American of Martinsville Low Credenza
View Similar Items
American of Martinsville Low Credenza
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 27 in (68.58 cm)Width: 54 in (137.16 cm)Depth: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Newly refinished.
- Seller Location:Pasadena, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU82582676222
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 American Brutalist Oak CredenzaBy Lane FurnitureLocated in Pasadena, CAThis American Brutalist Credenza epitomizes the meticulous craftsmanship and understated elegance that defined the 1970s. The Oak parquet top and subtle square cork inserts infuse s...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsOak, Cork
- Large Midcentury American of Martinsville DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Pasadena, CAAn elegant blonde walnut dresser by American of Martinsville catches the eye with its twin blocks of drawers resting on a slightly darker base. T...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Multi Function Orange and Dark Blue Credenza by CastelijnBy CastelijnLocated in Pasadena, CAA two-toned buffet in terracotta orange and dark blue stained wood, with brushed steel accented pulls. It features six center drawers. The left side the door opens on 1 adjustable shelf and the right side features a little bookcase...Category
Vintage 1980s Dutch Post-Modern Credenzas
MaterialsSteel
$1,500 Sale Price49% Off - Mid-Century Little Blonde Oak Credenza with Black Sliding Doors by WoodlandBy Woodland FurnitureLocated in Pasadena, CACrafted from blond wood, this midcentury natural credenza blends form and function. The manufacturer's label on the back provides a subtle nod to its origin and quality. Manufactured...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWood
$1,440 Sale Price20% Off - Rough Low Square Chestnut PedestalLocated in Pasadena, CAFor wood lovers this piece is a master natural piece! It is made of a big chunk of an old chestnut tree, at least 60 years as testified by the great numbers of rings. Each pair of l...Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Pedestals
MaterialsChestnut
$1,200 Sale Price25% Off - Set of Six Cerused Oak Chairs in the Manner of Jacques AdnetBy Jacques AdnetLocated in Pasadena, CASet of six elegant dining chairs in the style of French designer Jacques Adnet. Made of cerused oak, these chairs feature an open cross back design and a seat upholstered in creamy w...Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Oak
$5,200 Sale Price / set62% Off
- 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
- Handsome Pair of American of Martinsville Walnut Brass Louvered Bachelors ChestsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Pemberton, NJHandsome pair of American of Martinsville louvered walnut bachelor’s chests. We love the stylish louvered drawer fronts and handsome brass banding along the base.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Art Deco American of Martinsville Burlwood Mirror China CabinetBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Chicago, ILArt Deco American of Martinsville burlwood mirror China cabinet Stunning Art Deco American of Martinsville mirrored olive wood burl ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern Bubble Glass Cabinet Merton Gershun American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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
- 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
- American of Martinsville Credenza from the Dania CollectionBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
