Mid-Century Modern Credenza and Bookcase
View Similar Items
Mid-Century Modern Credenza and Bookcase
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 65 in (165.1 cm)Width: 70 in (177.8 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Bridport, CT
- Reference Number:Seller: MLW1stDibs: LU90113881342
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 Danish Modern Walnut Diamond Front Credenza, Long DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Pemberton, NJFantastic Mid-Century dresser with gorgeous front diamond detailing, sculptural legs, finished in a rich medium walnut. The fabulously carved walnut doors open to reveal two drawers ...Category
Vintage 1960s 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 Mid-Century Modern 6 Drawers Dresser Credenza w Butterfly Joints MINT!By Drexel, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Rockaway, NJAmerican Mid-Century Modern 6 drawers dresser credenza w Butterfly Joints MINT!.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- 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
$1,240 Sale Price20% Off - Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Bookcase Wall Unit Credenza CabinetLocated in Philadelphia, PAMid century danish modern teak bookcase wall unit credenza cabinet. Item features sculpted wood pulls, 2 sliding glass doors, 2 sliding lower doors...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsGlass, Teak
- Mid-Century Modern CredenzaLocated in Brooklyn, NYRadiant teak wood grain and an understated design make this vintage credenza an elegant addition to any interior. Sliding doors reveal spacious shelving for organization. Please conf...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsTeak
$2,240 Sale Price30% Off