Vintage American of Martinsville Chinoiserie Rolling Sideboard
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 32.5 in (82.55 cm)Width: 38 in (96.52 cm)Depth: 19.25 in (48.9 cm)
- Style:Chinoiserie (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Waxahachie, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8997235299522
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Waxahachie, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- 1960s Vintage American of Martinsville Expandable Rolling Bar CartBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Waxahachie, TXClassic Mid-Century Modern walnut expandable rolling bar cart or server, Manufactured by American of Martinsville, designed by Merton L. Gershun. Expanding black laminate sliding top...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
MaterialsFormica, Wood
- 1950s Vintage Custom Blue Painted SideboardLocated in Waxahachie, TXStatement piece. Vintage piece custom painted the most beautiful custom blue. Wood is solid under the paint. No veneers. Ball and claw feet. Bright gold hardware. It's probably 60...Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsWood, Paint
- 1920s Art Deco Bookmatched Rosewood and Marble SideboardLocated in Waxahachie, TXThis Art Deco sideboard has bookmatched lacquered rosewood, a maple interior and French green marble. Two drawers, one in each door. Original hardware and key. New key for center co...Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Sideboards
MaterialsGranite
- Mid Century Sideboard by Leslie Diamond for Conant BallBy Leslie Diamond, Conant BallLocated in Waxahachie, TXBuilt in the 1950s by Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball. Beautiful 2 piece birch sideboard. • American craftsmanship meets beautiful materials and functionality in this sideboard with...Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsGlass, Wood
- Vintage Universal Furniture Chinoiserie Set of 4 ChairsBy Universal Furniture CompanyLocated in Waxahachie, TXFour Universal Furniture chinoiserie dining chairs. Unique blonde wood. One chair with arms and 3 without. They have high, straight backs and a solid back splat with a geometric carv...Category
1990s American Chinoiserie Daybeds
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Vintage Mid Century Rolling Pharmacy/ Medical CartLocated in Waxahachie, TXCame from NORCE , a special needs school in Oklahoma (pictured). Built in 1910, permanently closed on Halloween 2014. Rolling mid century pharmacy medical cart. Would make a great kitchen island, tattoo station, toolbox... 2 keys included. 4 drawers. Some have dividers. Formica pull out shelf. Industrial casters. Narcotics lockbox in the bottom drawer. Aluminum railing...Category
Vintage 1950s American Industrial Cabinets
MaterialsAluminum
- Art Deco American of Martinsville Burlwood SideboardBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Chicago, ILArt Deco American of Martinsville burlwood sideboard Stunning Art Deco American of Martinsville burlwood sideboard. Beautiful burlwood and brass ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Sideboards
MaterialsGlass, Burl
- American Modern Walnut Sideboard or Record Cabinet by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis unique midcentury sideboard features louvered front drawers, spacious interior cabinets, and unique brass finish legs. Ideal piece for dining room storage, television console, o...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsWalnut
- Faux Bamboo Cane And Brass Handled Sideboard by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in High Wycombe, GBAmerican of Martinsville Bergere and Faux Bamboo Sideboard With Cane sectional fronts and brass handles. Founded in 1906, American of Martinsvil...Category
20th Century American British Colonial Sideboards
MaterialsBrass
- Walnut Sideboard with Cane Doors by Merton Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Dorchester, MAFrom the Accord collection by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, this mid-century modern sideboard features a walnut case on a plinth base with signature inset aluminum Xs ...Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsAluminum
- Large Bleached Mahogany Dresser by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CALarge bleached mahogany dresser by American of Martinsville. Stamped.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Large Bleached Mahogany Dresser by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CALarge bleached mahogany dresser by American of Martinsville. Stamped.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
