American of Martinsville Dresser in White and Black Lacquer
View Similar Items
American of Martinsville Dresser in White and Black Lacquer
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 70 in (177.8 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:Wood,Lacquered
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Newly lacquered.
- Seller Location:Dallas, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU272939250973
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.
- Pair of 1960s Black and White American of Martinsville DressersBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in New York, NYBlack with white top. 12 knobs on each dresser. Each have 3 drawers and each drawer is 7" deep. Knobs are round white balls with brass hardware.Category
Vintage 1960s American Dressers
MaterialsWood
Unavailable$4,500 / set - American of Martinsville Long DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYLong mid-century dresser with criss cross pattern. Made by American of Martinsville with warm walnut grain, nine drawers and tapered legs. Please confirm location NY or NJCategory
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Large Midcentury American of Martinsville DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Pasadena, CAAn elegant blonde walnut dresser by American of Martinsville catches the eye with its twin blocks of drawers resting on a slightly darker base. T...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Midcentury Walnut American of Martinsville Highboy DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYVintage-modern highboy dresser by American of Martinsvile featuring six drawers with beautiful walnut grain throughout. Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer.Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid Century American of Martinsville Highboy DresserBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Baltimore, MDThis exceedingly well-crafted American of Martinsville highboy dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsv...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut, Faux Leather
$1,880 Sale Price20% Off - Expertly Restored - American of Martinsville 9-Drawers Walnut DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CAAmerican of Martinsville 9-drawers walnut dresser. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern fur...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood, Walnut
