Drexel

Purchase with confidence.

Modern Hill selects items that excel in quality, style, and creativity from a period that transformed the art of decorating. They undergo careful examination and restoration by specialists at our Chicago facility.

Frequently Asked Drexel Questions

Drexel produced several distinct mid century lines, each with a named designer and visual identity. Declaration (Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall, late 1950s through 1960s) is the most recognizable, featuring sculpted walnut with architectural pulls across headboards, dressers, dining, and desks. John Van Koert for Drexel Profile favored lighter walnut silhouettes with Asian-inspired detailing. Milo Baughman for Drexel Perspective introduced burlwood and brass. Barney Flagg for Drexel Parallel mixed walnut with cane. Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent produced seating. We also carry Heritage, Dateline, and Campaign Pecan pieces. Line names are documented on every listing where the marking is visible.

Authentic Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration pieces typically carry a Drexel paper or metal label with the “Declaration” line name and a model number on the underside of drawers or back of the case. Construction tells include sculpted walnut cases (not veneered over particle board), distinctive architectural metal pulls, tapered leg profiles, and dovetailed drawer joints. Kipp Stewart signature elements include the asymmetric drawer arrangements on lowboys and the bookmatched walnut door fronts. We document all identifying marks on every Declaration listing.

Yes. A portion of our Drexel inventory is listed as matching dining sets (Declaration or Parallel dining table with 4 or 6 chairs from the same line) or matching bedroom suites (Declaration headboard with matching dressers and nightstands). Factory-matched Drexel sets command a premium because the line-specific hardware, wood tone, and proportions align across pieces. Use the filters on this page or contact us with your target configuration.

Yes. For pieces tagged “Restoration Available”, both restoration and reupholstery are available as separate cart options. Restoration covers refinishing of walnut or burlwood surfaces, hardware polishing on original architectural pulls, drawer glide repair, and cane replacement on credenzas. Reupholstery is offered on upholstered chairs with over 1,500 fabrics to choose from. Some pieces are sold Vintage As-Is. Restoration is entirely optional. Many buyers prefer the original patina and finish on documented Kipp Stewart Declaration production because originality affects collector value on this widely-collected line.