• Straight front view of the Brown-Saltman dresser with eight paired drawers and textured border.
  • Editorial image of a warm wood Brown–Saltman eight-drawer dresser attributed to Paul Frankl, with concave fronts and dark metal pulls, in a contemporary room with a translucent architectural screen and dark mineral floor.
  • Video moving from a complete view of a warm wood eight-drawer Brown–Saltman dresser to its grooved border, concave drawer fronts, open drawer bank, interior California maker mark, and centered frontal view.
  • Right three-quarter view showing the dresser's Combed-wood frame, drawer fronts, and plinth base.
  • Elevated left-side view showing the dresser top, case depth, textured frame, and eight drawers.
  • Elevated right-side view of the wide wood dresser, including its top and opposite case side.
  • Front view of the Brown-Saltman dresser with all eight storage drawers partially open.
  • Angled view of the open dresser drawers showing visible dovetailed front-corner construction.
  • Opposite angled view showing the dresser's eight open drawers and interior storage space.
  • Close view of the Brown-Saltman California maker's mark inside a dresser drawer.
  • Brown-Saltman California mark shown in context on the interior of an open wood drawer.
  • Close view of the grooved Combed-wood border, concave drawer fronts, and domed metal pulls.
  • Detail of drawer-front scratches, surface variation, textured border, and patinated metal pulls.
  • Left-side detail of four drawer fronts, domed pulls, and vertically grooved frame.
  • Right-side detail showing four drawer fronts, metal pulls, and the Combed-wood border.
  • Oblique close-up showing domed metal pulls and visible scratches and wear on the drawer surfaces.
  • Close angled view of the gently concave drawer fronts, pointed domed pulls, and surface wear.
  • Front view of the eight-drawer dresser with alternating drawers partially open.
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Sleek Modern Showroom

Early 1940s Brown-Saltman Combed-Wood Eight-Drawer Dresser, Attributed to Paul Frankl

Early 1940s Brown-Saltman Combed-Wood Eight-Drawer Dresser, Attributed to Paul Frankl

$3,500.00 USD
$3,500.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

An early-1940s eight-drawer dresser by Brown–Saltman of California, documented by the maker's mark inside one drawer. Its broad, low silhouette pairs generous storage with one of the company's most distinctive period treatments: deeply grooved Combed Wood framing four rows of gently concave drawer fronts. At each corner, the direction of the texture turns diagonally, giving the case an architectural, tailored finish.

Eight sculptural domed metal pulls punctuate the warm, light-toned surfaces. Measuring 60 inches wide, 19 inches deep, and 32 inches high, the dresser provides substantial storage without visual heaviness. All eight drawers currently open and close correctly, and the dresser is stable with no known structural issues.

Brown–Saltman introduced its Combed-wood furniture program with Paul Frankl in the early 1940s. The form, drawer treatment, textured border, hardware profile, and dimensions of this dresser closely correspond to published examples attributed to Frankl for the company. It is therefore presented as attributed to Paul Frankl for Brown–Saltman. 

The Brown–Saltman California mark is preserved inside a drawer and shown in the photographs. 

Why We Love It

  • The deeply grooved Combed Wood gives the restrained case exceptional texture and rhythm.
  • Concave paired drawer fronts soften the broad 60-inch silhouette.
  • Eight drawers provide generous, practical storage.
  • The Brown–Saltman mark anchors the piece in California's early modern design history.
  • Sculptural domed pulls and diagonally turned corner details reward a closer look.

Key Details

  • Early 1940s Brown–Saltman California dresser
  • Attributed to Paul Frankl for Brown–Saltman
  • Eight drawers arranged in four paired rows
  • Grooved Combed-wood border with diagonal corner treatment
  • Warm, light-toned wood surfaces
  • Eight domed metal pulls with pointed centers
  • Brown–Saltman California mark inside one drawer
  • All drawers currently operate correctly
  • Stable with no known structural issues
  • One vintage dresser; quantity 1

Condition

Good vintage condition with visible age- and use-related wear. The wood surfaces show fine scratches, scuffs, small abrasions, dark marks, edge rubbing, finish variation, and areas of uneven sheen or color. The textured Combed-wood border has localized wear and small marks. Drawer interiors show scratches, wear, and some visible soiling. The metal pulls show rubbing, spotting, and patina.

All eight drawers currently open and close correctly, and the dresser is stable with no known structural issues. All eight pulls were present when the piece was acquired and were not replaced or restored by Sleek Modern. The dresser was refurbished and waxed. 

Measurements

  • Width: 60 in.
  • Depth: 19 in.
  • Height: 32 in.


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