American of Martinsville Dressers
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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Period: 1950s
Creator: American of Martinsville
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy Dresser by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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 Dressers
Materials
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut 9-Drawer Dresser
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 Dressers
Materials
Walnut
American of Martinsville, Dresser, Oak, Travertine, Metal, USA, 1950s
By American of Martinsville
Located in High Point, NC
An oak, travertine and metal dresser designed and produced by American of Martinsville, US, 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers
Materials
Travertine, Metal
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Low Dresser Blonde Maple
By American of Martinsville
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 6 drawer low dresser or credenza. A Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Urban Suburban dresser. All Original Vintage condition - B...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 5 Drawer Tall Dresser Blonde Maple
By American of Martinsville
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 5 drawer high tall dresser. A Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Urban Suburban dresser. All Original Vintage condition - Blonde ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers
Materials
Brass
Dramatic Restored Nine-Drawer Chest by American of Martinsville, circa 1950
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 finished in cream lacquer. Fabulous wormhole detail on...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers
Materials
Mahogany
1950's Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Burbank, CA
Original 1950's Mid-Century Modern dresser for sale. Manufactured by American of Martinsville, and very solidly constructed. It has five drawers, and has been professionally refinish...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers
Materials
Wood
Rare Five-Drawer Mahogany Faux Bamboo Chest by American of Martinsville, 1952
By American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Five-drawer chest by American of Martinsville
1952
Bleached Philippine mahogany faux bamboo with five drawers.
The three bottom drawe...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Mahogany
Rare Five-Drawer Mahogany Faux Bamboo Chest by American of Martinsville, 1952
By American of Martinsville
Located in Pasadena, TX
Five-drawer chest by American of Martinsville
1952
Bleached Philippine mahogany faux bamboo with five drawers.
The three bottom drawer f...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers
Materials
Ash
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 Dressers
Materials
Mahogany
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American Of Martinsville dressers for sale on 1stDibs.
American of Martinsville dressers 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 dressers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dressers 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 dressers by Lane Furniture, Baker Furniture Company, and Drexel. Prices for American of Martinsville dressers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $960 and can go as high as $22,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,995.
Creators Similar to American of Martinsville
Questions About American of Martinsville Dressers
- 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.
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