Small American of Martinsville Mid Century Small Credenza / Media Stand
View Similar Items
Small American of Martinsville Mid Century Small Credenza / Media Stand
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 42 in (106.68 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Refinished and restored.
- Seller Location:Las Vegas, NV
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5961234493062
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 Modern highboy/gentlemen’s chest by American of Martinsville.By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Las Vegas, NVMid century modern highboy/gentlemen’s chest by American of Martinsville. Here is a beautiful mid-century highboy dresser which has loads of storage for all your goodies! The top por...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Pair of Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century NightstandsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Las Vegas, NVPair of Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut Nightstands Beautiful pair of walnut nightstand, designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville's...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Kipp Stewart Drexel Declaration Mid Century CredenzaBy Kipp StewartLocated in Las Vegas, NV1950s walnut credenza / sideboard designed by Kipp Stewart for Drexel’s “Declaration” line. Composed of two sets of hinged doors which open to reveal a single, removable shelf per si...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Kipp Stewart Drexel Declaration Mid Century CredenzaBy Kipp StewartLocated in Las Vegas, NV1950s walnut credenza / sideboard designed by Kipp Stewart for Drexel’s “Declaration” line. Composed of two sets of hinged doors which open to reveal a single, removable shelf per s...Category
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Large & Elegant Mid-Century Modern Walnut CredenzaLocated in Las Vegas, NVElegant Extra long Mid-Century Modern Walnut credenza Very elegant and long credenza Just breath taking.. One of the nicest we have had in the last 20 years of selling. Very possibl...Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- United Furniture Diamond Mid Century Walnut Low Dresser / credenzaBy United Furniture CorporationLocated in Las Vegas, NVThis mid century lowboy dresser features original walnut finish, 6 drawer design, diamond shaped drawers, and a brass accented drawer pulls. Matching highboy available separately. ...Category
Vintage 1960s 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
- 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
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Ebonized CredenzaBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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 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 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 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