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.
1970s Vintage Director's Chairs, Salmon Chenille & Brass
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage pair of director's chairs in salmon chenille with a brass x-base frame and wooden arm rests. Retain manufacturer's original label.
Brass
Louis XV Provincial French Style Painted Dining Chairs - Set of 4
Located in Miami, FL
A set of four Louis XV provincial style white and blue painted dining armchairs, 20th century. Standing on four cabriole legs with hand rush seat. Serpentine form, ladder back frame with distressed blue painted decoration and white finished ground with stylized snail’s head foot and hand...
Wood, Rush
Beige Bouclé Sophia Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar - a Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of neutral lacquered mahogany model 5000 or Sophia slipper chairs with tufted seat and back. Newly refinished and reupholstered in a light écru off-white, ivory, sand or bone bo...
Mahogany, Fabric
French Country Rustic Side Chairs - a Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Unusual pair of antique hand-crafted shaped ladder back chairs made from fruitwood. Circa 1880. Ideal for use in a hall / mud room. Rustic French country look that works equally well...
Fruitwood
Pencil Reed Wing Back Rattan Lounge Chair
Located in Miami, FL
A gorgeous vintage fan back pencil-reed split bamboo armchair dating from the 1970s. The hand-crafted barrel shaped back imparts a superior level of comfort all while adding a Chinoi...
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage Coastal Rattan Bistro Table & Chairs Set, New Tropical Fabric, 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Bring a touch of effortless Palm Beach chic and timeless bohemian warmth into your space with this 3-piece vintage rattan "honeymoon" bistro dinette set. Dating from the late 1970s t...
Fabric, Rattan, Glass
Set of Six Mastercraft Brass High Back Dining Chairs circa 1960s
By Mastercraft
Located in Peabody, MA
Set of six high back brass framed dining chairs by Mastercraft, circa 1960s. The arm chairs measure 24.75" wide x 23.25" deep x 39.5" high...
Brass
Set of Eight Mid-Century Mastercraft Brass Dining Chairs with Tufted Upholstery
By Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning set of eight mid-century brass Mastercraft dining chairs. These chairs feature antiqued brass frames with arms and gorgeous tufted velvet upholstery. The chairs have thei...
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
Set of Four Brass Dining Chairs on Casters by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Danville, CA
Set of Four Brass Club style Dining Chairs with Mohair upholstery by Mastercraft. The casters are new replacements as original. The set has been freshly upholstered in a luxurious Mo...
Steel
Milo Baughman Style - Design Institute of America Brass Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Milo Baughman, Design Institute America
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman Style for Design Institute of America Mid Century Brass Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 21.5 wide x 21.5 de...
Brass
6 Weiman/Warren Lloyd/Mastercraft Brass Imperial Dining Chairs
By Mastercraft
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 "Imperial" brass dining chairs made in Italy c.70s and sold thru Mastercraft. Chairs have a great aged brass patina and have been upholstered in a heavy cotton/linen Python ...
Brass
