A pair of American of Martinsville Benches, with Original Leather Seat, 1950s.
View Similar Items
A pair of American of Martinsville Benches, with Original Leather Seat, 1950s.
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)Width: 17 in (43.18 cm)Depth: 23 in (58.42 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5630223277142
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.
- A leather covered mahogany bench with alligator design, manner of Andre ArbusBy André ArbusLocated in Philadelphia, PAA leather covered mahogany bench with alligator design in the manner of Andre Arbus circa 1960.Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsLeather, Mahogany
- Pair of Chrome and Leather Covered Benches or Small Stools, ContemporaryLocated in Philadelphia, PAAn elegant pair of chrome and leather covered benches or small stools. Contemporary.Category
2010s Benches
MaterialsChrome
- American of Martinsville Mid-Century High Chest with Bras Inlay, circa 1960By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Philadelphia, PAAn American of Martinsville Mid-Century walnut high chest with bras inlay, circa 1960.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWood
- Pair of Goat Hair Upholstered Benches, ContemporaryLocated in Philadelphia, PAA pair of goat hair upholstered benches in the manner of Karl Springer. Contemporary.Category
2010s Benches
MaterialsGoat Hair
- Pair of Hardwood Chinese Benches, Early 20th C.Located in Philadelphia, PAA pair of hardwood Chinese benches with a railed back centered by a carved roundel, the rectangular seat above a railed apron. Early 20th C.Category
Antique Early 1900s Benches
MaterialsHardwood
$4,800 / set - Italian Brass Bench with X for Base, ContemporaryLocated in Philadelphia, PAAn Italian brass bench with X for base, contemporary.Category
2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsBrass
- American of Martinsville Walnut Bench by Merton GershunBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Esperance, NYAmerican of Martinsville walnut bench by Merton Gershun.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsWalnut
- 1950s restored bench seatBy Non-Standard Furniture and LightingLocated in Milano, ITElegant ebony-stained wooden bench, sprung seat with velvet upholstery. Restaurato.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsVelvet, Wood
- American Leather 3 Seat Benches in White, a PairBy American LeatherLocated in Boynton Beach, FLA pair of benches made by American Leather furniture company. High quality white leather. 3 cushioned seats. The middle seat flips over to reveal a dark espresso wood tray. In whit...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches
MaterialsLeather
$2,400 / set - Low profile American of martinsville coffee table/ BenchLocated in Los Angeles, CAW72 D18.5 H12.5 Brass and walnut coffee table in overall great restored condition. Item is structurally sound and shows well with no maj...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of Small Italian Benches, 1950sLocated in Palermo, PAPair of small Italian benches, 1950s. DImensions: H= 42 cm; W= 50 cm; D= 34 cm.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsWood, Lacquer
- Italian Yellow Scooby Two-Seats Bench with Armrests, 1950sLocated in MIlano, ITItalian yellow Scooby two-seats bench with armrests, 1950s Two-seats bench eith armrests dating to the fifties, with white metal structure and yellow Scooby seat and backrest. Good c...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsMetal