 / item
H 30.25 in W 34.5 in D 18 in
Peabody Cane Front Credenza, Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane Front, Walnut, Craftas
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Peabody Cane Front Credenza, Modern Walnut Credenza, cane front, walnut, CraftAssociates Furniture This Lawrence Peabody modern cane front credenza in walnut for Craft Associates ...
Cane, Walnut
Rosewood Tambour Door Credenza by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in Denton, TX
Rare Danish modern rosewood tambour door credenza with center dovetailed drawer section and adjustable shelf on each side.
Mahogany, Oak, Rosewood
CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane
By Craft Associates, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane The CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane is expertly hand crafted. The Peabody collection pieces are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates®. This cabinet is built with a solid oak frame, door fronts, interior shelf and legs. It features beautiful cane front door that have slide left to right covering an adjustable shelf. This cabinet is amazing and has perfect proportions to be used in multiple settings. It is available in custom wood and variations (different sizes). Craft Associates® Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle chair...
Cane, Oak
Shale Low Credenza (84") by Simon Johns
By Simon Johns
Located in East-Bolton, Quebec
Both monumental and subtle, the Shale Credenza brings the intricacies of nature’s geology indoors. The wood doors are scored vertically across the grain...
Brass
Dunbar Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage modern Dunbar credenza features a lacquered hard wood base, spacious interior cabinets, and unique metal pulls. This beautiful Mid-Century piece is...
Wood
Shale Low Credenza (96") by Simon Johns
Located in East-Bolton, Quebec
Both monumental and subtle, the Shale Credenza brings the intricacies of nature’s geology indoors. The wood doors are scored vertically across the grain...
Brass
Sculpted Cabinet Credenza by Jacques Jarrige
By Jacques Jarrige
Located in New York, NY
This lacquered cabinet by Jacques Jarrige features sculpted sliding doors adorned with a low-relief composition that evokes the gentle, rhythmic meandering of a river. The carved sur...
Wood
Sold
H 30.25 in W 72 in D 20 in
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2184 MCM Walnut, Cane and Brass Crednza
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2184 Mid Century Walnut, Cane and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 20 deep x 30.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Brass
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2160 Mid Century Walnut Cabinet
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Mid Century Model 2160 walnut cabinet This cabinet measures: 69.75 wide x 19 deep x 37.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studi...
Walnut
Gio Ponti Four Drawer Dresser for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning walnut dresser by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons, c.1950s, Italy is an exquisite example of mid-century craftsmanship. This piece features modernist geometric walnut drawe...
Walnut
Gio Ponti Eight Drawer Dresser for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning walnut dresser by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons, c.1950s, Italy is an exquisite example of mid-century craftsmanship. This piece features modernist geometric walnut drawe...
Walnut
Gio Ponti Cabinet
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Rare 3-door cabinet designed by Gio Ponti. Produced for M. Singer & Sons, model # 2160. Walnut cabinet featuring 3 front doors with knife-edge detailing, raised on tapering legs. 2 d...
Walnut
Bertha Schaefer Credenza Model 2154 for Singer & Sons, circa 1955
By Bertha Schaefer, M. Singer & Sons
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Italian walnut cabinet model 2154 by Bertha Schaefer for Singer & Sons, circa 1955. This piece has been professionally restored.
Walnut
Singer and Sons Sideboard by Bertha Schaefer
By M. Singer & Sons
Located in New York, NY
Italian walnut matched veneer cabinet having four drawers flanked by two doors, good overall condition, showing some cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age.
Walnut