Rare Blond Mahogany 9 Drawer Dresser by American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Rare Blond Mahogany 9 Drawer Dresser by American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 59.25 in (150.5 cm)Depth: 20.75 in (52.71 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Pasadena, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: U12111082582877
American of Martinsville
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.
- Large Midcentury American of Martinsville DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Pasadena, CAAn elegant blonde walnut dresser by American of Martinsville catches the eye with its twin blocks of drawers resting on a slightly darker base. T...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Modern Large White Lacquer Dresser with Long Black HandlesBy Roger RougierLocated in Pasadena, CAThis white lacquered dresser from the 1980s, reminiscent of the Roger Rougier style, boasts a unique feature: contrasting black handle accents adorning six stairs-stepped drawers . ...Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood
$2,240 Sale Price20% Off - Contemporary Reform Black and Gold Chest of Drawers by Jonathan AdlerBy Jonathan AdlerLocated in Pasadena, CAThis Contemporary Reform Black and Gold Chest of Drawers by Jonathan Adler pictorials the designer's commitment to creating distincti...Category
1990s American Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWood
- Rare Siamese Rosewood ConsoleLocated in Pasadena, CAThis console designed in the Art Deco style was veneered with this spectacular and rare Siamese rosewood which features on the same veneer sheet the c...Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Console Tables
MaterialsRosewood
- Mid-Century American Brutalist Oak CredenzaBy Lane FurnitureLocated in Pasadena, CAThis American Brutalist Credenza epitomizes the meticulous craftsmanship and understated elegance that defined the 1970s. The Oak parquet top and subtle square cork inserts infuse s...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsOak, Cork
- Rare Celine Black Shoulder Clutch BagBy CelineLocated in Pasadena, CACéline Paris vintage shoulder / clutch box bag in black leather. Inside - bright red with one open pocket and one with a zip. The straps measurements are 53".Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Trunks and Luggage
MaterialsBrass
$450 Sale Price47% Off
- Rare Five-Drawer Chest by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Atlanta, GAA 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
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMahogany
- Rare Five-Drawer Mahogany Faux Bamboo Chest by American of Martinsville, 1952By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Buffalo, NYFive-drawer chest by American of Martinsville 1952 Bleached Philippine mahogany faux bamboo with five drawers. The three bottom drawe...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsFaux Bamboo, Mahogany
- Rare Restored Modern Chest by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Atlanta, GAAn 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
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsHardwood
- American of Martinsville Mid-Century Bleached Mahogany and Brass Highboy DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in South Bend, INA gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency seven-drawer highboy dresser By American of Martinsville USA, Circa 1960s Bleached mahogany, with brass trim and hardware. ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Restored American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Chest- Pair AvailableBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Atlanta, GAAn 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
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Vintage "Dania" Dresser by Merton Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Brooklyn, NYBring 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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
$1,680 Sale Price30% Off
