Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Bookcase Display Cabinet
View Similar Items
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Bookcase Display Cabinet
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 54 in (137.16 cm)Width: 57 in (144.78 cm)Depth: 13 in (33.02 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960's
- Condition:Replacements made: Legs added. no, notable wear. Additions or alterations made to the original: legs added. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Las Vegas, NV
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5961234193152
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 highboy/gentlemen’s chest by American of Martinsville.By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Las Vegas, NVMid 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
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Pair of Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century NightstandsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Las Vegas, NVPair of Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut Nightstands Beautiful pair of walnut nightstand, designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville's...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershon for American of Martinsville Dania Display Cabinet China HutchBy Merton GershunLocated in Las Vegas, NVThis is a very rare piece from American of Martinsville's Danish-inspired 'Dania' Collection designed by Merton Gershon c. 1961. A warm walnut veneers tall hutch...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cupboards
MaterialsBrass
- Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Bookcase DisplayLocated in Las Vegas, NVMid Century Danish Modern Teak Bookcase Display Cabinet Need a place to store books, glassware or something else cool that you li...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Dainia Walnut HighboyBy Merton GershunLocated in Las Vegas, NVThis professionally restored tall dresser, from American of Martinsville's "Dania" line, was designed by Merton Gershun. It features three lower drawers with louvered fronts, three s...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Midcentury Danish Modern Rosewood Bookcase Display CabinetLocated in Las Vegas, NVMidcentury Danish Modern Rosewood Bookcase Display Cabinet Need a place to store books, glassware or something else cool that you like to collect? This mid century modern cabinet with glass doors is a great solution! This vintage 1960’s china...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
MaterialsGlass, Rosewood
$1,250 Sale Price32% Off
- 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
- Mid-Century Modern Bubble Glass Cabinet Merton Gershun American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
- 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 American of Martinsville Travertine Top Night TablesBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Port Jervis, NYFantastic 2 drawer end tables or night stands by American of Martinsville with Travertine marble tops. Curved wave front design to drawers. Nickel s...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsTravertine, Nickel
- 1960’s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century China CabinetBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
- 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
