American of Martinsville Ebonized Credenza
View Similar Items
American of Martinsville Ebonized Credenza
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 74 in (187.96 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)Length: 30 in (76.2 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU164523926053
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.
- Pair of American of Martinsville NightstandsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of oak American of Martinsville night stands, c.1950s, USA. This minimal design features black laminate surface, two drawers with curved brass drawer pulls and an open shelf bet...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
$3,500 / set - Solid Oak CredenzaLocated in Los Angeles, CASolid Oak credenza features three drawers at the center of this case piece which are flanked by two door cabinets with interior shelving for additio...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsOak
$4,500 - Walnut Credenza by Jens RisomBy Jens RisomLocated in Los Angeles, CADesigned by Jens Risom, USA, c.1960s. This Walnut credenza features two compartments with door fonts and interior adjustable shelves. At the center of the credenza are five drawers, ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Kurt Østervig Rosewood Credenza for Brande MobelindustriBy Kurt Østervig, Brande MøbelindustriLocated in Los Angeles, CAA striking rosewood credenza by Danish born designer Kurt Østervig for Brande Mobelindustri, circa 1960s, Denmark. The credenza ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsRosewood
- Pair of Wooden Native American BustsBy Jose PinalLocated in Los Angeles, CAA complementary pair of male and female Native American, wooden busts by Jose Pinal, made in Mexico. One form highlights a more subdued disposition with lon...Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Busts
MaterialsWood
$450 / set - Custom American Walnut King Headboard with NightstandsLocated in Los Angeles, CAAmerican made king size headboard with nightstands. This custom king size walnut headboard features clean geometric lines with nigh...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Ebonized CredenzaBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century ebonized credenza The credenza measures: 50 wide x 19 deep x 32 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what w...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsChrome
- American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut CredenzaBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAmerican of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut Credenza This credenza measures: 52 wide x 18 deep x 30 inches high All pieces of fu...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- 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
- American of Martinsville Credenza from the Dania CollectionBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Asbury Park, NJNice credenza designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville for the Dania collection. Nice walnut finish with great brass accent. Offers amp...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Walnut Credenza by American of Martinsville with a Louvered FrontBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis massive vintage modern sideboard features three louvered drawers in the middle and two large storage compartments on the sides. The rich walnut finish, sculpted brass handles, a...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
$1,820 Sale Price27% Off - Renzo Rutili Style Monumental Dresser/Credenza by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Dallas, TXA stunningly sophisticated design from the 1960's, this piece feels like Renzo Rutili but is from a rare series by American of Martinsville. A modern interpretation on refined neocla...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
