Mid-Century Modern Asian American of Martinsville Black Lacquer Six-Drawer Chest

View Similar Items

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Ebonized Credenza

Art Deco American of Martinsville Burlwood Sideboard

Walnut Credenza by American of Martinsville with a Louvered Front

Mid-Century Modern Merton L. Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser

Mid-Century Modern Credenza from Dania by American of Martinsville

Mid Century Modern Long DRESSER / CREDENZA American of Martinsville, c. 1960's

Vintage Mid-Century American of Martinsville walnut Credenza

Edward Wormley for Dunbar 4-Piece Black Lacquer Asian Modern Modular Credenza

Exceptional Modern Buffet/Credenza by American of Martinsville in Cream Lacquer

Mid Century Modern Six Drawer Lowboy Dresser by American of Martinsville

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Lowboy Credenza

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Lowboy Credenza

Shop All American of Martinsville

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.

More From This Seller

View All

American Mid-Century Mastercraft Asian Modern Brass Chest of Drawers

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

A exceptional Mastercraft Asian Mid-Century Modern brass chest. Wonderful solid brass hardware corner plates etc. the chest has a gorgeous hand faux lacquered original paint in a fab...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

American Mid-Century Mastercraft Asian Modern Brass Chest of Drawers

$7,500

Faux Bamboo Three Drawer Lacquered Chest of Drawers

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Lots of detail on this very sturdy chest of drawers. This three drawer faux bamboo chest has been freshly lacquered in a coastal shade of blue. Very versatile piece that could be use...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European British Colonial Commodes and Che...

Materials

Metal

Faux Bamboo Three Drawer Lacquered Chest of Drawers

$2,800

Mid-19th Century Tall Black Swedish Gustavian 4 Drawer Chest

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Mid-19th Century chest of drawers painted in black. This classic Gustavian commode or dresser is a very versatile piece that works well in a foyer, living room or bedroom.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Commodes and Chests of D...

Materials

Brass

Mid-19th Century Tall Black Swedish Gustavian 4 Drawer Chest

$3,100

Blue Hickory Furniture Lacquered Four Drawer Bachelors Chest

By Hickory Chair Furniture Company

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Blue Painted Four Drawer Yew Wood Bowfront Bachelors Chest or Commode from Hickory Chair Furniture Company. This curved blue chest of drawers is very sturdy and very functional. In a...

Category

Late 20th Century American American Classical Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Brass

Blue Hickory Furniture Lacquered Four Drawer Bachelors Chest

$2,200

Late 19th Century Black Swedish Serpentine 4 Drawer Chest

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Late 19th Century chest of drawers painted in black. This classic Gustavian commode or dresser is a very versatile piece that works well in a foyer, living room or bedroom.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Commodes and Chests of ...

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century Black Swedish Serpentine 4 Drawer Chest

$3,200

Late 19th Century Black Painted Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Late 19th Century chest of drawers painted in black. This classic Gustavian commode is a very versatile piece that works well in a foyer, living room or bedroom.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Commodes and Chests of ...

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century Black Painted Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest

$2,900

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Chrome

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Ebonized Credenza

$3,295

Art Deco American of Martinsville Burlwood Sideboard

By American of Martinsville

Located in Chicago, IL

Art Deco American of Martinsville burlwood sideboard Stunning Art Deco American of Martinsville burlwood sideboard. Beautiful burlwood and brass pu...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Sideboards

Materials

Glass, Burl

Art Deco American of Martinsville Burlwood Sideboard

$2,700

Walnut Credenza by American of Martinsville with a Louvered Front

By American of Martinsville

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This 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

Materials

Brass

Walnut Credenza by American of Martinsville with a Louvered Front

$2,600

Mid-Century Modern Merton L. Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Chicago, IL

Excellent original condition Mid-century Modern American of Martinsville credenza or lowboy dresser designed by Merton Gershun. Made of genuine walnut with lacquered drawer fronts an...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Merton L. Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser

$1,728 Sale Price

20% Off

Mid-Century Modern Credenza from Dania by American of Martinsville

By American of Martinsville

Located in Freehold, NJ

This 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