Broyhill Premier Sculptra Collection

A few years back we bought a great 6 drawer Broyhill Premier Sculptra dresser on craigslist. At the time we didn't know anything about the Broyhill Premier Sculptra line we just liked the piece and needed a dresser. Then yesterday I was browsing a local vintage store's website and saw this picture:

It's the exact same handle as our dresser. So I did a little research (the wife would say a lot of research) and found out Broyhill Premier also made a Sculptra desk, which looks like this:

Since we've been looking for a new desk and since the dresser and desk will be in the same room, we went over an picked it up.

But that's not the end of the story, I learned way to much about the Broyhill Premier Sculptra line to not share. Broyhill Premier introduced the Sculptra collection in 1957 and continued making it into the early to mid 60s. Broyhill is probably best known for their Brasilia line but they've got a long rich history, the part that's important to the Broyhill Premier Sculptra collection is:
As the American population grew steadily more affluent throughout the 1950s, Broyhill recognized that tastes in furniture were shifting. In the past, buyers of moderately priced furniture had sought massiveness and elaborate embellishment, but the company's executives felt sophisticated styling and quality were becoming more important. In 1957, in an effort to meet this demand, the company established the Broyhill Premier line. The old Lenoir Chair Company plant was given over to production of these pieces, and a separate, additional sales force of 30 men was established. In addition, Broyhill began to institute a quality control program, complete with a lab, to insure that its Premier products lived up to their name. In 1958, Broyhill began an expensive national advertising campaign to support the introduction of its Premier products.

Although the new line won consumer acceptance, it did not turn a profit until the 1960s. Broyhill added upholstered products to its Premier line, as the concept began to bring in revenues. Once the Premier line had been established, the company grouped its remaining products under the label 'Lenoir House,' which included a variety of medium-priced, moderate styles of bedroom and dining room furniture that made up the bulk of the company's sales.


From what I can read on this Broyhill Premier Sculptra sales tag they advertised the line this way:

Sculptra has the variety and sophistication of an "import" look combined with the very much American versatility of use, adaptability to changes in living patterns and coordination, for today's room loves
Sculptra
by Broyhill Premier

Sounds like the perfect collection for our study.

17 comments:

  1. We're looking for an end table or night stand in this same line. If you know where to find any please feel free to send us the info. The Jessop Family. montysphotography@msn.com

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    1. Good luck in your search. Your best bet is probably going to be hunting on your local craigslist and hitting estate sales on the weekends. It'd also be worth it to stop in local vintage stores, most of the ones I've been to have a wishlist or will at least keep an eye out if they know someone is looking for a particular piece.

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    2. Hi
      I know it's over a year later, but I just purchased 2 bedside tables in this same line today. Are you still interested?
      srl5092@charter.net

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  2. I just found today the Broyhill Sculptra 9 drawer dresser/credenza at my local goodwill for a ridiculously great price! Overall it is good condition but is missing one of the drawer pulls and I have no idea where I would look to find a replacement. Any suggestions?
    Thanks,
    Christi
    christireilly@yahoo.com

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    1. I have never seen or found a good source for the drawer pulls. Because they're inset they could be tricky to make (and replace). Your best bet might be to find a beat up drawer and pull out one of the handles yourself - as much as it pains me to say.

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  3. We just started collecting Sculptra furniture and currently have 8 different pieces. I've noticed a factory marking on the back which seems to identify the design, with additional info that perhaps identifies the location and date of manufacture?

    For example, the base of our buffet is marked:
    6095/10
    L 587 62

    6095/10 is the Broyhill "part number" for this piece. If I had to guess, I would imagine that the L designates Lenoir House, and that the 62 means the piece was made in 1962. Does that sound right? Also, what do you think the 587 means?

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    1. 8 pieces is a pretty fantastic collection for just starting. Congrats on the collection. I did my best to give you an answer here: http://www.madformidcentury.com/2014/09/reader-question-broyhill-sculptra.html

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  4. Did anyone ever find anywhere to find the drawer pull? I need one too

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  5. Thanks so much for all the info on the sculptra line. My mother encouraged me to purchase the bedroom suit for my son from a friend of theirs who lost their parents. I did 17 yrs ago. Headboard, end tables, dresser with mirror. So glad he has taken care of it , thanks again for the info, if I ever want to sell it I'll post here first. Thanks Sally

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  6. I know this is going to cause some of you pain but I just scored 3 pieces of Sculptra from my neighbor for FREE! I couldn't believe my eyes! Unfortunately, going to have to refinish it but everything is there and in tact. Just not the greatest cosmetically.

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    1. You can color me jealous. That sounds like a great neighbor.

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  7. I have a desk in this line that I would be willing to sell. Its in good condition....top needs refinishing and a few minor nicks and scratches on front. Dont know how much to ask. Prices seem to be anywhere between $500 and $1200...! Would love to help someone complete their collection.

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    1. Sorry...should have specified...Broyhill Premier Sculptra

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  8. My wife and I, here in N. Calif., are selling locally only a rare complete bedroom set, that belonged to her parents, from the Broyhill Premier Sculptra line in excellent cond. on Craigslist. Search Mendocino County furniture, thanks! If you don't see it, it sold.

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  9. My parent's have the Sculptra bedroom set. They were original owners and I have the brochure. They were purchased in 1964 and have the triple dresser, a mirror, two 1-drawer night stands, a Magna Dresser, a 4/6 Bookcase Bed, (2) arm chairs and I think 4 side chairs. How do I go about finding the value of these pieces to sell one day?

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    1. The price is going to fluctuate greatly depending on where you live and when you decide to sell. Give this post on pricing mid-century furniture a read when it's time to sell and it should give you some idea.

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