Brilliant self-trained American designer Paul McCobb collaborated with New York salesman B.G. Mesberg to create what is now a widely revered collection of mid-century modern furniture called the Planner Group. Produced by renowned manufacturer Winchendon Furniture Company, vintage Planner Group dressers, credenzas, chairs and other pieces bring honesty and heritage into any interior.
More than any other designer beside Russel Wright, the Massachusetts-born McCobb was arguably responsible for the introduction of modern design into middle-class American households — if for no other reason than that he designed the 1952 set for the original Today show.
Of McCobb’s cohesive lines of furnishings, his best-known Planner Group gave homes an instant “look.” McCobb designed for several companies, most notably Directional, the New York firm he cofounded with Mesberg that also produced designs by other legends such as Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan.
Known for their superior quality and affordable prices aimed at new homeowners, vintage Winchendon case furniture, side tables and desks were must-have staples for middle-class Americans in the postwar years. McCobb and Mesberg’s Planner Group for the manufacturer boasts a wide range of furnishings created in woods such as walnut and maple.
McCobb drew on the simplicity of Shaker furniture and Windsor chairs and was an advocate for modular furniture. A new homeowner could plan for properly furnishing each room with the Planner collection — a brochure touted its versatility — beginning with a couple of pieces from the series and gradually introducing more seating, cabinets and tables, stacking and combining as needed.
McCobb shared the limelight with the likes of celebrated American designers Charles and Ray Eames and was supposed to appear in a 1961 issue of Playboy magazine — a mid-century tastemaker of sorts — alongside other designers such as Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Jens Risom and Edward Wormley. A social and charismatic figure, McCobb can be found in photos from a party that took place the night before, but he was too hungover the next day to join the photo shoot.
For more than a decade beginning in 1950, the Planner designs comprised the best-selling furniture suite in the United States.
Find vintage Planner Group furniture and other Paul McCobb furniture on 1stDibs.
Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Ten-drawer Paul MccCobb Planner Group jewelry cabinet with original brass pulls. Very good completely original condition with some signs of wear and scratches which should be evident...
Brass
Desk Organizer by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, 1949
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A small table top maple storage unit with two drawers supported by a black steel frame base. This desk organizer is a product from the Planner Group, a coordinated contemporary furni...
Steel
MCM Bright Red Modular Desk Organizer by Karl Deyhle of Germany
By Gebrüder Deyhle
Located in San Diego, CA
Sculptural mid-century modern modular desk organizer by Karl Deyhle, produced in Germany circa the 1960s. Executed in vibrant red molded plastic, the set comprises multiple cylindric...
Metal
Marble Desk Pen Holder Organizer
Located in New York, NY
A substantial marble desk pen/pencil/marker holder organizer, in the modern style, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century. Organizer can hold small pieces of paper, ...
Marble
$2,464 / item
H 12 in W 7 in D 11 in
Talisa Jewelry Chest in Cream Shagreen, Black Pen Shell & Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. Talisa jewelry chest in cream shagreen, black pen shell and brass by R&Y Augousti is a stunning piece to store your personal items. This piece has 2 doors that open to 4 drawer compartments that have black velvet trays...
Brass
Japanese Camphorwood Brass Okinawa Pagoda Jewelry Chest Box 17"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Japanese chinoiserie jewelry treasure chest. Made of Camphor Wood featuring a carved cityscape with Pagoda and etched brass hardware. The box interior features a mirror and ...
Hardwood
$2,469 / item
H 12 in W 9.75 in D 10.5 in
Wave Jewelry Chest in Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Wave jewelry...
Brass
Large Folk Art Wood 4 Drawer Jewelry Box Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Folk Art Jewelry Box or Miniature Tabletop Sized Chest of Drawers. This vintage wood piece with four drawers has lots of character and patina. Each drawer features a hand painted lea...
Wood, Paint
Georg Petersens Mid Century Teak Desk Organizer Denmark
By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A teak top of the desk organizer with four letter slots , two storage cubies and an open top shelve . This well designed accessory is the perfect piece for easy access to your papers...
Teak
19th Century French Miniature Jewelry Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This antique wood storage or jewelry box features three drawers with a flip up top with mirror. The box has has lots of character, charm and patina including the brass hardware.
Brass, Bronze
Vintage Red Swivel Desk Storage Organizer by Rino Pirovano for Art 900
By Rexite
Located in East Quogue, NY
This vintage red swivel desk organizer, designed by Rino Pirovano for Rexite in the mid-1970s, is a celebrated example of Italian design. Made of ABS plastic, it features four rotati...
Plastic
Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest of Ten Drawers
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb jewelry chest of ten drawers Best to refinish this item. Finish shows wear as does the interiors of the drawers.
Wood
$475
H 8 in W 13.75 in D 11 in
Vintage American Walnut 2-Tier Desk Organizer / Paper Tray by Shield Industries
Located in San Diego, CA
A sculptural and highly functional two-tier desk organizer crafted from genuine American walnut by Shield Industries, a California maker known for clean-lined, modernist desk accesso...
Walnut
Pedersen & Hansen Desk Organizer
By Pedersen & Hansen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pederen & Hansen design teak desk top organizer. High quality materials and execution perfect for keeping an organized desk or work space. In very good original condition.
Teak
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Jewelry Chest
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Midcentury Paul McCobb for Winchendon jewelry chest for top of dresser. Refinished, has classic McCobb brass tapered pulls and three drawers.
Rare Tabletop Jewelry Box by Paul McCobb
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Rare tabletop jewelry box by Paul McCobb. This piece is in original condition. Branded to the bottom. Ten drawers.
Maple