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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: New York
Creator: American of Martinsville
Set of Six Mid Century Dania Dining Chairs American of Martinsville c 1950/60s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural set of Mid Century Modern dining chairs designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville as part of their classic Dania series, circa 1950-1960s. This impre...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

American of Martinsville Black Walnut Campaign Nightstand
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Terrifically unique single nightstand from the renowned craftsmen of Virginia's American of Martinsville. Featuring a black walnut finish, brass accents, and a blend of English Campa...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

American Of Martinsville Console Coffee Table Media Cabinet
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This versatile, multi-purpose, ebonized walnut and brass piece designed by Merton Gershon for American Of Martinsville works in many capacities. It is finished on 3 sides to go up ag...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

American of Martinsville Nightstand
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful walnut nightstand by American of Martinsville features the sturdy construction and fantastic wood grain the midcentury manufactu...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Credenza by American of Martinsville with a Louvered Front
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This massive vintage modern sideboard features three louvered drawers in the middle and two large storage compartments on the sides. The rich walnut finish, sculpted brass handles, a...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

American of Martinsville Sculpted Walnut Nightstand
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fantastic single mid-century nightstand from the renowned furniture builders at American of Martinsville. Featuring a chunky, almost primitive design, the broad structure highlights a mesmerizing walnut grain. Two ample drawers provide plenty of bedside storage and a flat top is perfect for reading lamps...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Low Dresser Blonde Maple
By American of Martinsville
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 6 drawer low dresser or credenza. A Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Urban Suburban dresser. All Original Vintage condition - B...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage American of Martinsville Walnut End Tables
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home the form and function that has put mid-century modern at the top of the furniture world! Sleek, yet robust, these walnut end tables feature a rich warm wood grain and ampl...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut, Wood

Vintage "Dania" Dresser by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home a tremendous example of authentic Mid-Century Modern furniture with this stunning dresser designed by the legendary Merton Gershun for the famed American of Martinsville f...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 5 Drawer Tall Dresser Blonde Maple
By American of Martinsville
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 5 drawer high tall dresser. A Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Urban Suburban dresser. All Original Vintage condition - Blonde ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Two-Drawer Nightstand
By American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
American of Martinsville midcentury ebonized curved front nightstand, side or end table with two drawers and open cubby resting on a floating base. This nightstand is sturdy, eye-cat...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American of Martinsville Bleached Mahogany Faux Bamboo Front 8-Drawer Chest
By American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
American midcentury (1960s) bleached mahogany chest / dresser with 8 drawers in two parallel columns with reeded faux-bamboo fronts, resting on four square tapered legs. (American of...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Wood

Classic Mid Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning walnut modernist dresser designed by Merton Gershun, manufactured by American Of Martinsville. Classic aluminum x's and asymetrical pulls, minor stain to (see photo). Hand d...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser with Mirror 1960s, 'Signed'
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bedroom storage galore! American of Martinsville walnut long dresser credenza with attached mirror. 6 drawers on the left side and double doors on the ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Travertine Top Night Tables
By American of Martinsville
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic 2 drawer end tables or night stands by American of Martinsville with Travertine marble tops. Curved wave front design to drawers. Nickel s...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Nickel

American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Bali-Hi Dresser, ca. 1950’s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sophisticated and stylish Bali Hi dresser, designed by Merton Gurshun for American of Martinsville. The dresser has six deep drawers each having faux bam...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Cart by Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rolling bar cart with two drawers and bottom liquor shelf. Laminate top used for liquids. Location: Brooklyn NY.
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Nightstands by American of Martinsville, a Pair
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands manufactured by American of Martinsville. Well-built frame with walnut veneer exterior. A nice addition to any modern interior. Please ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Classic Mid-Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning walnut Modernist dresser designed by Merton Gershun ,,manufactured by American Of Martinsville. Classic aluminum x's and asymetrical pulls. Beautiful original condition. Han...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Merton Gershun Bali Hi Dresser by American of Martinsville, ca. 1950’s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in New York, NY
Chic and stylish 5 drawer dresser in bleached mahogany with decorative faux bamboo front. The chest features an architecturally inspired case, which surrounds the drawer fronts, creating a dimensional design element to the cabinet. From the sought after, and hard to find Bali Hi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Rare Five-Drawer Mahogany Faux Bamboo Chest by American of Martinsville, 1952
By American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Five-drawer chest by American of Martinsville 1952 Bleached Philippine mahogany faux bamboo with five drawers. The three bottom drawe...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Mahogany

American of Martinsville Walnut Bench by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Esperance, NY
American of Martinsville walnut bench by Merton Gershun.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

American of Martinsville Ebonized Ash Stepped Side Table
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, ebonized ash, stepped side table by American of Martinsville features a lower tier with steel inlay at 16.5 inches height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Cocktail Table by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Merton Gershun cocktail table with replaced hairpin iron legs. Walnut has been refinished and waxed for protection. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by American of Martinsville, Set of 6
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unusual set of midcentury dining chairs manufactured by the American Furniture Company of Martinsville, Virginia. This set includes four side chairs and two armchairs. Handsomely scu...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Bubble Glass Cabinet Merton Gershun American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen modernist server with stunning Bubble glass top designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Featuring three generous storage to bottom, three drawers, one being silverware drawer and two door top display locking...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Black Lacquer Asian Modern End Tables or Stands American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair of black lacquer Asian Modern end tables or stands American of Martinsville. Asian inspired step end tables with drawer. Original black lacquer finish, gold detailing with brass...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Walnut American of Martinsville Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-modern highboy dresser by American of Martinsvile featuring six drawers with beautiful walnut grain throughout. Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer.
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Classic Modernist Chest of Drawers or Dresser, American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
A Classic tall chest by Merton Gershun for his Dania collection manufactured by American of Martinsville. Features three drawers over three generous drawers with louver fronts. Brass...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

American of Martinsville Bamboo Motif Mahogany Vanity
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Outstanding, Mid-Century Modern, mahogany vanity by American of Martinsville features 4, recessed, "wormhole" bamboo motif drawers framed in a contrasting ebonized finish with a 3 in...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

American of Martinsville Jewelry Cabinet
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Originally designed in the 1950s by American of Martinsville as the smaller 'chest-on-chest' component to sit atop the corresponding sideboard, this piece can be used to hold smaller...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Custom Amethyst Purple Lacquer Cabinet, Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Custom refinished cabinet or console in a deep jewel tone Amethyst lacquer with brass pulls with cabochon Amethyst centers. Cabinet has three compartments, each housing an adjustable...
Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Amethyst, Brass

American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table with Tile Inlay
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This uniquely long mid century table features white tile inserts complimented by decorative brass star-shaped inlays. Quality walnut cons...
Category

1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Stunning Regency Chest or Buffet by American of Martinsville in Cream Lacquer
By Tommi Parzinger, American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
An absolutely stunning chest/dresser from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Beautiful, stout hardwood case construction, with brass and leather accents. Fabulous...
Category

1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Single Midcentury Nightstand by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-modern nightstand, features two drawers and rich walnut grain throughout. Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer.
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Wood

Classic Modernist American of Martinsville Nightstands with Aluminum Inlays
By American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
A Classic pair of vintage walnut nightstands manufactured by American of Martinsville. One drawer on each with brushed aluminum pulls and the top features X-shaped ornamental inlays ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Side or End Table with Drawer
By American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern side table or end table with drawer. The piece has some wear and nicks to the surface but is in overall good vintage condition.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Wood

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.
Questions About American of Martinsville Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    American of Martinsville, which was founded in 1906, is still in business. The company now manufactures furniture for hotel and healthcare industries.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
    How much an American of Martinsville dresser weighs can vary greatly. The dimensions and materials of the piece will determine its weight. Generally, highboy dressers will be the heaviest pieces produced by the American furniture maker due to their size. Shop a diverse assortment of American of Martinsville dressers on 1stDibs.
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    Elgin American was an American brand known for producing watches, jewelry and compacts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Illinois Watchcase Company owned it. In 1901, the company abandoned the Elgin name due to trademark infringement claims made by the Elgin National Watch Co. Find a selection of Elgin American art, jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
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    American oak comes from oak trees that grow in America (as opposed to in Europe). While both are pale, American oaks have a slightly pink undertone and European oaks have a honey-hued undertone.
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    What Americans call a sofa varies. Often, people living in the U.S. refer to an upholstered furnishing designed to hold more than one person as a couch. However, the word sofa is also commonly used in the U.S. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary sofas.
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    With respect to the actual wood, the outer layer of American walnut — the sapwood — has a creamy yellow-white color whereas the inner layer — the heartwood — ranges from a golden brown to dark chocolate brown color. In more descriptive words, the color of American walnut embodies the richness of chocolate mixed with slight undertones of red wine. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage American walnut furniture.
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    What Native Americans used to produce baskets varied from tribe to tribe. Generally, craftsmen used whatever materials were readily available. In the Northeast, sweet grass was a common material, while pine needles and wicker are frequently found in baskets produced by tribes in the Southeast. Find a range of vintage and antique baskets on 1stDibs.
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    In the Native American language of Powhatan spoken by the Algonquian indigenous people, moccasin refers to a hand-sewn suede bootie. Today, people may call any shoes that feature stitched round toes by the name. Shop a variety of moccasins on 1stDibs.
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    There are a wide array of different dolls made by the various tribes of Native American peoples. Some of the most well-known are the kachinas made by the Navajo, Hopi and Pueblo peoples. Shop an array of Native American dolls on 1stDibs.
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    Some famous African-American artists include Horace Pippin, Augusta Savage, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Aaron Douglas, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kerry James Marshall, Theaster Gates, Sam Gillam, Kara Walker and Kehinde Wiley. Shop a variety of African-American art from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.
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    The most well-known Native American blankets come from Navajo weaving, which are prized by collectors worldwide. Originally utilitarian, the Navajo people began creating blankets specifically for export and tourism in the 19th century. Shop a collection of Navajo blankets from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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    What Native American drums are called varies by type. Ones designed to rest in the player's lap are hand drums, while instruments that hold water used primarily by the Iroquois and Yaqui are water drums. Large freestanding drums that produce loud percussive sounds are powwow drums. The Aztec and Hopi used foot drums. You'll find a range of Native American drums on 1stDibs.
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    Native American slippers are called moccasins. Moccasins are characterized by their U-shaped puckered toe design and are crafted with various leathers such as sheepskin or buffalo. They may or may not be decorated with beading. Shop a collection of authentic moccasins from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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    It depends on which region the beads were made since they were created out of available materials found in the land around them. In the Eastern Woodlands, white and purple marine shell beads were called “wampum”. You can shop a collection of Native American beadwork from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
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    American Brilliant cut glass is deeply and sharply cut glass known for its reflective quality and highly polished nature. This type of glass is thick, heavy, and very clear.
    The difference between cut glass and cut crystal is the lead content along with some other criteria. "There are three primary criteria for crystal as established by the European Union in 1969: a lead content in excess of 24%, a density in excess of 2.90 and a reflective index of 1.545." "Prior to 1969 crystal glass was generally around 36% lead. However, due to concerns over lead leaching the percentage was reduced to the [unofficial} standard of 24%. Today glass with a lead content of 10% or more is considered to be crystal or “fine glass”" in the US.
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    What rattles symbolize in Native American culture varies from tribe to tribe. Some indigenous people believe they serve as connections between the natural and spiritual worlds. Others believe they represent the ties between animals, plants and minerals. In addition, rattles sometimes symbolize independence. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Native American rattles.

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