Description

This is a substantial teak credenza, designed ca. 1965 by Gordon Bunshaft and Davis Allen for Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. It is a custom-made piece, created to grace the offices of the Chase Manhattan Building in Lower Manhattan. The original Chase metal plaque remains intact on the inside of a drawer. It is ensconced in teak veneer on all sides, allowing it to float seamlessly in the middle of a room. It retains its original polished stainless-steel pulls, legs, and trim. The white marble slab atop the cabinet has a pleasant flow and is in lovely condition. We guarantee this piece to be an original and authentic SOM piece, designed by Davis Allen under the leadership and guidance of Gordon Bunshaft.

Bunshaft and Allen were a pair of important American architects and designers who were recognized as some of the leading figures in the modernist movement. Their respective backgrounds were rooted in skyscraper and corporate modernist design; Perhaps that’s why their pieces are so truly monumental. Allen worked for decades within the interiors division of SOM and was prolific in the execution of furniture design for projects where SOM pushed toward total design.

The credenza measures 19 inches deep, 72 inches wide, and is 26.5 inches high including its marble top. There are some scrapes and scuffs to the veneer, and some light scratches on the steel trim. The marble has some scratches and there is light wear to the edges. Overall, this piece is in good condition. If further restoration or refinishing is desired, we can facilitate that at cost prior to shipping. Please see photos.