Mid-Century Modern Credenza from Dania by American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.25 in (76.84 cm)Width: 19 in (48.26 cm)Depth: 60 in (152.4 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading. Condition: Original walnut finish is in fair condition. The black lacquer doors are where the majority of the wear is shown. Chips, edge dings, scuffs and scratches through the lacquer to the wood below has been touched up by previous owner. T.
- Seller Location:Freehold, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8007234862072
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: Trenton, NJ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Mid-Century Modern Nightstand from Dania Series by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Freehold, NJThis Mid-Century Modern nightstand from the Dania series by American of Martinsville features hardwood construction, walnut veneer with original finish, drop front with white lacquer...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of Mid Century Modern Nightstands by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Freehold, NJThis pair of mid century modern nightstands by American of Martinsville feature hardwood construction, gray painted finish, dovetailed drawer with brass accented hardware, slat open shelving below, white lacquer top, and tall tapered legs. Complimentary highboy dresser coming soon. Dimensions: 20w 16.5d 19.5h Condition: Original gray paint is in fair condition. There is some discoloration to the white lacquer tops. These pieces are sturdy and solid nightstands...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood, Lacquer, Paint
- Mid-Century Modern China Cabinet Server by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Freehold, NJThis Mid-Century Modern china cabinet / server from the Dania line by American of Martinsville features hardwood construction, walnut veneer wit...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern Credenza by Stanley FurnitureLocated in Freehold, NJThis mid century modern credenza by Stanley Furniture features hardwood construction, walnut veneer with original finish, durable formica top with faux woodgrain, three dovetailed dr...Category
Mid-20th Century Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid-Century Modern Three Drawer Credenza by Bassett FurnitureBy Bassett FurnitureLocated in Freehold, NJhis Mid-Century Modern credenza by Bassett Furniture features hardwood construction, original walnut finish, three dovetailed drawers with inlaid brass accented hardware, one cabinet...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza with Two CabinetsLocated in Freehold, NJThis mid century modern credenza / sideboard features hardwood construction, walnut veneer with original finish, three dovetailed drawers with sculpted wood pulls, two cabinets with ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- American of Martinsville Credenza from the Dania CollectionBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
