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American of Martinsville

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.

Average Sold Price
$2,114
Styles
Materials
Related Creators
1960s Mid Century Dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut dresser designed by Merton L. Gershun and manufactured by American of Martinville. This dresser features a walnut frame with three spacious dovetail drawers on the...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville

Materials

Brass

American of Martinsville Dania Queen Size Bar Bed Headboard with Nightstands
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
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

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Restored American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Chest- Pair Available
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction restored in cream lacquer. Fabulous, chunky solid bra...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Long Low Profile Credenza with Round Ring Drop Pulls
By Tommi Parzinger, American of Martinsville
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

Materials

Brass

American of Martinsville Accord Walnut Nightstand or End Table with X’s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
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

Materials

Aluminum

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

Materials

Wood

Black & Gold Greek Key Wall Mirror
By American of Martinsville
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Great mid-century black painted wall mirror with gold Greek key detailing. The unique construction is done in a molded (hollow) fiberglass composite.
Category

1960s American Vintage American of Martinsville

Materials

Mirror, Fiberglass

Mid Century Modern Dining table American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Medina, OH
Mid-century modern American of Martinsville dining table. This table would fit 4-6 people, it does not come with an extension table. The table has some uniqueness with metal trim and...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville

Materials

Wood

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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
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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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