Extraordinary Heirloom Walnut Bedroom Set

I label this bedroom set "extraordinary" for a few reasons.  I completely refinish probably 95% of the pieces that pass through my hands.  Most, even when well cared for have a finish that has deteriorated through the years and shows the scars of decades of use.  This set falls in the other 5%.  These were produced with an oiled finish which doesn't necessarily provide the protection of the typical lacquer finish.  However, it is a finish that can be restored if there hasn't been much damage and it also allows the walnut to develop a beautiful warm patina.  These pieces had been well cared for their first 50 years and I was able to use a restorative process that preserved their original finish.

Extraordinary too for their quality of construction.  These are of a different caliber than the more common Lane, Broyhill, Kent Coffey, Bassett, etc. pieces that most mid century enthusiasts are familiar with.  The legs, stretchers, door frames and edge banding are all solid walnut, not walnut toned white woods or veneered like the typical pieces.  The case joints are mitered, the nightstand legs are a sculpted "clover" shape and there are many other details that show hand work you don't see in large production pieces.

Finally, the scale and design of these have a timeless beauty to them.  The long dresser has a grand scale that is contrasted by the statuesque proportions of the armoire.  Cane accents and worn leather pulls on the doors of the armoire ad an organic element that softens the crisp lines of the design.  The backs of the nightstands are also finished so they could be "floated" in a room.

I'm learning that attribution of design is a tricky process.  As much as the internet has helped give access to information, it also can rapidly spread disinformation.  There are no markings on these pieces other than serial numbers which all appear to be from the same serialization process.  I've seen the low dresser and nightstands attributed to Milo Baughman for Arch Gordon and it was the assumption I was working under when I acquired them.  However, as I researched more I found attributions to Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture.  I have seen pictures of associated pieces on line with the original tags intact that say Founders Furniture.  The cane doors, leather pulls and oiled finish would are all details that Cartwright used in many of his designs and help substantiate this attribution.  For most people, it doesn't matter but I think it is of interest to provide some details on lineage.

Here are some examples of these pieces being attributed to Milo Baughman for Arch Gordon

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/tables/night-stands/pair-of-walnut-end-tables-nightstands-milo-baughman-arch-gordon/id-f_686934/

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/storage-case-pieces/dressers/rare-milo-baughman-arch-gordon-12-drawer-dresser-mirror/id-f_1954032/

Here are some examples that are attributed to Florence Knoll

 http://phylumfurniture.com/2013/11/18/early-knoll-door-chests/

 https://furnishmevintage.com/store/research-archive/mid-century-modern-knoll-tall-chest/

These attributions I believe are correct, Jack Cartwright for Founders

 https://classifieds.apartmenttherapy.com/posts/117147-jack-cartwright-founders-1960s-mcm-tall-cabinet

This one may not be the same as I have in the set but the details are the same, thin edge case with half round on front edge, black outline around inside edge of case, same pulls, leg construction, leather pulls on doors, etc.

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/storage-case-pieces/credenzas/mid-century-modern-cane-front-credenza-style-jack-cartwright/id-f_2445922/





The set consists of the 12 drawer low dresser, the armoire, 2 nightstands and a mirror.  The armoire provides great storage with its 2 adjustable shelves which would work well for bulky items like sweaters and jeans.  The mirror hangs on the wall and the frame is solid walnut.  The nightstand drawers have some ink stains inside but function perfectly well.  It is a beautiful set that is ready to be enjoyed for a few more generations.

Dimensions:

12 drawer dresser:  78"W x 31"H x 18"D
armoire:                  30.5"W x 66"H x 16"D
nightstands (x2):     22"W x 22.5"H x 16"D
mirror                      22"W x 44"H

I have not seen these pieces available as an entire set before.
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