Compared to that other furniture-makers in historically minded Grand Rapids, Michigan, the work of Mastercraft seems positively flamboyant. The company was founded in 1947 by brothers Charles and William Doezema, who hailed from a long line of cabinetmakers. They went overseas during their service in World War II, and returned home with a plan to make furniture with cosmopolitan flair. Their firm specialized in chairs and case pieces that have modernized traditional forms, finished in exotic wood veneers such as amboyna, yew, burl and fruitwood, and trimmed in brass. Bureaus and credenzas often feature cabinet fronts with decorative brass details such as silhouettes of flowers and birds, or figures that resemble Chinese characters.
In later years, Mastercraft created chairs and glass-topped coffee tables with brass frames. Some pieces included touches like the Greek key — a motif that appears in the decorative arts of both Asian and European antiquity. After Mastercraft was acquired by industry giant Baker Furniture in 1974, the company produced a large group of case pieces featuring applied brass plaques, acid-etched with semi-abstract forms by the German-born, Vancouver-based artist Bernhard Rohne.
The latter are some of the most popular Mastercraft pieces, and like all the company’s wares range in price from about $2,000 to $12,000 depending on size, condition and the amount of decorative trim. As you will see on 1stDibs, Mastercraft furnishings made a bold but artful statement — perfect for lending a bit of dash and brawn to a contemporary decor.
Set of 6 Governor Alston Arm Chairs From Baker
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in North Canton, OH
6 Governor Alston Dining Chairs from Baker. One of the most recognizable and sought after pieces from the Baker collections. Most of these examples are finished in black lacquer, rar...
Wood
1970s Ultra Rare Ebano Veneer Dining Chairs From Mastercraft - Set of 8
By Mastercraft
Located in North Canton, OH
Ultra Rare Brass Inlaid Ebano Veneer Dining Chairs from Mastercraft. Aged Upholstery. Extraordinary design. Age appropriate patina. These are gorgeous in person. Chairs are unmarked....
Brass
Vintage Mastercraft Brass Barrel Back Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Mastercraft
Located in North Canton, OH
Extraordinary set of Brass Barrel Back Arm/Dining Chairs from Mastercraft. Arguably the rarest of Mastercraft Dining Chairs and an incredible find. Needing Upholstery, new foam and workings and scheduled with our Upholstery Masters, we will post updates with any changes. The chairs are unmarked. Mastercraft Brass Dining Chairs have become some of the most coveted examples of vintage Mastercraft furniture...
Brass
1960s Noble Homes Chinoiserie Dining Chairs From Baker Furniture - Set of 6
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in North Canton, OH
Set of six Baker Furniture Noble Homes collection (precursor to the Stately Homes collection) gilt black Chinoiserie dining chairs in the Queen Anne taste, each having a serpentine crest rail with paddle...
Lacquer
1960's Dorothy Draper Regency Dining Chairs for Henredon, set of 8
By Dorothy Draper, Henredon
Located in North Canton, OH
One of the finest sets of these I have encountered. Original Moire Upholstery fabric in a Berry color and showing only subtle signs of use/wear. Just a gorgeous set of chairs. A set ...
Lacquer
1950s Ultra Rare Michael Taylor for Baker , Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in North Canton, OH
Extraordinary set of 4 Michael Taylor for Baker Dining chairs. Fresh from upholstery these are pretty special chairs. Nearly impossible to replace. Beautiful Walnut Finish and brilli...
Walnut
Stunning Set of Six William Doezema Biedermeier Dining Chairs for Mastercraft
By Mastercraft, William Doezema
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning set of 6 William Doezema Biebermeier Amboyna dining chairs for Mastercraft. This set retains it's original black leather in nice vintage condition but the foam looks to be c...
Leather, Cane, Amboyna
Vintage Set 8 Shield Back Dining Chairs by William Tillman 20th Century
By William Tillman
Located in London, GB
This is a fabulous Vintage set of eight Regency Revival dining chairs by William Tillman, circa 1980 in date. Purchased at great expense direct from the master cabinet maker William...
Fabric, Mahogany
1930s Italian Partial Gilt Dining Chairs
Located in Denton, TX
Very rare set of eight, two arm and six side gilt wood Dining chairs. A combination of wood, gesso, gilt and upholstery make these chairs stunn...
Gesso, Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood
Vintage Set Ten Bar Back Dining Chairs by William Tillman 20th Century
By William Tillman
Located in London, GB
This is a superb quality Vintage set of ten Regency Revival bar-backed dining chairs, in the manner of Gillows, by the master cabinet maker William Tillman, circa 1975 in date. Pur...
Damask, Wood
Vintage Queen Anne Style Dining Chairs By Baker Furniture - 4
Located in Chicago, IL
Gorgeous set of 4 mahogany Queen Anne style side chairs with "brandy" leather upholstered seat cushions. Beautifully crafted, elegantly curved and of outstanding quality by Baker Fur...
Leather
Set of six Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, Germany 1810-30
Located in Leimen, DE
Set of Six Neoclassical Chairs Beautifully designed set of six Neoclassical chairs dating back to around 1810-30. The chairs come from Southwest Germany. The back has a very pretty open work design with a hand carved leave design. The Neoclassical chairs are refinished and have a new upholstery and are covered with a very pretty black and white striped woven...
Elm
