Mastercraft Furniture

Brass Cabinet 1970's Mastercraft  http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=465101

There are some American Furniture Companies that produced finely made furniture in the mid 20th century.  Mastercraft was one of these.  Recently we picked up several signature pieces by Mastercraft.  A set of 6 dining chairs and a round pedestal dining table that extends to almost banquet size. What impresses us is the quality of their workmanship.  

Stunning Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft coffee table clad in brass and Bernhard Rohne's acid etched banding. Beautiful high quality glass top.  http://lewistrimble.1stdibs.com/store/furniture_item_detail.php?id=548266

I decided to try to find out a little more about Mastercraft and their designers.  William Doezema (1917 - 2009) designed for Mastercraft, Grand Rapids.   He founded Mastercraft in 1946 with his brother Charles and sold it  in 1974 to Baker Furniture.  John Widdicomb,  and Bernhard Rohne are also among the designers used by the Mastercraft Company. 

burled wood cabinet  http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=349471

Bernhard Rohne was born in 1944 east of Hannover Germany.  He emigrated in 1967 to Vancouver, British Columbia,Canada where he currently resides.  He is a sculptor as well as a furniture designer. John Widdicomb came from a family well into the furniture making and design trade.  He founded his own company, but designed for Mastercraft as well.

Black Lacquered Credenza Mastercraft 1970's http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=460624

Mastercraft was known for their well designed and well crafted pieces using exotic woos such as Amboyna Burl,  Zebrano wood, as well as mahogany and native walnut often with incised brass details.  Designs by Rohne used  Acid-Etched brass detailing.

Four Mastercraft Chairs in Amboyna Burl http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=320128

After doing my research, I now realize why Lewis was excited to find several pieces by Mastercraft at one time.  Unfortunately, even though they were purchased by the Baker Company, who were at the time was one of the finest American Furniture Companies, there is nothing produced today that compares.