Our Roots
Since 1971, when a neighbor made an unsolicited offer for a table Tom Moser had built in his basement workshop, the Moser family has grown from a one-man operation to comprise a community of nearly 70 skilled craftspeople. The following are significant milestones along the way.
1972
To New Beginnings
Tom Moser leaves Bates College and partners with his wife, Mary, to start “Thos. Moser Cabinetmaker."
1972
Guaranteed from Day One
The first piece of furniture we created under our name – just like every piece since – is accompanied by our satisfaction guarantee.
1973
Spreading the Word
Our first ad appears in Down East magazine
1973
Two Businesses Under One Roof
Mary Moser launches the Interval Agency, a firm that will manage Thos. Moser’s advertising and media placements.
1974
If it’s Wood…
Tom and Mary receive a request for their first custom project – a waterwheel.
1974
Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change
Tom selectively integrates technology into the process of making furniture, insisting that no change should ever sacrifice quality, aesthetics, or structural integrity for the sake of efficiency - a creed we continue to abide by to this day.
1976
Reimagining a Classic
The Dr. White's Chest, commissioned by a local M.D., becomes at once the most demanding single piece of cabinetry we make and an enduring classic.
1977
Faces of Craft
We begin hand-signing each of our pieces as the finishing touch.
1977
Moving Ahead
The company relocates from a former Grange Hall to a church vestry purchased for $1, moved, and rebuilt. It also served as our first showroom.
1977
Continuous Innovation
After months of laborious experimentation and refinements, Tom invents the Continuous Arm Chair. Our most popular piece will inspire a namesake bench and rocker.
1978
Sharing the Passion for Craft
Tom publishes his first book, “How to Build Shaker Furniture.” This book remains in print and is popular with aspiring woodworkers worldwide.
1981
On to Pennsylvania
We open our first showroom outside of Maine in Philadelphia.
1981
A Showroom in Print
We mail our first professionally designed catalog.
1983
Made to Order on an Impressive Scale
Moser Contract is launched with projects for the Atlantic City Public Library and the Senator Margaret Chase Smith Library
1987
From Maine to California
Thos. Moser expands west, adding a San Francisco showroom.
1987
Building on Success
We open our Auburn, Maine Shop. What started as a 34k sq. foot building would triple in size through two subsequent expansions. The shop now includes dedicated upholstery and finishing areas.
1991
Presidential Status
Thos. Moser pieces are chosen for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
1992
Inspiration Never Rests
Tom Moser perfects the design of a new chair in his home workshop in Harpswell. The Harpswell Chair becomes an immediate customer favorite and is still a best seller.
2000
Like Father, Like Son
Tom and David Moser collaborate to create our iconic Chaise, which adjusts without handles or gadgets but simply by leaning into the desired position.
2003
A New Generation of Craft
David Moser's Wing Collection is introduced— the first collection designed by the second generation of Moser craftsmen.
2007
Customer in Residence Program is a Resounding Success
Our first Customer in Residence session allows woodworking enthusiasts to create their own piece of heirloom furniture, mentored by our craftspeople. The program expands to include several sessions per year.
2009
High Honors
David Moser's Pasadena Chair wins a "Best of Year" award from the editors of Interior Design magazine
2013
Preferred Seating at the Presidential Level
All five-living presidents sit in Harpswell chairs during the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas.
2015
Commissioned by the Pope
Thos. Moser Catena and Harpswell chairs are commissioned for the Pope visit to the USA
2016
Retaining the Legacy
Aaron Moser becomes CEO of our company.
2018
Quietly Making History
Thos. Moser launches the NYPL Branch Chair in collaboration with the New York Public Library. The chair is also offered to customers in both original and upholstered designs.
2022
Thos. Moser celebrates 50th year
February marks our 50th year in business as a handmade American furniture company
To New Beginnings
1972
Guaranteed from Day One
1972
Spreading the Word
1973
Two Businesses Under One Roof
1973
If it’s Wood…
1974
Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change
1974
1975
Reimagining a Classic
1976
Faces of Craft
1977
Moving Ahead
1977
Continuous Innovation
1977
Sharing the Passion for Craft
1978
1980
On to Pennsylvania
1981
A Showroom in Print
1981
Made to Order on an Impressive Scale
1983
From Maine to California
1987
Building on Success
1987
1990
Presidential Status
1991
Inspiration Never Rests
1992
2000
Like Father, Like Son
2000
A New Generation of Craft
2003
Customer in Residence Program is a Resounding Success
2007
High Honors
2009
2010
Preferred Seating at the Presidential Level
2013
Commissioned by the Pope
2015
Retaining the Legacy
2016
Quietly Making History
2018
2020
Thos. Moser celebrates 50th year
2022
