Nine Drawer Chest by American of Martinsville, circa 1950s
View Similar Items
Nine Drawer Chest by American of Martinsville, circa 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 70 in (177.8 cm)Depth: 18.5 in (46.99 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. newly restored and refinished.
- Seller Location:Palm Springs, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4001117973132
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.
- Dramatic Restored Nine-Drawer Chest by American of Martinsville, circa 1950By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Atlanta, GAA beautiful example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1950. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction finished in cream lacquer. Fabulous wormhole detail on...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMahogany
- Rare Five-Drawer Chest by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Atlanta, GAA beautiful example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1950. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction. Fabulous "wormhole" detail on the drawer front adds a...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMahogany
- Midcentury Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in North Hollywood, CAFabulous mid century walnut and lacquered dresser designed by Michael L. Gershun for American of Martinsville in the United States, circa 1960s. This credenza has been constructed from the highest quality walnut wood. Features a white lacquered box...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Restored American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Chest- Pair AvailableBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Atlanta, GAAn exquisite example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction restored in cream lacquer. Fabulous, chunky solid bra...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- 1950s American of Martinsville Midcentury High Chest Dresser with Brass InlayBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Forest Grove, PAA substantial and impressive Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville high boy dresser. The brass inlay contrasts with the origina...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- American of Martinsville Bleached Mahogany Faux Bamboo Front 8-Drawer ChestBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in New York, NYAmerican midcentury (1960s) bleached mahogany chest / dresser with 8 drawers in two parallel columns with reeded faux-bamboo fronts, resting on four square tapered legs. (American of...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMahogany, Wood
