Mid-Century Modern Stenciled Walnut Furniture Piece (likely a Dresser or Sideboard)
Storage: Specifically a Case Piece such as a Dresser, Credenza, or Sideboard · Mid-Century Modern (circa 1950s-1970s) · Unknown manufacturer; the stencil style is reminiscent of American brands like Bassett, Lane, or Broyhill
Type
Storage: Specifically a Case Piece such as a Dresser, Credenza, or Sideboard
Style Period
Mid-Century Modern (circa 1950s-1970s)
Material
Walnut wood (likely veneer over secondary lumber or composite), indicated by the characteristic grain and color
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1975, based on the font of the stenciling and the wood finish
Dimensions
Image shows a detail of a surface; typical case pieces range 30-34 inches in height and 48-72 inches in width
Origin
Likely United States or Canada, based on the alphanumeric stencil format and wood species
Designer/Maker
Unknown manufacturer; the stencil style is reminiscent of American brands like Bassett, Lane, or Broyhill
Value Estimate
$400 - $1,200 depending on the full piece's scale and designer (Retail market)
Description
This is a detail view of a Mid-Century Modern walnut furniture surface, highlighting the authentic factory markings that are highly sought after by collectors to verify age. The warm walnut tones and linear grain suggest a piece designed for the functionalist American home of the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Black ink stencil '104-C1-85', cathedral walnut grain, factory-matte finish, and lack of hand-tool marks
Color & Finish
Medium-toned walnut stain with a matte or satin lacquer finish; surface shows age-related yellowing and patina
Construction Method
Industrial machine-manufactured with factory stenciling for inventory tracking; standard of mass-market mid-20th-century furniture
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Likely features machine-cut dovetails and dowels common to production-line furniture of the 1960s
Wood Grain & Species
Open-pore cathedral grain characteristic of American Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Surface Treatment
Factory-sprayed lacquer or varnish; notable black ink inventory/model stencil '104-C1-85' on the unfinished or semi-finished underside/back
Upholstery Details
None visible; piece is solid/veneered wood construction
Hardware & Fittings
Not visible in frame; pieces of this era typically featured brass or wooden integrated pulls
Origin & Provenance
Likely United States or Canada, based on the alphanumeric stencil format and wood species
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; surface shows significant blurring, possible moisture exposure, and typical scuffing near the markings
Interesting Facts
The stenciled numbers often referred to the model number, the cutting batch, or the specific finish code (C1) used on the assembly line
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of design where high-style walnut furniture became accessible to the middle class through mass production
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Danish Modern (which typically uses Teak) or contemporary 'MCM-style' reproductions (which lack authentic factory stencils)
Care & Maintenance
Avoid silicone-based polishes; use a high-quality furniture wax and keep out of direct sunlight to prevent veneer cracking
Value Estimate
$400 - $1,200 depending on the full piece's scale and designer (Retail market)
Sustainability Notes
Vintage furniture is inherently sustainable through reuse; walnut is a durable hardwood that allows for multiple refinishing cycles over decades