Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drop-Leaf Desk
View Similar Items
Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drop-Leaf Desk
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 44 in (111.76 cm)Depth: 23 in (58.42 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Super clean original condition.
- Seller Location:Rockaway, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8837998498
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.
- Danish Mid Century Modern Boat Shape Drop Leaf Rosewood Desk Two Drawers MINT!By Harvey Probber, John StuartLocated in Rockaway, NJDanish Mid Century Modern Boat Shape Drop Leaf Rosewood Desk Two Drawers MINT!Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsRosewood
- Danish Mid Century Modern Petit Single Pedestal Desk Two DrawersBy Dux of SwedenLocated in Rockaway, NJMid-Century Modern walnut single pedestal two drawers small desk or writing table.Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Danish Mid-Century Modern Floating Teak Desk Bookcase File Drawer Key Mint!By Arne VodderLocated in Rockaway, NJDanish Mid-Century Modern floating teak desk bookcase file drawer key MINT! Super clean!Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsTeak
- Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Asymmetrical Z Shape Base Low Profile Desk Mint!By Peter Hvidt, Hans J. WegnerLocated in Rockaway, NJDanish Mid-Century Modern teak asymmetrical z shape base low profile desk mint!Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsTeak
- Teak & Chrome Base Mid Century Danish Modern Petit Desk Console Writing TableBy Fritz HansenLocated in Rockaway, NJTeak & Chrome Base Mid Century Danish Modern Petit desk Console writing table.Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsChrome
- Solid Walnut Mid-Century Modern Floating Top All Restored Desk Table Mint!By Harvey Probber, Dunbar FurnitureLocated in Rockaway, NJSolid Walnut Mid-Century Modern pullout Key Board Floating Top Tray All Restored Desk Table MINT!Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsChrome
- Mid Century Danish Drop Leaf Expanding Desk Arne VodderBy Arne VodderLocated in Baltimore, MDA desk with incredible form and presence. This rare most attractive original Danish Modern drop leaf desk by Arne Vodder (1926-2009) designed for Sibast Mobler in Denmark, features a...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsTeak
$3,480 Sale Price20% Off - Mid-Century Modern Walnut DeskLocated in Brooklyn, NYVintage modern writing desk featured in rich walnut grain. This desk sits on sleek tapered legs and has two spacious drawers. This would be...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWood, Walnut
$1,400 Sale Price30% Off - Mid-Century Modern Walnut DeskLocated in Brooklyn, NYVintage modern writing desk featured in rich walnut grain. This desk sits on sleek tapered legs and has three spacious drawers. This would ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWood
- Danish modern drop leaf desk in teak by arne vodderBy H. Sigh & Søns Møbelfabrik AS, Arne VodderLocated in Berkeley, CAOrigin: Denmark Designer: Arne Vodder Manufacturer: H Sigh + Søns Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 47.75 (closed) 63.5 (leaf up)″ wide x 28″ deep x 29.5″ tall Condition: In ...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsTeak
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drexel DeskBy DrexelLocated in Brooklyn, NYBeautiful walnut Drexel desk with matte black metal handles. Great piece for any office or bedroom. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - wit...Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWalnut
$1,120 Sale Price30% Off - Mid Century Modern Floating Walnut DeskBy Milo BaughmanLocated in Sayreville, NJAlma furniture floating walnut desk Super rare floating desk with finished back. Walnut with chrome knobs and feet caps. This has excellent wood grain with a refinished top. Dimen...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWalnut
