Some vintage Romweber Furniture Company designs may strike the young as passé. But for fans of a certain age, the American brand never went out of style.
The Romweber story began in the late 1800s, with the launch of American Furniture Company, which made bedroom furniture, Batesville Cabinet Company, a dining-room-set manufacturer, and Batesville Coffin Company. The three companies eventually merged to become a large and reputable manufacturer of case goods, furniture and more.
Not unlike many American companies, production at Romweber suffered during the Great Depression. The brand managed to stay afloat by making a rather strange pivot — to selling five-pound fruitcake boxes. During the Second World War, Romweber pivoted again, this time to the production of ammunition boxes and pontoons for American troops and, naturally, furniture for officers’ quarters.
While Romweber furniture (spelled “RomWeber” in vintage advertisements), dating back to the early 20th century, had designers working in the French Rococo and Chippendale styles, the brand is best known for its mid-century modern pieces. In the postwar years, Romweber manufactured walnut case pieces and storage cabinets that featured decorative olive-ash and burl-wood inlays with brass hardware as well as solid oak credenzas and dining tables designed by the likes of Harold Schwartz. For collectors of sophisticated 1950s furniture, the company’s sturdy Viking Oak line is particularly popular.
“It’s not uncommon for customers to say, ‘My parents had this Romweber Viking set,’” says Adam Cramer of collectors who visit Liberty & 33rd, the gallery he owns with his wife in South Bend, Indiana, about three hours north of Romweber’s birthplace in small-town Batesville. “It’s solid oak,” Cramer tells 1stDibs of the line of tables, chairs, desks and more.
Solid oak is the product of slow-growing deciduous trees. Solid oak furniture is durable, desirable and an investment that is usually associated with a hefty price. In solid oak furnishings, such as those that make up the covetable Romweber Viking Oak line, which launched in 1935, there aren’t any scraps of other components in the construction.
Inspired by Scandinavian folk design, Romweber’s Viking Oak is said to have enjoyed one of the longest runs for a commercial furniture line in history. The collection went out of production in the late 1980s, and mid-century editions remain highly prized for their exceptional quality and hand-carved details.
Find vintage Romweber furniture on 1stDibs.
$4,880
H 27.96 in W 71.26 in D 33.86 in
Danish Oak Sofa, Renaissance Revival, Scandinavian, Early 20th Century
Located in Rødding, DK
This sofa is built in solid oak in the Renaissance Revival style, likely produced in Denmark in the early 20th century. The frame stands on bun feet, rising through baluster-turned f...
Fabric, Oak
Stickley Mission Oak Arts and Crafts Settle Sofa
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission or Arts & Crafts style settle sofa By L. & J.G Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak frame, with upholstered seat and back cushions. Mea...
Upholstery, Oak
$5,500
H 35.13 in W 72 in D 25.75 in
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Settle Sofa, Circa 1910
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period settle sofa By L. & J.G Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Quarter sawn oak, with brown leather upholstered seat and back cushions. Meas...
Leather, Oak
$3,495
H 36 in W 79 in D 32 in
Mid-20th Century Rustic or Western Style Sofa Attributed to A. Brandt Ranch Oak
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage rustic or Western style sofa attributed to A. Brandt Ranch Oak comprised of a medium or honey toned Ranch Oak finished frame & reupholstered in a white vanilla toned nubby linen-like fabric with button detail on the back cushions. This piece has been attributed based upon archived research including online sources, vintage documentation and catalogs, designer literature, and other materials. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been redone, restored, or refinished. Specifically, the wood is in fabulous vintage condition and only cleaning was done. The fabric was professionally cleaned but there are still some stubborn places on outer corners where you can see a bit of dinginess and just overall can tell it isn’t brand new upholstery. It is priced accordingly. Please see photos and zoom in for details as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1950-1960’s. Get ready to sit in incomparable Ranch Oak splendor!!! This wonderful sofa is comprised of a medium or honey toned Ranch Oak finished frame featuring bowtie shaped keyhole designs in both sides, wonderful tapered flat arms, and it has been reupholstered in a lovely white vanilla toned nubby linen-like fabric with button detail on the back cushions. It. Is. BEAUTIFUL!!!! Although this sofa does not bear the A. Brandt Ranch Oak tag, we have seen and sold identical sofas and chairs with the A. Brandt tag, so our attribution is solid. It has an extra high back and semi-attached buttoned back cushions making it very comfortable and will be perfect in your Rustic or western style living room, family room, entertainment area, or basement rec room. This sofa will be incredible in your ranch home, mountain home, dude ranch, cabin, or industrial loft. You simply can’t go wrong with Ranch Oak. A Brandt Company was established in 1900 by German immigrant August Brandt. But it was Paul Brandt, August’s son, who engineered and debuted the Ranch Oak furniture in Fort Worth, Texas in 1938. Paul served as company president for approximately 50 years. The production of the Ranch Oak line continued until the mid-1980s. It was used in ranch homes, mountain homes, dude ranches, and basement rec rooms across the nation. The US government contracted Ranch Oak furnishings for many of their military bases. And it was used by National Park lodges plus roadside motels for its attractive, durable, rustic type of décor. Spectacular style, high quality, and crazy comfort! This Ranch Oak sofa...
Fabric, Oak
$4,080
H 28.75 in W 70.87 in D 27.37 in
Early 20th Century Freestanding Danish Empire Sofa in Oak & Velour, 1920s
Located in Odense, DK
A finely crafted early 20th century freestanding sofa in solid oak, featuring rich hand-carved details and a structured architectural form. The piece reflects a blend of historic rev...
Fabric, Textile, Oak, Velvet
Three-Seater Sofa with Carved Oak Frame, Denmark ca 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Utrecht, NL
Danish modern design was originally developed in the mid-20th century and was influenced by the German Bauhaus school. Drawing on the Scandinavian tradition of quality craftsmanship,...
Fabric, Wood, Oak
$4,500
H 34 in W 72.38 in D 32.75 in
Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts and Crafts Settle Sofa, Circa 1900
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period settle sofa By Stickley Brothers USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak frame, with upholstered seat and back cushions. ...
Upholstery, Oak
Stickley Style Mission Oak Arts and Crafts Spindle Settle Sofa
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission or Arts & Crafts style spindle settle sofa In the manner of L. & J.G Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid oak frame, with green leather upholstered seat ...
Leather, Oak
Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Settle Sofa, Circa 1900
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period cut-out settle, sofa, or bench By Charles P. Limbert Co. USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak frame, with leather upholstery. Measu...
Leather, Oak
Thomasville Regency Style Carved Mahogany Camelback Sofa
Located in Oakwood, GA
Thomasville Regency Style Carved Mahogany Camelback Sofa, 87"W Thomasville quality craftsmanship Regency style design Solid carved mahogany exposed frame Dramatic camelback crest rai...
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique English Regency Mahogany Folding Bench Loveseat Sleeper Sofa Campaign
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 19th century museum quality English Regency convertible hall bench or bed. A rectangular form made from walnut with with brass trim. Upholstered in a striped blue and red fabric with red cording. The bench is supported by square tapered legs leading to spade feet. When ready to sleep the brass bolts along the back side can be released allowing it to fold open into a flat surface with a built in frame for mattress. AKA hide a bed or sleep bench...
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 18th C. William & Mary Mahogany Carved Settle Bench Sofa Empress Hotel
Located in Dayton, OH
An Impressive William & Mary mahogany Settle or sofa, circa 18th Century. Featuring heavy scrolled frame with downswept open arms, six legs and Neoclassical floral upholstery. The beautifully "S" scrolled feet are footed with recessed casters allowing for ease of movement. The fabric showcases stunning Grecian urns with elaborate acanthus leaves and bouquets of roses flanked by feathery wings and other lively greenery One of the original lobby furnishing of the Empress Hotel...
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 19th C. American Empire Flame Mahogany Claw Foot Parlor Sofa Couch 85"
Located in Dayton, OH
Fine American Empire parlor sofa / couch with classical form and masterful carvings. Made of flamed mahogany featuring carved back crest and flared rolled arms accented with carved f...
Mahogany, Burl
Antique Victorian Revival Quartersawn Oak Salesman Sample Chaise Lounge Daybed
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian miniature salesman sample / doll sized fainting couch / chaise lounge chair. Features a carved quarter sawn oak frame with pierced serpentine design and red uphols...
Oak
Antique Victorian Eastlake Walnut Ball & Stick Settee Loveseat Corner Chair 34"
Located in Dayton, OH
This unique antique walnut parlor Settee or loveseat also known as a gossip bench, telephone chair or corner chair, blends striking late Victorian style with functional novelty desig...
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage French Knole Style Silk Down Filled High Arm Loveseat Settee Sofa Couch
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage silk down filled loveseat / settee / sofa or couch featuring a formal tapered chaise lounge design with high rolled arms and arched back o...
Upholstery, Hardwood, Down
