1950s Maple and Steel Planner Group Desk Organizer by Paul McCobb for Winchendon
About the Item
- Creator:Planner Group (Manufacturer),Paul McCobb (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)Width: 10.75 in (27.31 cm)Depth: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Sagaponack, NY
- Reference Number:
Paul McCobb
The single aesthetic attribute of vintage Paul McCobb furniture is that the designer completely forsook ornament — his pieces have no flourishes. And yet, because they are honest — McCobb’s chairs, desks and dining tables are made of solid wood, usually maple or birch, often paired with frames and legs of wrought iron; the cabinets are traditionally scaled; the seating pieces have historic antecedents such as the Windsor chair — his mid-century modern work has warmth and presence.
You could call the Massachusetts-born McCobb a man of parts. As a furniture designer, his work combined the attributes of many of his now better-known peers.
Like the work of Bauhaus designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, McCobb's furniture had purity of form and line. Like the designs of Florence Knoll and George Nelson and his associates, McCobb’s work was efficient and purposeful. And even like George Nakashima, he was adept at interpreting traditional forms, in particular those of chairs, for the 20th century.
More than any other designer besides Russel Wright, with his ubiquitous ceramic tableware, McCobb was arguably responsible for the introduction of modern design into middle-class American households — if for no other reason than that he designed the 1952 set for the original Today show.
McCobb, a repeat recipient of the Good Design Award from the Museum of Modern Art, also designed cohesive lines of furnishings, such as his best-known Planner Group, that gave homes an instant “look.” He designed for several companies, most notably Directional, which was home to McCobb’s Origami chair.
In 1949, in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company, a brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere. Directional opened its doors after McCobb created the high-end Directional Modern line of sofas distributed by the New York-based Modernage Company. Directional also produced designs by other legends such as Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan.
As you can see from the offerings on 1stDibs, McCobb designs are the pin-striped suit, or the little black dress, of a decor: an essential.
Find vintage Paul McCobb credenzas, bookcases, nightstands and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Planner Group
Brilliant self-trained American designer Paul McCobb collaborated with New York salesman B.G. Mesberg to create what is now a widely revered collection of mid-century modern furniture called the Planner Group. Produced by renowned manufacturer Winchendon Furniture Company, vintage Planner Group dressers, credenzas, chairs and other pieces bring honesty and heritage into any interior.
More than any other designer beside Russel Wright, the Massachusetts-born McCobb was arguably responsible for the introduction of modern design into middle-class American households — if for no other reason than that he designed the 1952 set for the original Today show.
Of McCobb’s cohesive lines of furnishings, his best-known Planner Group gave homes an instant “look.” McCobb designed for several companies, most notably Directional, the New York firm he cofounded with Mesberg that also produced designs by other legends such as Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan.
Known for their superior quality and affordable prices aimed at new homeowners, vintage Winchendon case furniture, side tables and desks were must-have staples for middle-class Americans in the postwar years. McCobb and Mesberg’s Planner Group for the manufacturer boasts a wide range of furnishings created in woods such as walnut and maple.
McCobb drew on the simplicity of Shaker furniture and Windsor chairs and was an advocate for modular furniture. A new homeowner could plan for properly furnishing each room with the Planner collection — a brochure touted its versatility — beginning with a couple of pieces from the series and gradually introducing more seating, cabinets and tables, stacking and combining as needed.
McCobb shared the limelight with the likes of celebrated American designers Charles and Ray Eames and was supposed to appear in a 1961 issue of Playboy magazine — a mid-century tastemaker of sorts — alongside other designers such as Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Jens Risom and Edward Wormley. A social and charismatic figure, McCobb can be found in photos from a party that took place the night before, but he was too hungover the next day to join the photo shoot.
For more than a decade beginning in 1950, the Planner designs comprised the best-selling furniture suite in the United States.
Find vintage Planner Group furniture and other Paul McCobb furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Sagaponack, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- 1950s Danish Teak Desk Organizer by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes HansenBy Johannes Hansen, Hans J. WegnerLocated in Sagaponack, NYA bench-made solid teak desk organizer with dovetail joinery, comprising five correspondence dividers, a slim drawer and open storage.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desk Sets
MaterialsTeak
- 1950s Italian Pair of Cubes by Enzo Mari for Danese MilanoBy Enzo Mari, Danese MilanoLocated in Sagaponack, NYTwo resin cubes, each containing a sphere, designed by Enzo Mari. Made in Italy by Danese Milano, 1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights
MaterialsResin
- 1950s Austrian Brass Paperweight by Carl AubockBy Werkstätte Carl AuböckLocated in Sagaponack, NYAn elegant heavy solid brass 'hand' paperweight.Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern Étagères by Paul McCobb for Calvin FurnitureBy Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobbLocated in Sagaponack, NYA well scaled Mid-Century Modern étagère in bleached walnut designed by Paul McCobb. The cabinet or shelf set is constructed in solid walnut wood and brass and features two separate ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
MaterialsBrass
- Red Lounge Chair by Paul McCobbBy Paul McCobbLocated in Sagaponack, NYAn excellent Mid-Century Modern lounge chair designed by Paul McCobb featuring a vibrant red wool upholstery supported by sculpted sinuous arms and legs. Crafted in the USA, circa 19...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery
- Rattan Shelf Occasional / Side Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin FurnitureBy Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobbLocated in Sagaponack, NYA Mid-Century Modern side table with shelf designed by Paul McCobb. Constructed in light walnut wood with a round top of opaque Vitrolite glass and features a rattan lower shelf. Cra...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsWalnut, Glass
- 1950s Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desk OrganizerBy Winchester Furniture, Paul McCobbLocated in Saint Paul, MNPaul McCobb Planner Group desk organizer by Winchendon Furniture. Made in the 1950s.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
MaterialsIron
- Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass PullsBy Planner Group, Paul McCobbLocated in Kansas City, MOTen-drawer Paul MccCobb Planner Group jewelry cabinet with original brass pulls. Very good completely original condition with some signs of wear and scratches which should be evident...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
MaterialsBrass
- Modern Lucite and Steel Desk OrganizerLocated in San Diego, CAVery functional modern Lucite and steel desk organizer, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 8.75" W x 10.75" D x 3.25" H. #1452.Category
Late 20th Century American Modern More Desk Accessories
MaterialsSteel
- Steel 1960s Ventotene Desk Organizer, Model 3054A by E. Mari for Danese MilanoBy Danese Milano, Enzo MariLocated in Varese, LombardiaVentotene desk organizer, model 3054A in polished steel designed by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano in 1964. Good condition: this is a vintage item, not a brand new product. Signs of we...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Space Age More Desk Accessories
MaterialsSteel
- Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest of Ten DrawersBy Paul McCobbLocated in Chicago, ILPaul McCobb jewelry chest of ten drawers Best to refinish this item. Finish shows wear as does the interiors of the drawers.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWood
- Manhattan Desk Organizer Design by Kerem Aris for UniqkaBy UniqkaLocated in Türkali, 34Manhattan is a desktop organizer, taking its inspiration from the landscape of Manhattan island in New York City. In an era of increasing urbanism and construction, the designer has...Category
2010s Turkish More Desk Accessories
MaterialsBrass, Copper, Steel