Cavalier Furnture Walnut 4-Drawer Chest

Cavalier Furniture is not a name you come across everyday when looking for mid mod furniture.  It is most notable, at least for modernists, that Gilbert Rohde did some design work for Cavalier.  Why is this important?  In 1930 Rohde approached D.J. DePree, founder of Herman Miller to try to convince him to make some of his furniture designs.  Herman Miller was in trouble and Rohde argued with DePree that his modern designs were not only more readily manufactured but more suited to modern lifestyles with their more simple designs and smaller scale.  Rohde convinced DePree and he was given a design contract, a move that is credited for saving Herman Miller.  Of course Herman Miller went on to become the most widely recognized name in modern furniture with names like George Nelson, George Nakashima and Charles Eames having designs made by Herman Miller.  Rohde passed away at a fairly young age so wasn't as prolific as many of the other well known designers but was a strong proponent of modern design philosophy.  For more of the Rohde/Herman Miller story take a look at this article.
http://www.themagazineantiques.com/articles/gilbert-rohde-the-man-who-saved-herman-miller/


This 4-drawer chest was thoughtfully designed using many of the modern philosophies that Rohde championed.  Its clean, simple design withstands the test of time.  The inset pulls are subtly highlighted  with a slim bright brass trim.  The sturdy square legs and stretcher are reminiscent of Danish design.  These and the front edge of the case as well as the top and bottom face trim are all made of solid walnut, not something you see on pieces from more well known makers like Lane, Broyhill or American of Martinsville.  It was built to last with good joinery and hardwood case materials, something else Rohde was a proponent of.

This particular piece was very well "traveled" when I acquired it.  The finish was gone from parts of the top, there were missing chunks of veneer and a number of pretty deep scrapes.  Upon close inspection there is still some evidence of these scars but none that take away from the nice design and materials used in the piece.  Although I would not attribute this design directly to Gilbert Rohde, his legacy is clearly evident in it.

Dimensions: 42"W x 34"H x 21 1/2"D

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