$2,500
H 30.5 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century American Martinsville Dania Dresser by Merton Gershun circa 1950/60s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in New York, NY
Iconic mid century dresser, designed by Merton Gershun, for American of Martinsville, as part of
Brass
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut nine-drawer dresser by American of Martinsville
Brass
Merton Gershun "Dania" End Tables by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
painted black tops. Designed with a pair of drawers for added storage, this matching pair of American of
Laminate, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Walnut High Chest
By American of Martinsville
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Stunning Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville “Dania” walnut high chest featuring rich
Brass
'Dania 3' Series Bookcases by Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of small bookcase tables with top lighting by American of Martinsville for their Dania 3
Rosewood, Walnut
Mid century American of Martinsville Dania Tall Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Baltimore, MD
This exceedingly well-crafted American of Martinsville louvered slat front drawer highboy tall
Brass
$2,695
H 34.5 in W 96 in D 15.25 in
American of Martinsville Dania Queen Size Bar Bed Headboard with Nightstands
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Chattanooga, TN
part of American of Martinsville’s Dania Collection. Designed by Merton Gershun, this walnut bed
Laminate, Walnut, Lacquer
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 47 in W 72 in D 18.5 in
American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Pemberton, NJ
for American of Martinsville's Dania line circa 60s. The low bench has three drawers with brass
Brass
$1,875
H 20.25 in W 23 in D 16 in
Walnut Brass Night Stand by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Dania
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Fraser, MI
Walnut and Brass. Designed by Merton Gershun for the American of Martinsville: Dania Line.
Brass
$2,750
H 25 in W 22 in D 15 in
Pair of Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Nightstands
By American of Martinsville
Located in Las Vegas, NV
of walnut nightstand, designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville's "Dania" line. They
Brass
$2,750 / item
H 44 in W 38 in D 19 in
Merton Gershun Mid Century American of Martinsville Dainia Walnut Tall dresser
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This professionally restored tall dresser, from American of Martinsville's "Dania" line, was
Brass
$2,500
H 44 in W 38 in D 18 in
Merton Gershun Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Dainia Walnut Highboy
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This professionally restored tall dresser, from American of Martinsville's "Dania" line, was
Walnut
Unavailable
H 34.75 in W 36 in D 15 in
Mid Century American of Martinsville Dania Collection Backlit Bar Cabinet Cart
By American of Martinsville
Located in Detroit, MI
• Vintage Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Collection backlit bar cart circa 1960
Wood, Mirror, Laminate
Sold
H 60 in W 50 in L 60 in
Mid-Century Modern Room Divider Bookshelf Credenza American Martinsville Dania
By American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Outstanding and rare American of Martinsville Dania line room divider in walnut. These are barely
Walnut
Sold
H 60 in W 60 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Modern Room Divider Bookshelf Credenza American Martinsville Dania
By American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Outstanding and rare American of Martinsville Dania line room divider in walnut. These are barely
Walnut
Sold
H 25.5 in W 22 in D 17 in
Mid-Century Modern American Martinsville Dania Gershun Side End Table Nightstand
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
for American of Martinsville, the Dania collection, circa the 1970s. In excellent condition. The
Brass
Sold
H 51 in W 55 in D 19 in
Merton Gershun American Martinsville Dania Mid Century Bench with Display Case
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Merton Gershun for American Of Martinsville Dania mid century bench with display case An
Walnut
Mid-Century ‘Dania’ Tall Dresser by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century tall ‘Dania’ dresser by American of Martinsville. A compact with ample storage
Wood, Walnut
American of Martinsville 'Dania' Highboy by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
and brass stretcher detail by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Designer: Merton
Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 36 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Bachelor Chests
By American of Martinsville
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a pair of Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Bachelor
Brass
Sold
H 42.5 in W 36 in D 15 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Storage Cabinet
By American of Martinsville
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Storage Cabinet
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Credenza from Dania by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Mid-Century Modern credenza from the Dania line by American of Martinsville features hardwood
Brass
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Walnut High Chest
By American of Martinsville
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This exceptional Mid-Century Modern High Chest by American of Martinsville exemplifies timeless
Brass
American of Martinsville Credenza from the Dania Collection
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Nice credenza designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville for the Dania collection
Walnut
Sold
H 25.25 in W 17 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Modern Nightstand from Dania Series by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Mid-Century Modern nightstand from the Dania series by American of Martinsville features
Brass
Sold
H 29 in W 47 in D 23 in
American of Martinsville Desk by Merton Gershun Desk from the "Dania" Collection
By American of Martinsville
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid century modern designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville for their “Dania
Sold
H 32 in W 21 in D 20 in
American of Martinsville Dania Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
American of Martinsville Dania mid century walnut dining chairs - set of 6 Each of these chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
American of Martinsville 6 Drawer 'Dania' Dresser by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
and brass stretcher detail by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Designer: Merton Gershun
Brass
Sold
H 25 in W 22 in L 25 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Merton Gershun 'Dania' Nightstand
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a walnut nightstand, designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville's "Dania
Brass
Sold
H 33 in W 65 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville 'Dania' Credenza
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Wilmington, DE
Martinsville's "Dania" line. It is made of walnut, featuring six louver-front drawers on both sides and three
Walnut
Sold
H 33 in W 65 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville 'Dania' Credenza
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Wilmington, DE
Martinsville's "Dania" line. It is made of walnut, featuring six louvre-front drawers on both sides and three
Walnut
Sold
H 44 in W 38 in D 17 in
'Dania' Highboy Dresser by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, c1960s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Chino Hills, CA
, masterfully designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville in the 1960s. This exquisite highboy
Brass
Sold
H 29.75 in W 52 in D 36 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Dania Mid Century Dining Table
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Dania mid century dining table Table measures: 52
Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 84 in D 39 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Dania Mid-Century Dining Table
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Dania mid-century dining table. Table measures: 60
Wood
Sold
H 33 in W 65 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Dania American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Bedroom Set
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
American of Martinsville, the Dania collection, circa the 1970s. The set includes a secretary, one
Brass
Sold
H 34.5 in W 96 in D 15.25 in
American of Martinsville Dania Queen Size Bar Bed Headboard with Nightstands
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Chattanooga, TN
part of American of Martinsville’s Dania Collection. Designed by Merton Gershun, this walnut bed
Laminate, Walnut
Sold
H 33 in W 65.125 in D 18.5 in
Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Dania Collection MCM Lowboy c. 1960s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Denville, NJ
dresser designed by Merton Gershun for American Of Martinsville Co. This piece showcases remarkable
Brass
Sold
H 25 in W 24 in D 28 in
American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Step End Tables by Merton Gershun - a Pair
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Charleston, SC
for American of Martinsville in Virginia. Clean lines, accessible value and richer stain colors made
Formica, Walnut
Sold
H 30.5 in W 36 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Louvre Bachelor Chest
By American of Martinsville
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a bachelor chest, designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville's "Dania
Walnut
Sold
H 30.5 in W 36 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Louvre Bachelor Chest
By American of Martinsville
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a bachelor chest, designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville's "Dania
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Dania Walnut Bachelor Chests - Set of 2
By American of Martinsville
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This striking pair of Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Collection bachelor chests
Brass
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Dresser
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a dresser designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville's "Dania" line. It
Brass
Sold
H 32 in W 21 in D 18 in
Midcentury American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Desk Chair by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Desk Chair by Merton Gershun A Sculpted Walnut
Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 56.5 in D 3 in
Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Full Size Headboard
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Wilmington, DE
Martinsville's "Dania" line. Dimensions: 56.5" W x 3" D x 32" H.
Walnut
Sold
H 33 in W 65 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut Credenza
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Wilmington, DE
This piece was designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville's "Dania" line. It is
Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville Credenza
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a credenza, designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville's "Dania" line
Brass
American of Martinsville Walnut Drop Leaf Dining Table by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern dining table designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Dania line
Walnut
Sold
H 33 in W 65 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Gershun Walnut Dresser Mirror
By Merton Gershun
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
American of Martinsville, the Dania collection, circa the 1970s. The dresser has nine louvered drawers
Brass
Dania Collection Coffee Table Bench By Martinsville
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern coffee table or bench from American of Martinsville's Dania Collection
Brass
Sold
H 29.5 in W 29.5 in D 47 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Desk & Chair by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
. 1950s. This desk is apart of American of Martinsville's "Dania" collection. This piece is crafted of
Walnut
Louvered Front Dresser by Merton Gershun for Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Amazing mid-century style by Merton Gershun, designed for American of Martinsville for his Dania
Wild Louvered Front Dresser by Merton L. Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern unit by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville's Dania Series. Features a
Sold
H 30.5 in W 36 in D 18.5 in
Pr. Mid Century American Martinsville Dania Bachelors Chests by Merton Gershun
Located in New York, NY
Martinsville, as part of the iconic Dania series, circa 1950/60's. The dressers feature dimensional louvered
Brass
American of Martinsville Credenza From the Dania Collection
By American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful credenza designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville for the Dania collection
Brass
Sold
H 30.5 in W 70 in D 18.5 in
Midcentury American of Martinsville Dania Collection Louvered Walnut Credenza
By American of Martinsville
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautifully detailed and proportioned walnut American of Martinsville credenza sideboard, one of
Walnut
American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Louvered Lamp Table Nightstands
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Pair of professionally refinished Dania lamp tables by American of Martinsville. One of the most
Walnut
Sold
H 34.5 in W 36 in D 15 in
Mid-Century Modern Secretary Dania Collection American of Martinsville Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Gershun’s Dania collection by American of Martinsville is one of the most versatile Mid-Century Modern
Brass
Sold
H 44 in W 38.25 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun American of Martinsville "Dania" Tall Chest
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Wilmington, DE
Martinsville's "Dania" line. It is made of walnut and features 6 dovetailed drawers. In excellent condition
Brass
Sold
H 25.5 in W 22 in D 17 in
Pair of 'Dania' Night Stands by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of mid-century modern walnut “Dania” night stands designed by Merton Gershun for American of
Brass
Sold
H 30.5 in W 81 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century Dania Dresser by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville C 1950s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Classic midcentury dresser designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, as part of the
Brass
Sold
H 31 in W 19.5 in D 19 in
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
of Martinsville as part of their classic Dania series, circa 1950-1960s. This impressive set includes
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 61.5 in D 40 in
Mid Century Dania Dining Table by Gershun for American of Martinsville W/ 3 Lvs
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modern dining table designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, as
Walnut
Sold
H 30.25 in W 36 in D 19 in
Martinsville "Dania" Louvered Chest of Drawers designed by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Milford, NH
American of Martinsville, designed by Merton Gershun for their Dania series circa 1950’s, signed with brand
Walnut
Sold
H 22.5 in W 36 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Dania Dresser Bench Console Table Merton Gershun Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a gorgeous, walnut dresser, designed by Merton Gershun for American of
Brass
Merton Gershun designed "Dania" Desk
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville drop down secretary dresser with louvered front drawers
Walnut
Sold
H 25 in W 24 in D 28 in
Pair Mid Century Two Tier End Tables Nightstands American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Baltimore, MD
American of Martinsville, circa 1960's. “Dania” line, designed by Merton Gershun, is one of the most
Laminate, Walnut
American Martinsville Nine-Drawer Walnut Dresser, circa 1955
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Camden, ME
Martinsville Dania line. The chest of drawers has been professionally restored and is in excellent condition.
Brass
Sold
H 29.5 in W 47 in D 29.5 in
Merton Gershun Mid-Century Modern Desk for American of Martinsville Dania
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Desk by Merton Gershun A Sculpted Walnut Desk
Walnut
Sold
H 58 in W 50 in D 18 in
Merton Gershon for American of Martinsville Dania Display Cabinet China Hutch
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is a very rare piece from American of Martinsville's Danish-inspired 'Dania' Collection
Brass
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$2,500 / item
H 29 in Dm 19 in
Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant's Foot– for the prominent shape at its ba...
Wood, Fabric, Linen, Fiberglass
LU Swing Sconce
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful brass LU swing sconce made by Lumfardo Luminaires in patinated brass. Wired with an E26 medium based socket. Light bulb provided as well as all mounting hardware. Priced in...
Brass
Modern Counter Stools in Walnut, Cicely Collection
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These walnut counter height cicely stools are beautifully constructed from solid walnut in Ohio, USA. This stool was style-spotted at the Spring 2022 High Point Market. These stools ...
Walnut
$5,000 / item
H 56.11 in W 25.6 in D 19.1 in
Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
Walnut
Mamun Bedside (Dark Brown/Dusty Blue)
Located in Singapore, SG
Mamun, which translates to trustworthy in Arabic, was designed by Studio Kallang in 2021 as a playful take on both midcentury and brutalist forms. Designer Faezah Shaharuddin intende...
Teak
LUdown Cylinder Flush Mount
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The LUdown cylinder flush mount fixture by Lumfardo Luminaires is part of our contemporary collection. Available In patinated unlacquerd brass or aged silver and steel with (1) E26 m...
Steel, Brass, Gold, Silver
LU Louis Sconce AS
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome LU Louis sconce AS. An all brass wall sconce in an aged silver finish with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made contemporary in the US. Multiples available fo...
Brass, Nickel
Organic Modern Floor Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE (LARGE) floor lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant‘s Foot– for the prominent shape at its ...
Textile, Wood, Linen, Fiberglass
$30,000
H 24.25 in W 78.5 in D 9.25 in
Clairtone Project G2 Series T11 Console Stereo System & Garrard Turntable
By Clairtone
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
On offer is a rare completely original Clairtone G2 Series Home Stereo System from 1966 featuring two distinct exotic wooden boxes one that houses the tuner and the turntable both pr...
Aluminum
$2,295 / set
H 22 in W 20 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Lane Step End Tables with Inlaid Walnut Burl Style
By Lane Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Amazing Mid-Century Modern pair of Lane Alta Vista step table end tables style #1927 walnut with inlaid walnut burl squares in their centers. They are in wonderful condition. The top...
Walnut, Burl
Danish Modern Mid Century Teak Dresser Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in New York, NY
Danish Modern Teak Mid Century Dresser by Dyrlund, Denmark. Sweet six drawer teak Danish Modern dresser. Recessed pulls run the entire length of each drawer. All drawers ride very...
Teak
"Marchand" Scalloped Walnut Dresser by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Marchand 6-drawer dresser showcases elegantly scalloped edge detailing and textural drawer fronts, making it a distinctive piece in any bedroom. It sits on minimal turned legs, b...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands with sculpted wood handles. Two drawers with brass trim handles. Please confirm location NY of NJ.
Brass
$1,440
H 32.5 in W 39.25 in D 19 in
1960s Vintage American of Martinsville Expandable Rolling Bar Cart
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Classic 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...
Formica, Wood
Studio BBPR Urania Armchair for Arflex, Italy, 1954
By Arflex, Studio BBPR
Located in Milan, IT
Studio BBPR "Urania" Armchair for Arflex, Italy, 1954 reupholstered in bright curry yellow fabric.
Metal
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.
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.