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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
Dealer: Soho Treasures
American of Martinsville Painted Decorated Queen Size 68" Tall Headboard Bed MNT
By Broyhill Brasilia, American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American of Martinsville Painted Decorated Queen Size 68" Tall Headboard Bed MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

9 Drawers Two Decorative Doors Solid Brass Buckle Drop Pull Rolled Edges Dresser
By Mastercraft, American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
9 Drawers Two Decorative Doors Solid Brass Buckle Drop Pull Rolled Edges Dresser MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Burl Asian Campaign Fusion 2 Drawer Night Stands End Table Brass Pulls
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Burl Asian Campaign Fusion 2 Drawer Night Stands End Table Brass Pulls MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin x Base Upholstery Benches
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin X Base Upholstery Benches.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Pair Large Square Raised Rolled Edge Danish Mid Century Modern Walnut End Tables
By American of Martinsville, John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Large Square Raised Rolled Edge One Drawer Danish Mid Century Modern Walnut End Tables Nightstands
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Light Walnut Oversize 32" Wide Two Drawers Dowel Leg Step End Coffee Table MINT!
By Drexel, American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Light Walnut Oversize 32" Wide Two Drawers Dowel Leg Step End Coffee Table MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Leather

Cane Double Door Compartment 5 Drawer High Gentleman Chest Dresser Walnut MINT!
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Cane Double Door Compartment 5 Drawer High Gentleman Chest Dresser Walnut MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Brass Drop Rings Pulls Low Profile Tapered Legs Long Credenza Mid Century MINT!
By Tomlinson, American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Light Walnut Brass Drop Rings Pulls Low Profile Tapered Legs Long Credenza Mid Century MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Long Low Profile Credenza with Round Ring Drop Pulls
By American of Martinsville, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern drop ring pulls cabinet credenza dresser with marquetry style top.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Mid-Century Modern Light Walnut 5 Drawers High Chest Dresser Mint!
By Sligh Furniture, American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Mid-Century Modern light walnut 5 drawers high chest dresser MINT!.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Mid-Century Modern 6 Drawers Dresser Credenza w Butterfly Joints MINT!
By American of Martinsville, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Mid-Century Modern 6 drawers dresser credenza w Butterfly Joints MINT!.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid Century American Walnut Gentleman's Chest Dresser w/ Two Doors Compartment
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern American walnut two doors compartment five drawers high chest dresser cabinet.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Large Oversize Cube Shape Square 2 Drawers Light Walnut Nightstand Table Mint
By Paul McCobb, American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large oversize cube shape square 2 drawers light walnut end side table night stand mint.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

American Walnut Block Front 6 Drawers Long Dresser Credenza Restored Mint
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern gorgeous American walnut six drawer block front dresser.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Light Olive Lacquer Oriental Base Legs 3 Drawer Accent Dresser Bachelor Chest
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern decorative olive lacquer brass drop pulls small three drawer dresser bachelor chest in fully restored condition.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Five Drawers High Chest Dresser with Brass Accents
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern walnut high chest dresser with block front drawers and brass accents.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Related Items
American of Martinsville Dania Queen Size Bar Bed Headboard with Nightstands
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mid-Century Modern queen size bed headboard with built-in nightstands. The 4004-14 “Bar Bed” is a part of American of Martinsville’s Dania Collection. Designed by Merton Gershun, this walnut bed...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

American of Martinsville Accord Walnut Nightstand or End Table with X’s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome nightstand or end table from American of Martinsville and Merton Gershun’s Accord line of furniture with their signature X’s and asymmetric handles. It is in wonderful resto...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

A Pair Of Night Stands Or Small Chests By American Of Martinsville 1950's
By American of Martinsville
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A fine pair of night stands or small chests of drawers by American of Martinsville. Ca' 1960's, with three drawers each. Reconditioned and redone in blue gray lacquer, handles polish...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stands
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Rosewood End Table
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning John Stuart vintage modern end table. The unique two-tier design offers plenty of room for storage with a sleek overhang on top. Gorg...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

American of Martinsville Nightstand
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful walnut nightstand by American of Martinsville features the sturdy construction and fantastic wood grain the midcentury manufactu...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

American of Martinsville Nightstand
American of Martinsville Nightstand
H 23 in W 22 in D 16.5 in
Multi Exotic Wood Credenza Buffet Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage Multi Exotic Wood Credenza Buffet Dresser 2 Drawer Approx...
Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Wood

Multi Exotic Wood Credenza Buffet Dresser
Multi Exotic Wood Credenza Buffet Dresser
H 31.75 in W 45.5 in D 19 in
Pair of Tournus Benches
By Jacques Tournus
Located in New York, NY
Large Tournus benches in enameled cast aluminum and bronze with newly upholstered tops. Price is for one.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Tournus Benches
Pair of Tournus Benches
H 20 in W 31 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Lane Rhythm Collection Walnut End Tables a Pair
By Lane Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Classic Mid-Century Modern pair of end tables by Lane Furniture for their Rhythm Collection comprised of walnut and brass plated metal hardware. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are two small light spots on the top and we have done light re-staining on all finished surfaces. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1964. Yes, you are seeing double!! What a fabulous pair of Lane Rhythm Collection...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Expertly Restored - American of Martinsville Night Stands with Brass Accents
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
American of Martinsville night stands with brass accents. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history bac...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Union National Chinoiserie Yellow Paint Decorated King Size Bed Headboard
By Union National
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Union National yellow Chinoiserie paint decorated lacquer king size bed headboard. Item features impressive king size frame, yellow lacquer fin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Vintage Burl Wood & Brass Night Stands by
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Geneva, CH
Vintage pair of burl wood and brass bedside tables in the manner of Willy Rizzo or Jean Claude Mahey. Produced in Italy ca. 1970s Wood in perfect condition. Brass with minor traces o...
Category

1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Burl Wood & Brass Night Stands by
Vintage Burl Wood & Brass Night Stands by
H 16.54 in W 27.56 in D 17.72 in
Previously Available Items
Pair of Restored Walnut Block Front Two Drawers End Tables Night Stands
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of mid century American modern walnut block front nightstands end tables.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Black Lacquer 3 Drawer End Tables Nightstands Cabinets
By American of Martinsville, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of black lacquered three drawers night stands by American of Martinsville.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Rare 3 Bubble Glass Doors Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Wall Unit Display Cabinet
By American of Martinsville, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern walnut bubble glass display cabinet. Stunning condition vitrine with three drawers on the bottom standing on tapered legs with brass accents.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Nightstands Double Door Storage Compartment.
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern one-drawer two doors nightstands.    
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Pair of Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut High Chests or Dressers
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice pair of Danish modern walnut high chests
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drop-Leaf Desk
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice low profile Danish modern desk with 1 drop leaf measuring 14" long.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Set of Ten Walnut Dining Chairs Danish Mid Century Modern
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 10 Danish modern walnut dining chairs. Arm chairs are 22" wide.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Night Stands or End Tables with Magazine Rack or Shelf
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice mid century modern design nightstands with magazine rack style shelf on the bottom.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Birch

Mid Century Danish Modern Walnut High Gentleman's Chest Dresser Edmund Spence
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice very clean mid century modern walnut high chest.
Category

1970s American Vintage American of Martinsville Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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.
Questions About American of Martinsville Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    American of Martinsville, which was founded in 1906, is still in business. The company now manufactures furniture for hotel and healthcare industries.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
    How 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Elgin 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    American 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    With 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.
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    African 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, 2022
    The 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    American 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 ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    What 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.
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    A 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Some 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, 2022
    The 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.
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    What 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.
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    Native 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.
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    It 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, 2022
    To 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.
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    What 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, 2021
    American 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.
    The 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, 2022
    What 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, 2022
    In 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.
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    There 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To tell if Native American jewelry is real, have it evaluated by a licensed and experienced appraiser. Because every tribe has its own designs and identifying characteristics, it is usually not possible to determine authenticity using only online resources. Find a collection of expertly vetted Native American jewelry on 1stDibs.

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