Mid-Century Display Case Cabinet by Martinsville
View Similar Items
Mid-Century Display Case Cabinet by Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 46 in (116.84 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Some wear and scuffs to edges and corners.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 7742-1422NM1stDibs: LU921827885372
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.
- Mid-Century Modern Display CabinetBy Young Manufacturing CompanyLocated in Brooklyn, NYVintage American made cabinet with hair pin iron legs. Three sides of glass for display, shelves with glass, two large doors. Please confirm location NY or NJCategory
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsGlass, Walnut
- Mid-Century Cart by MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYRolling bar cart with two drawers and bottom liquor shelf. Laminate top used for liquids. Location: Brooklyn NY.Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
MaterialsWalnut
$1,050 Sale Price30% Off - Mid-Century Table Cabinet by FoundersBy Founders Furniture CompanyLocated in Brooklyn, NYMid-century made side table with beautiful rosewood inlay. Drum style pedestal table with cabinet storage and octagonal shape inset. Please confirm location.Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Small Mid-Century Cabinet by DirectionalBy DirectionalLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis stylish end table cabinet features a truly innovative design, combining a vintage tortoise finish with brass trim and several unique storage options. Standard cabinet storage me...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsLacquer
$1,800 / item - Mid-Century Burl CabinetBy Milo BaughmanLocated in Brooklyn, NYMid-Century Modern cabinet with brilliant burl wood doors. Brown lacquer frame with polished chrome accents. Please confirm location.Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBurl, Lacquer
$3,000 - Rosewood Mid-Century CabinetLocated in Brooklyn, NYLong mid-century modern credenza with sliding doors. Open cabinet storage with shelf capability. Please confirm location NY or NJCategory
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsRosewood
- Vintage Display Cases Vitrines by American of Martinsville, Set of 3By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Lake Worth, FLOffering one of our recent Palm Beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a Set of 3 vintage display cases vitrines by American of Martinsville ...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern China Cabinet Server by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Freehold, NJThis Mid-Century Modern china cabinet / server from the Dania line by American of Martinsville features hardwood construction, walnut veneer wit...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Pair rare MCM American of Martinsville Walnut Display Cabinets / ShelvesBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CARare pair of Mid-Century Modern Campaign style case pieces/display shelving. Walnut frame with rattan details. Each has a single drawer and doors that open to an area with a shelf...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsRattan, Glass, Wood
$3,424 Sale Price20% Off - Mid-Century Modern Bubble Glass Cabinet Merton Gershun American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Buffalo, NYSeldom seen modernist server with stunning Bubble glass top designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Featuring three generous storage to bottom, three drawers, one being silverware drawer and two door top display locking...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- 1960’s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century China CabinetBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Los Angeles, CADesigned 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...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Display Case Cabinet by Michael Taylor for BakerBy Gumps, Johan TappLocated in Lafayette, INWonderful Model 2589 Cabinet designed by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture as part of the Far East Collection. This piece features solid walnut construction, adjustable shelves in t...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsWalnut
$2,999 Sale Price62% Off
