American of Martinsville Furniture
American of Martinsville is today revered as one of the finest manufacturers of mid-century modern furniture in the United States, but its beginnings were unexpectedly humble.
Well ahead of the Civil War, tobacco was a cash crop in places such as Virginia, and the plant was grown with frequency on farms in Martinsville and elsewhere. In the early 1900s, the business around tobacco was changing and the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was expanding nationally, buying any Virginia factories in reach. Former tobacco producers Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee turned away from the business in 1906 and, with merely $30,000 in capital (and the support of local business leaders), began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company.
In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings. Alongside tallboy dressers and nightstands, Witten and Keesee’s outfit began to offer a range of dining-room sets to the discerning customer. By the 1950s, the name had been changed to American of Martinsville and the brand had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as its variety of furniture styles (Hollywood Regency, chinoiserie). Mass-marketed furniture meant big business in the postwar years and throughout the 20th century in Virginia, and factories owned by companies like Bassett Furniture and American of Martinsville remained busy as suburbanites bought furniture to fill the homes they were moving into.
It isn’t difficult to spot American of Martinsville’s sturdy, solid designs — the lacquered walnut nightstands, mahogany coffee tables and more have long earned the admiration of mid-century modernism enthusiasts. The company’s high profile also owes to prominent attributes that distinguish its well-made vintage furniture, such as the use of wooden slats — inspired by Scandinavian modernism — on hutches and cabinet doors, the famous brass x’s inlaid on the tops of tables and dressers and the stately stacked type of the American of Martinsville logo, which usually appears in drawer interiors. The stamp prominently features an eagle perched atop the lettering, its broad wings spread across the “American” portion.
Besides quality manufacturing, American of Martinsville is additionally recognized for having incorporated the trends of the day. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul Laszlo, the brand was also known for innovations with wood. Merton Gershun was one of the company’s most prolific designers, and he was responsible for some of its most successful modern furniture lines using the richer, darker woods that would become emblematic of mid-century furniture. Gershun’s most popular line was reportedly Dania, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers. Today, American of Martinsville specializes in furniture for the healthcare and hospitality industries.
Shop a wide selection of vintage American of Martinsville mid-century modern sideboards, side tables and more on 1stDibs.
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Item Ships From: Atlanta
Creator: American of Martinsville
Restored American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Chest- Pair Available
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction restored in cream lacquer. Fabulous, chunky solid bra...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
Dramatic Restored Nine-Drawer Chest by American of Martinsville, circa 1950
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1950. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction finished in cream lacquer. Fabulous wormhole detail on...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Stellar Restored Nakashima Style American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Chest - Pair
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent commodes are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready.
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Remarkable Chest or Buffet by American of Martinsville in Cream Lacquer
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
An absolutely jaw-dropping chest/buffet from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Beautiful, stout hardwood case construction, with brass and leather accents. Fabul...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
Elegant Restored Pair of Small Chests in the Style of Renzo Rutili
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of small chests is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installati...
Category
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Five-Drawer Chest by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1950. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction. Fabulous "wormhole" detail on the drawer front adds a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Rare Restored Modern Chest by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
An absolutely jaw-dropping chest from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Stout hardwood case construction with brass and leather accents. Fabulous detail and craf...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Exceptional Pair of Modern Commodes by American of Martinsville, circa 1950
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of commodes is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready.
A fabulous meticulously restored pair of cream lacquer chests...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Exceptional Modern Buffet/Credenza by American of Martinsville in Cream Lacquer
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Beautiful Modern buffet/credenza by America of Martinsville, circa 1950. Functional case design offers a center bank of four ( 4 ) drawers, flanked by two ( 2 ) open compartments (...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Wood
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American Of Martinsville furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
American of Martinsville furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of American of Martinsville furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by American of Martinsville were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by John Widdicomb, Planner Group, and John Stuart. Prices for American of Martinsville furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $322 and can go as high as $39,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,348.
Creators Similar to American of Martinsville
Questions About American of Martinsville Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021American of Martinsville, which was founded in 1906, is still in business. The company now manufactures furniture for hotel and healthcare industries.
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