American of Martinsville, Cabinet, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 43.25 in (109.86 cm)Width: 40 in (101.6 cm)Depth: 20.25 in (51.44 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:High Point, NC
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: High Point, NC
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- American of Martinsville, Cabinet, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in High Point, NCA brass and walnut cabinet designed and produced by American of Martinsville, USA, 1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- American Designer, Cabinet, Pine, Walnut, USA, 1950sLocated in High Point, NCA stained pine and walnut cabinet designed and produced in the US, 1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWalnut, Pine
- American Designer, Cabinet, Walnut, Rattan, USA, 1950sLocated in High Point, NCA walnut and woven rattan cabinet or credenza designed and produced in the US, 1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsRattan, Walnut
- Henredon, Cabinet, Walnut, USA, 1950sBy HenredonLocated in High Point, NCA walnut cabinet or sideboard designed and produced by Henredon, USA, 1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWalnut
- American Designer, Small Cabinet, Bamboo, USA, 1950sLocated in High Point, NCA small bamboo cabinet or nightstand designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBamboo
- T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Cabinet, Walnut, USA, 1950sBy T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.Located in High Point, NCA walnut cabinet designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, c. 1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun - American of Martinsville Long & Short Louvered Walnut CabinetsBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Philadelphia, PAThis stylish and cool set of Mid Century Modern dressers were designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Featuring one large dresser and a small one, they each feature ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass, Enamel
- 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
- Handsome Pair of American of Martinsville Walnut Brass Louvered Bachelors ChestsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Pemberton, NJHandsome pair of American of Martinsville louvered walnut bachelor’s chests. We love the stylish louvered drawer fronts and handsome brass banding along the base.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- American of Martinsville Vintage Burl Wood, Cherry and Walnut 3-Drawer CabinetBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Lomita, CAThe detail, the shape, the walnut touches and the Georgian design make this American of Martinsville vintage cabinet a must-have for collectors. This cabinet stands out thanks to its...Category
Mid-20th Century American Georgian Cabinets
MaterialsWalnut, Burl
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Brass Buffet HutchBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century walnut and brass buffet with hutch The buffet and hutch measure: 48 wide x 15.75 deep x 60.25 inches high All pieces of ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Buffets
MaterialsBrass
- Vintage Mid-Century American of Martinsville walnut CredenzaBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Sheffield, MAMid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 2 drawer, 3 door credenza in warm walnut wood cabinet. Original vintage condition. A great entry way ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWalnut
