The Acclaim Collection by Lane

Feb 3, 2016 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns

Lovely, no?

Acclaim!

As most of you know, finding information on Lane Furniture is a particularly taxing endeavor. I have recently ordered a book, originally published in the 1960s, that is supposed to be a historical overview of the company (fingers are crossed). Needless to say, I will keep everyone posted once that little number arrives on my doorstep. In the meantime, I’ve been working to gather more information on everyone’s favorite, American mid-century furniture company: Lane. I started with a question – who is Andre Bus?

I dare you to type that into Google. You’ll find a lot of imagery focused on his work, but hardly anything about the man. What was he about? What were his influences? What was his personal history? Until my reference book arrives we can try to piece together those answers by looking at one of his more well-known accomplishments: The Acclaim Collection by Lane.

“The inlaid dovetailed border. The warm, rich, seasoned walnut. The satiny finish only hand-rubbing can achieve! One after another, custom details you’ll see in every beautiful Acclaim table by Lane! And underneath it all – craftsmanship where it counts! In the sturdy top that won’t warp, won’t split. In joinings locked to a grown-together fit. In legs so exact, so firmly planted, there’s no rock, no wobble, no place for it to start! Indeed the proudest cabinetmaker might have made this table. But never at anything near the modest Lane price you pay!” – Original Lane Acclaim advertisement

The Acclaim series is also known as the “dovetail” collection. One look at the distinctive edge treatments and you can see where the nickname comes from. It’s also pretty obvious that the visionary behind this style cared about joy. I dare you to honestly look at a piece and not feel a little smile form. There’s something very pleasing about the clean lines – subtle curves that don’t cut the edge too abruptly – and warm materials. Clearly the creator knew how to strike a balance between modern and approachable. Andre, under the direction of another mystery man: Warren C. Church (credited as head designer of Lane during the mid-century era), began working on the pieces for this collection in the late 1950s. By 1959 it debuted to an eager American consumer, going on to become a beloved collection that is still highly coveted over 50 years later.

An end table to inspire all end tables

Another beauty

The team at Retro Renovation have a brilliant post that includes the entire Acclaim catalog. I strongly encourage you to check it out – for collectors this is a great way to verify that the piece you’re considering at the flea market has a number sequence that is accurate. (Naturally with the abundance of fakes out there, you’ll want to do further assessments – but this is a good first check box to look for.) What struck me about the Acclaim Collection specifically is its variety of offerings – this is a massive collection! For the 1950s family excited to embrace modern styling, but with a more traditional sensibility, every room in the home could be furnished with Acclaim. My favorite is number 900-21, the wedge table. What’s yours? And were you surprised to see headboards? I know I was!

By 1963 the collection was the highest selling line in the country (easy to see why – just look at the craftsmanship!). But as the 1970s neared, consumer tastes had changed and it looks like Lane stopped producing the Acclaim collection by the late 1960s. A decade of a wild ride for Mr. Bus, but again – what do we know about this iconic designer? At the moment, not much. Anyone reading this with insight is welcome to add notes in the comments. We’ll part ways with what we do know: Andre Bus had a talent for blending styles – letting each influence take center stage in what it did best, without overshadowing the other. There’s something very American about this approach, don’t you agree? More to come on Lane, Acclaim, and our mystery men…

Replies for “The Acclaim Collection by Lane”

  • joe

    I found a piece of Lane furniture at a garage sale and i’m wondering if you can help me identify the model. the model # 0113 and the serial # is 950110

    Reply ↓
  • Philip Penland-Ball

    I found my first piece of Acclaim on Craigslist. It was the end table Style number 900-05. It was pretty beat up and took a bit to clean it up but I fell in love with the series. Since my initial purchase I have also added a Cocktial table (900-01) and Picture Window table (900-10). I believe I am addicted, and thanks to posts like yours I am able to learn a bit more about my newest obsession.

    Reply ↓
  • Edward C. Smith

    I am most interested in this book you speak of, I and many others would love to find out more information on this Company, the Acclaim series, and the men behind it all. Keep up the good work, and Thank You !

    Reply ↓
  • Michael Fick

    My grandfather was Warren C Church Sr. My family was estranged from my grandfather; I only met the man twice in my life, once at a Christmas gathering in Grand Rapids MI when I was maybe four, a second time in Alivista during spring break when I was about 8. We visited Alivista as my mother wished to attend a “church” family reunion. Her sister Toni; brothers Warren C Church Jr.; Melvin and their families all attended. Warren Sr and his second wife Judy and their daughter October Joy also attended. Only time I met “tobi” and Judy. I was young so I did not understand the dynamics of a divorced and re-married grandfather and their child.

    Reply ↓
  • Melissa

    I have the wedge table style 900 21 serial NO 561190. What is the value of a table like this? I found it in a home my parents purchased when I was younger. Been dragging it with me everywhere I go. It’s a sturdy piece, good condition.

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Melissa,
      Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately we don’t offer appraisals – but here is what I recommend. Find some comparable pieces on Etsy/Ebay to get a baseline. Then take in photos of the table to a local antique mall to get a variety of shop owners’ opinions. They can give you a sense of local market resale value. Between these data points you can determine fair value. Enjoy and may the vintage be with you!

      Reply ↓
  • Michael S Titchenal

    I recently purchased a dropleaf side table with drawer. Serial # 951301 and the Model Number of 0900-13. I am aware of the rarity of the piece and if I read the serial number correctly the piece was made in 1951 (it does have the older style Lane marker in the drawer and on the bottom.) I am wondering how long this piece was produced and just when did Lane start producing the Acclaim line?

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Michael,
      Thanks for reaching out! Based on the serial number, you’re looking at a manufacturing date of Oct 31, 1959. The Acclaim series debuted in 1959 and was made for roughly a decade. Enjoy!

      Reply ↓
  • Pamela Parker

    Becky O.- I maybe have the last piece! Just recently bought an end table dated 9-24-71, it’s 900-82.

    Reply ↓
  • Heather Gowdy

    Hi, I’ve had a piece of Lane I purchased in ATL. 04/29/92 at the Salvation Army. I can’t figure out the date Serial NO. 069201. I am assuming it’s Jan 2nd 1969. It also has a Style NO. blacked out 0900-05, and stamped 90032. Funny. The Design PAT NO 185371. I am getting ready to refin. The top is a mess. I had thought to get rid of it for years, but I am taking the plunge and going to bring it back to its glory days and use as my coffee table again and not get rid of it. I am a bit nervous since of the two woods. Thus far I’ve read it’s Ash around the table and walnut on the inside. I am wondering about date and if the walnut is a veneer. From reading it might be solid. I know that the two woods will behave diff. when they absorb stain. But, I want to do the table justice. If you have any advise and or can fill in the gaps of my inquire that would be super. Thank you.

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Heather, thanks for reaching out! Sounds like a lovely find! The manufacturing date is Oct 29, 1960. You can look up the design patent info (which is super fun) here: https://www.uspto.gov/patents-application-process/search-patents. Regarding refinishing. Given the date and Lane’s manufacturing standards, it is most likely solid wood you’re working with. I would recommend reaching out to vintage shop owners for a furniture restoration expert recommendation. That person can give you some advice as you start on your refinishing journey. Good luck & enjoy!

      Reply ↓
  • Eric

    Love Lane Acclaim. College move out this week and scored a beautiful desk on the side of the road. 1960 built style 0900-20. These kids clearly didn’t know what they had!

    Reply ↓
  • Doug

    At 50 years old I find myself for the first time outfitting a new place exactly as I want it. I began trying to coordinate midcentury modern pieces, but zeroed in quickly on the Lane Acclaim series. I have purchased a set of the two tiered end tables and will pick up the cocktail table in a few days. I am now officially a collector. Thanks for this post – Keeping my eyes open for what I can find.

    Reply ↓
  • Missy

    Hello, I recently obtained a dresser from the Acclaim series however I cannot find another dresser like this to compare. The dresser I have
    has a built in cedar chest the # 852290 series 207-07. Has anyone else seen a piece like this?

    Reply ↓
  • John

    Mom and I found the round double shelf coffee table at a yard sale years ago for $35. I never knew who made this exquisite table until now. Thank you for your research.

    Reply ↓
  • Roger Starr

    It is time for my wife and I to downsize which means parting with things that have moved many times with us. I stumbled across this site when trying to research a dining table and chairs that were my parents. It is definitely Lane and the pieces were manufactured in September and October 1962. It has the classic dovetail detail which is what leads me to believe that it is Acclaim. The issue is that the Group number is 346 (table is 346-54 and the chairs are 346-70 and 346-71). The Acclaim catalog that is posted on Retro Renovation shows that it would be Group 301, not 346 so I’m trying to figure out exactly what I have. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply ↓
  • Chris Giambrone

    I have my parent’s Acclaim Lane boomerang table. Design 185371, style 0900-11, serial number 951301. it is in good shape except for some white water marks from a glass and a few scuffs. I read somewhere if you use a very fine steel wool it will take the water marks out. Is that true?

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Chris,
      Thanks for reaching out – that’s lovely piece to have in your collection! I would recommend talking with a furniture restoration expert first. The boomerang tables are highly collectible and you’ll want to get a second opinion on the best way to address the water marks. An antique mall is a great spot to go to for recommendations as you’ll have several vintage-focused brains in one space! Enjoy!

      Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All comments will be subject to approval by a moderator. Comments may fail to be approved or may be edited if the moderator deems that they:

  • contain unsolicited advertisements ("spam")
  • are unrelated to the subject matter of the post or of subsequent approved comments
  • contain personal attacks or abusive/gratuitously offensive language