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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: 1970s
Creator: American of Martinsville
Mid-Century American of Martinsville Louvered Bachelors Chest
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautifully detailed & proportioned walnut American of Martinsville bachelors chest/dresser. Designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville’s “Dania” line, one of the most e...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Brass

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 54 wide x 19 deep x 30.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Metal

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut and Brass Lowboy Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut and Brass Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 19 deep x 30.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what w...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Brass

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Brass 5 Drawer Highboy
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Brass 5 Drawer Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 34 wide x 18.5 deep x 44.75 inches high All pieces of furni...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Brass

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Lowboy Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 62 wide x 18.5 deep x 31 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Metal

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 dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for his Dani...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Brass

Merton Gershun American Martinsville MCM Walnut and Cane Front Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Cane Front Highboy dresser This dresser measures: 36 wide x 18.5 deep x 44.5 inches high All pieces of furnit...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Merton Gershun American of Martinsville MCM Urban Suburban 5-Drawer Highboy
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Urban Suburban 5-Drawer Highboy Dresser This dresser measures: 38 wide x 19 deep x 42 inches ...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Chrome

Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville Mid Century Diamond Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville mid century diamond highboy dresser This dresser measures: 38.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 48 inches high All ...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Wood

Mid Century American of Martinsville Highboy Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Baltimore, MD
This exceedingly well-crafted American of Martinsville highboy dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsv...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Walnut, Faux Leather

Milo Baughman Style American of Martinsville Mid Century Blonde Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville, Milo Baughman
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman style American of Martinsville mid century blonde highboy dresser Dresser measures: 36 wide x 20.5 deep x 44 inches high All p...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Chrome

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Restored American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Chest- Pair Available
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Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy Dresser by Merton Gershun
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Mid-Century Walnut Credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville
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Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 3-Drawer Dresser by Merton Gershun
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

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Midcentury Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous mid century walnut and lacquered dresser designed by Michael L. Gershun for American of Martinsville in the United States, circa 1960s. This credenza has been constructed from the highest quality walnut wood. Features a white lacquered box...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

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1960’s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century China Cabinet
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Merton Gershun for the “Dania” line featuring display on the upper left with glass sliding doors and open shelving on the top right. The bottom portion features a wide cabinet and column of four sculpted louvered slatted facade drawers. The first drawer in the column is felt lined and divided for storing silverware.  Solid walnut Danish style legs lend support with detailed brass caps add subtle, sophistication.  This piece doubles as a shelving / china hutch and server...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Brass

Handsome American of Martinsville Tall Walnut Rosewood Dresser Chest of Drawers
By American of Martinsville
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Mid-Century Modern tall walnut and rosewood American of Martinsville chest of drawers dresser. We love the simple li...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

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Walnut

Walnut Sideboard with Cane Doors by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Dorchester, MA
From the Accord collection by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, this mid-century modern sideboard features a walnut case on a plinth base with signature inset aluminum Xs ...
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1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

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...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Brass

Classic Mid Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning walnut modernist dresser designed by Merton Gershun, manufactured by American Of Martinsville. Classic aluminum x's and asymetrical pulls, minor stain to (see photo). Hand d...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

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Midcentury Walnut American of Martinsville Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-modern highboy dresser by American of Martinsvile featuring six drawers with beautiful walnut grain throughout. Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer.
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1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

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Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville Two Piece Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Denton, TX
Rare two piece set with louvered drawers on each side and additional drawers inside the center doors, Satin finish on the walnut really brings out th...
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
2 Mid-Century Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Accord Dressers Chests MCM
By American of Martinsville
Located in Dayton, OH
2 Mid-Century Modern Accord Bachelor chest of drawers designed by Merton Gershun, American (1909-1989) for American of Martinsville. Made of walnut featuring inset top that opens to ...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

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American of Martinsville Chinese Chippendale Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning Asian-inspired dresser featuring Chinese Chippendale design sits atop Ming legs. Brass hardware and gold trim elevate the look. 9 total drawers with doors in center. Ve...
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1970s Hollywood Regency Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

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Merton Gershun American of Martinsville MCM Urban Suburban 6 Drawer Lowboy
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Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century Urban Suburban 6 drawer lowboy dresser This dresser measures: 54 wide x 20.5 deep x 29.5 inch...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

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Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century 3 Drawer Chest
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Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid-century 3 drawer chest. This chest measures: 36 wide x 18.5 deep x 30.25 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in what...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

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Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Louvered Highboy Dresser
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Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century louvered highboy Dresser Chest This highboy measures: 38 wide x 19 deep x 44 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

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Wood

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century 3 Drawer Chest
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century 3 Drawer Chest This chest measures: 36 wide x 18.5 deep x 30.25 inches high Al...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Wood

Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Accord MCM Long Walnut and Cane Lowboy
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Accord mid-century long walnut and cane lowboy dresser The dresser measures: 84 wide x 18.5 deep x 31 inches high All pieces of furn...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

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Cane, Walnut

Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville Mid Century Diamond Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville mid century diamond highboy dresser This dresser measures: 38.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 48 inches high All ...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Dressers

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Dresser Credenza American of Martinsville
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This exceedingly well-crafted American of Martinsville dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, features the mid-century style and construction quality th...
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Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Louvered Dresser Credenza
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Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser
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Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century 6 drawer lowboy dresser Dresser measures: 54 wide x 18.5 deep x 31 inches high ?All pieces of furniture can be had in what...
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Milo Baughman Style American of Martinsville Mid Century Blonde 6 Drawer Lowboy
By American of Martinsville, Milo Baughman
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Milo Baughman style American of Martinsville mid century blonde 6 drawer lowboy dresser Dresser measures: 52.25 wide x 20.5 deep x 31.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can b...
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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.
Questions About American of Martinsville Dressers
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    American of Martinsville, which was founded in 1906, is still in business. The company now manufactures furniture for hotel and healthcare industries.
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    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.
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    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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    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.
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