Martinsville Rosewood, Walnut and Lacquer Credenza or Dresser, 1960s, USA
View Similar Items
Martinsville Rosewood, Walnut and Lacquer Credenza or Dresser, 1960s, USA
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.25 in (76.84 cm)Width: 60 in (152.4 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1965
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: f99791701306527383fs
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.
- Large Martinsville Credenza with Brass Accents, USA, 1960sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Miami, FLGorgeous monumental Martinsville credenza with brass accents and canned doors, USA, 1960s.Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
- Imperial Desk Company Rosewood Credenza, 1960s, USABy Imperial Desk Co.Located in Miami, FLBeautiful rosewood credenza with chrome accents by Imperial Desk Company. Matching desk available for $4495Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsRosewood
- Brazilian Mahogany Credenza or Buffet, 1960s, BrazilLocated in Miami, FLGorgeous Brazilian mahogany credenza or buffet from 1960s, Brazil. Beautifully restored.Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Credenzas
MaterialsMahogany
- Wood and Cork Cabinet by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, USA, 1960sBy Paul FranklLocated in Miami, FLGorgeous and rare Paul Frankl cabinet with a cork top.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWood, Cork
- Harvey Probber Credenza, 1960s, USABy Harvey ProbberLocated in Miami, FLBurl wood credenza by Harvey Probber. Cabinet has four drawers and two doors revealing two adjustable shelves.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBurl
- Harvey Probber Rosewood Desk, 1960s, UsaBy Harvey ProbberLocated in Miami, FLRestored Harvey Probber rosewood desk.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsRosewood
$4,400 Sale Price20% Off
- American of Martinsville Hollywood Regency Campaign Burled Walnut Dresser, 1960sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Campaign style dresser or credenza By American of Martinsville USA, Circa 1960s Walnut, with burled walnut banding and dr...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Credenza Dresser CabinetBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in BROOKLYN, NYMid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 4 drawer - 4 door credenza walnut. All Original Vintage condition - Dark brown walnut shows little wear -...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsHardwood, Walnut
- 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
- Mid Century Dresser, Walnut, USA, 1960sLocated in Miami, FLMid century dresser, three drawers and one sliding door, behind the sliding door are three interior drawers. Original condition, some scratches and spots.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut, Wood
On Hold$1,900 - 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
- John Widdicomb French Regency Walnut and Burl Wood Dresser or Credenza, 1960sBy John WiddicombLocated in South Bend, INA gorgeous midcentury French Regency Louis XVI style nine-drawer dresser or credenza By John Widdicomb USA, 1960s Walnut and burl wood, with original brass hardware. Meas...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
