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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Creator: American of Martinsville
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
Pair of American of Martinsville Lacquered Nightstands, Mid-Century Modern
By American of Martinsville
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome pair of American of Martinsville black lacquered nightstands with round white ceramic pulls. We love the interesting shape of t...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Remarkable Chest or Buffet by American of Martinsville in Cream Lacquer
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
An absolutely jaw-dropping chest/buffet from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Beautiful, stout hardwood case construction, with brass and leather accents. Fabul...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Bleached Mahogany Dresser by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large bleached mahogany dresser by American of Martinsville. Stamped.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Danish Modern Walnut Diamond Front Credenza, Long Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic Mid-Century dresser with gorgeous front diamond detailing, sculptural legs, finished in a rich medium walnut. The fabulously carved walnut doors open to reveal two drawers ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
Elegant Restored Pair of Small Chests in the Style of Renzo Rutili
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of small chests is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installati...
Category
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Five-Drawer Chest by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 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
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Delightful American of Martinsville Burled Light Wood Bar Cart Mid-Century
By American of Martinsville
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Delightful burled light wood bar cart made by American of Martinsville. This stylish piece is on roller and scoots around quite nicely. We love th...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Restored Modern Chest by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
An 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
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
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
Exceptional Pair of Modern Commodes by American of Martinsville, circa 1950
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of commodes is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready.
A fabulous meticulously restored pair of cream lacquer chests...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Exceptional Modern Buffet/Credenza by American of Martinsville in Cream Lacquer
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Beautiful Modern buffet/credenza by America of Martinsville, circa 1950. Functional case design offers a center bank of four ( 4 ) drawers, flanked by two ( 2 ) open compartments (...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Dresser Gentleman's Chest MCM
By American of Martinsville
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid Century modern highboy/gentlemen’s chest by American of Martinsville. Here is a beautiful mid-century highboy dresser which has loads of storage for all your goodies! The top por...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Wood
American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser or Credenza, ca. 1960
By American of Martinsville
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser or Credenza, ca. 1960. Beautiful american walnut in excellent original condition with ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Dania Collection MCM Lowboy c. 1960s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Denville, NJ
"Please request a shipping quote from us directly by sending your zip code. We can ship most items between $300-$600.
We photograph and list inventory in the condition it arrives a...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of American of Martinsville Nightstands
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of oak American of Martinsville night stands, c.1950s, USA. This minimal design features black laminate surface, two drawers with curved brass drawer pulls and an open shelf bet...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser. Featuring six large drawers, center doors tha...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
Expertly Restored - American of Martinsville Night Stands with Magazine Shelves
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
American of Martinsville night stands with magazine shelves.
________________________________________
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Night Stands by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern walnut night stands with brass accents by American of Martinsville.
________________________________________
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Brass
American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Dresser or Bureau
By American of Martinsville
Located in Studio City, CA
A clean, beautifully designed Mid-Century Modern dresser with five pull-out drawers. In very nice, original vintage condition. Quite unique and rare. Would stand out in any room.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Hollywood Regency American of Martinsville Faux Bamboo Bedroom Set, Signed
By American of Martinsville
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An extremely rare bedroom set of faux bamboo furniture. This listing includes one faux bamboo chair, one tallboy faux bamboo secretary desk with ...
Category
20th Century American Hollywood Regency American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Glass, Faux Bamboo, Wood
1970s American of Martinsville Can Back and Walnut Upholstered Arm Chair
By American of Martinsville
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is American of Martinsville cane back chair with walnut wood frame and striped upholstery. Loose seat cushion.
Me...
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Classical American of Martinsville Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
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.
Creators Similar to American of Martinsville
Questions About American of Martinsville Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021American of Martinsville, which was founded in 1906, is still in business. The company now manufactures furniture for hotel and healthcare industries.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024How 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.
- What is Elgin American?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Elgin 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.
- What is American oak?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021American 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.
- What do Americans call a sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024What 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A Native American artifact is any object that provides insight into the lives and history of native people in America. These items range from carved stone pipes, weapons for hunting, tools for cooking, pottery, jewelry and more. Find a collection of artifacts on 1stDibs today.
- What color is American walnut?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021With 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.
- What is African American quilting?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022African American quilting has roots in history during slavery and was a way for African American women to bond. The quilts themselves tell stories of history, teach lessons and are beacons of hope. Shop a collection of African American quilts from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The history of African-American quilting stretches back almost as far as the beginning of the United States itself. The craft began with slave women quilting on plantations and after emancipation, the tradition of quilting continued. Today, there are many African American quilters who are inspired by a number of different quilting traditions. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of African-American quilts from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is American cut glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021American cut glass is a technique used for decorating glass. The period from 1771 to 1876 is considered the early period of American cut glass — later, cut glass was called Brilliant glass. This technique is associated with high labor costs and involves the work of skilled craftsmen — American cut glass is considered a luxury item and can be very valuable.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Some 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Native 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022It 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To identify Native American baskets, you can research the patterns using authoritative online resources to try and determine which tribe produced it. However, many replicas exist and there are many tribes that produced baskets. As a result, it is a good idea to consult a licensed appraiser. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Native American baskets.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What a Native American headdress represents depends on what tribe produced it. In general, headdresses may symbolize a person's status within the tribe or serve as a sign of bravery during battle. You'll find a selection of Native American headdresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021American 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.
Bonnin Ashley Antiques IncFebruary 23, 2021The 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. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What 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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View AllMore American of Martinsville Furniture
American of Martinsville Dressers
American of Martinsville Bedroom Furniture
American of Martinsville Credenzas
American of Martinsville End Tables
American of Martinsville Commodes and Chests of Drawers
American of Martinsville Cabinets
American of Martinsville Side Tables
American of Martinsville Sideboards
American of Martinsville Coffee and Cocktail Tables
American of Martinsville Dining Room Tables
American of Martinsville Dining Room Chairs
American of Martinsville Buffets