American of Martinsville Mid-Century Walnut Credenza or Bar Cabinet
View Similar Items
American of Martinsville Mid-Century Walnut Credenza or Bar Cabinet
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.5 in (77.47 cm)Width: 66 in (167.64 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 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. Very good original condition, the top has some clumping to the finish.
- Seller Location:Lambertville, NJ
- Reference Number:Seller: 10011stDibs: LU130824678193
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 19th Century Flame Walnut Sewing Table CabinetLocated in Lambertville, NJAntique mid 19th Century flame walnut sewing or work table. The highly figurative wood top, that lifts up to reveal a sewing compartment lined in light ...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English End Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- American 18th Century Walnut Lowboy, circa 1780Located in Lambertville, NJA classic American Queen Anne walnut lowboy with brass hardware. The shapely apron with three upper drawers with two smaller drawers below. Th...Category
Antique 1780s American Queen Anne Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWalnut
- A Diminutive Burl Walnut Demilune Commode CabinetLocated in Lambertville, NJA handsome demilune commode with two doors and storage in a rich burl walnut. The early 20th Century cabinet in a smaller size measuring 33 inches wide. The highly figurative burl ...Category
Early 20th Century American Hepplewhite Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid-19th Century English Walnut Barley Twist Hand Carved CanterburyLocated in Lambertville, NJThe barley twist compartments at the top with a hand carved base with four cabriole legs resting on original brass castors. Great for newspapers, magazines and sheet music. Measuring...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Tudor Magazine Racks and Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tall Porcelain LampsLocated in Lambertville, NJA chic pair of Hollywood regency tall porcelain lamps. The gloss off white porcelain with a pattern on pattern finish in excellent condition. The l...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsPorcelain
$4,250 / item - A Pair of Stylish 19th Century Walnut Slipper ChairsLocated in Lambertville, NJA pair of walnut slipper chairs with new Couton and Tout abstract animal print fabric. The graceful lines with freshly and professionally polish walnut frames. Mid 19th Century, Ci...Category
Antique 19th Century American Slipper Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
$1,995 / set
- 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
- Mid-Century Walnut Credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in North Hollywood, CAAmazing mid-century modern walnut credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville and manufactured in the United States, circa 1960s. This piece showcases the perfect blen...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Simple + Classic Walnut Mid-Century Modern Credenza by American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Weehawken, NJSimple + perfect Mid-Century Modern walnut Credenza / Media stand designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. This classic credenza features a simple front panel design ...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWood, Walnut
- American Modern Walnut Sideboard or Record Cabinet by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis unique midcentury sideboard features louvered front drawers, spacious interior cabinets, and unique brass finish legs. Ideal piece for dining room storage, television console, o...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Ebonized CredenzaBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
