Late 20th Century Vintage American of Martinsville Chinese Chippendale Credenza
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 68 in (172.72 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Style:Chippendale (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:unknown
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:west palm beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5852235516622
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: west palm beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho American of Martinsville Camo Olive Wood CredenzaLocated in west palm beach, FLElevate your space with our Vintage Boho American of Martinsville Camo Olive Wood Credenza. American-crafted by American of Martinsville, this credenza showcases unique camo olive wo...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMetal
- Late 20th Century Vintage Morganton Wooden CredenzaBy Morganton Furniture Co.Located in west palm beach, FLA fabulous vintage Boho credenza. Made by the Morganton group and tagged inside the drawer. A beautiful double door credenza with a beautiful warm wood f...Category
Late 20th Century American Credenzas
MaterialsWood
- Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Lane Lacquered CredenzaBy Lane FurnitureLocated in west palm beach, FLEmbrace eclectic sophistication with this Vintage Boho Lane Lacquered Credenza. Infused with quintessential American style, its sleek lacquered f...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWood, Paint
- Late 20th Century Vintage Coastal Arched Rattan CredenzaLocated in west palm beach, FLVintage Coastal woven rattan credenza. A chic two door design with arched rattan and woven rattan inset panels. Lots of great storage below. Acquired fro...Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Credenzas
MaterialsRattan
- Late 20th Century Vintage Drexel Three Section CredenzaBy DrexelLocated in west palm beach, FLNostalgic campaign style vintage Drexel credenza. Midcentury hardware sets this great storage piece apart. Sleek design that incorporates twelv...Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Credenzas
MaterialsMetal
- Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Carved Teak CredenzaLocated in west palm beach, FLAn extraordinary vintage Boho long credenza. Incredible hand card details and heavy brass hardware. A slightly lower profile gives this piece a sexy look. Lots of great interior stor...Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Credenzas
MaterialsTeak
- 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 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
- 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
- Mid-Century Modern Credenza from Dania by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Freehold, NJThis Mid-Century Modern credenza from the Dania line by American of Martinsville features hardwood construction, walnut veneer with original finish, three large dovetailed drawers with louvered faces, black lacquered cabinet doors with three white painted dovetailed drawers inside, brass accented cabinet hardware...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Mid Century Modern Long DRESSER / CREDENZA American of Martinsville, c. 1960'sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Weehawken, NJMid Century Modern Long Dresser / Credenza by American of Martinsville, a solid American manufacturer known for their superb quality, c. 1960's. ...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsLaminate
- 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