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.
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.5 in W 78.75 in D 19.75 in
Elegant Burled Amboyna and Brass Sideboard by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant and substantial cabinet by Mastercraft. The four frame and panel doors open to reveal a two section storage area. One side has four drawers with a silverware drawer. The othe...
Brass
$4,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 78 in D 19 in
Mastercraft Amboyna Burl and Brass Greek Key Sideboard
By Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural amboyna burl case, with four brass-welted doors accented by heavy brass pulls and backing plates. Doors open to reveal five drawers and a single shelf. Four corners are adorn...
Brass
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 82 in D 19.25 in
Mastercraft Amboyna Burl and Brass Concave Curve Sideboard
By Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Mastercraft sideboard clad in vibrant Amboyna burl veneer, with heavy brass appointments. It is quite striking, with its inverted curve ends. Four drawers on one side, and shelf stor...
Brass
$1,495
H 29.25 in W 64 in D 17 in
Mastercraft Hollywood Regency Burl Wood and Brass Sideboard Credenza, 1970s
By Mastercraft, William Doezema
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet. Terrific ash burl grain. By William Doezema for Mastercraft USA, 1970s Burled Carpathian elm wood...
Brass
$4,495
H 28 in W 64 in D 18 in
Mastercraft Burl Wood and Brass Greek Key Credenza Sideboard William Doezema
By Mastercraft
Located in Stamford, CT
A Classic Mastercraft Mid Century Modern credenza or sideboard designed by William Doezema. Exquisitely made burl wood and brass greek key mountings. Mastercraft fabric tag inside th...
Brass
$6,900
H 29.75 in W 64.25 in D 18.25 in
Mastercraft Burl Wood Brass Greek Key Detail Credenza Sideboard William Doezema
By Mastercraft, William Doezema
Located in Miami, FL
Incredible William Doezema designed Burl Wood, brass and metal credenza, Sideboard or Cabinet. Features 4 doors and 2 drawers, decorated with Brass Pulls, Borders and Metal Greek Key...
Brass, Metal
Burled Wood and Inlaid Brass Console From Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in North Canton, OH
Beautiful Honey Toned Patina on this Mastercraft Credenza. Rare to see these lighter tones on Mastercraft pieces. Shows extremely well. Substantial signature Mastercraft Brass hardwa...
Brass
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 78 in D 19 in
Custom Mastercraft Amboyna Burl and Acid Etched Brass Dresser
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautifully burled chest, toned in a custom burnt orange lacquer atop a wood plinth. Nine drawers; three with acid-etched panels by Bernhard Rohne, accent...
Brass
$4,995
H 30.5 in W 78.25 in D 20 in
William Doezema for Mastercraft Hollywood Regency Burl Wood and Brass Credenza
By Mastercraft, William Doezema
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet. By William Doezema for Mastercraft. USA, 1970s. Burled Carpathian elm wood, with brass t...
Brass
$4,500
H 32.25 in W 78 in D 19 in
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Burl Wood and Acid Etched Brass Dresser
By Mastercraft, Bernhardt
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern Hollywood Regency triple dresser or credenza By Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Furniture USA, 1970s Burled Carpathian elm wood, with acid etched bras...
Brass
