Mid-Century Pink and White Tall Chest of Drawers Dresser by Martinsville
View Similar Items
Mid-Century Pink and White Tall Chest of Drawers Dresser by Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 47 in (119.38 cm)Width: 34.25 in (87 cm)Depth: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. .
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU83456525363
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 Low Commode Chest of Drawers by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in San Jose, CAVintage low chest of drawers manufactured by American of Martinsville, circa 1960's. This unique piece is lacquered in an ebony black fin...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWood
$960 Sale Price20% Off - 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
- 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
- Five Drawers Mid-Century Modern Warmer High Chest DresserBy Lane Acclaim, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Rockaway, NJMid-Century Modern five drawers walnut hi chest dresser cone shape legs with fluted brass tips.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Oiled Walnut Mid-Century Modern High Chest 4 Drawers DresserBy Broyhill Brasilia, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Rockaway, NJVery clean beautiful walnut wood pattern oil finished high chest dresser.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWalnut