Mid-Century American of Martinsville Sleek Walnut Dresser
View Similar Items
Mid-Century American of Martinsville Sleek Walnut Dresser
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32.25 in (81.92 cm)Width: 68.25 in (173.36 cm)Depth: 19.25 in (48.9 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:Some minor age appropriate wear.
- Seller Location:Hopewell, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU91987541153
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.
- Sleek Walnut Mid-Century Modern Chest of Drawers CredenzaBy Grosfeld HouseLocated in Hopewell, NJA handsome midcentury credenza dresser by renowned furniture maker Grosfeld House. Made of walnut, the credenza has a beveled frame front. The seven drawers each have metal triangula...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWalnut
- Special Early 19th Century American Sheraton Mahogany Chest of DrawersLocated in Hopewell, NJAmerican Sheraton mahogany chest with four cock beaded drawers with original wheat sheaf, fruit and oval floral brasses and bail handles under the single board mahogany top. Classic simplicity of this early Colonial...Category
Antique 19th Century North American Sheraton Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Incredible Late 17th Century British Oak Charles II Chest of Drawers DresserLocated in Hopewell, NJOutstanding 17th century English Charles II oak chest with drawers of varied sizes with bold geometric patterned paneled fronts, paneled sides, brass teardrop pulls, raised on carved bracket feet. Perfect as an entry hall chest...Category
Antique Late 17th Century English Charles II Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsOak
- Early 19th Century American Sheraton Bow Front Chest of DrawersLocated in Hopewell, NJ19th Century Sheraton Flame Mahogany Bow Front Chest having turret cookie cutter corners, flanked by fluted barley twist columns and onn turned legs. There are two smaller setback drawers over four larger bowfront drawers on the chest, all fitted with the original pulls. This is a fine example of Early American period furniture...Category
Antique 1820s American Sheraton Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMahogany
- Sleek Mid-Century Modern T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Armchair Club ChairLocated in Hopewell, NJMasculine and sleek walnut Mid-Century Modern armchair by Robsjohn Gibbings with new white duck upholstered seat.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsWalnut
- Impressive Stately 19th Century Mahogany American HighboyLocated in Hopewell, NJLarge and stately 81" high American Queen Anne or Chippendale style mahogany highboy having two pieces with three swirly removable mahogany flame finials at the top, 11 drawers, two ...Category
Antique 19th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMahogany
$2,380 Sale Price65% Off
- American Walnut Block Front Drawers High Chest Dresser American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Rockaway, NJVery clean American walnut Mid-Century Modern vintage block front drawers dresser high chest.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWalnut
- American of Martinsville Mid-Century Bleached Mahogany and Brass Highboy DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in South Bend, INA gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency seven-drawer highboy dresser By American of Martinsville USA, Circa 1960s Bleached mahogany, with brass trim and hardware. ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville Mid Century Diamond Highboy DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAlbert Parvin for American of Martinsville mid century diamond highboy dresser This dresser measures: 38.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 48 inches high All ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood
- Milo Baughman Style American of Martinsville Mid Century Blonde Highboy DresserBy American of Martinsville, Milo BaughmanLocated in Countryside, ILMilo Baughman style American of Martinsville mid century blonde highboy dresser Dresser measures: 36 wide x 20.5 deep x 44 inches high All p...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsChrome
- Classic Modernist Chest of Drawers or Dresser, American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Buffalo, NYA Classic tall chest by Merton Gershun for his Dania collection manufactured by American of Martinsville. Features three drawers over three generous drawers with louver fronts. Brass...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWalnut
- Vintage "Dania" Dresser by Merton Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Brooklyn, NYBring home a tremendous example of authentic Mid-Century Modern furniture with this stunning dresser designed by the legendary Merton Gershun for the famed American of Martinsville f...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
$1,680 Sale Price30% Off
