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American of Martinsville Vintage Mid Century Modern Lowboy Dresser c. 1960s

About the Item

We photograph and list inventory in the condition it arrives at our warehouse to streamline operations and focus on restoration for current orders. This also enables us to maintain a constant supply of new inventory. Our Vintage Restoration Process is included at no additional cost with every furniture purchase. Trust us to carefully restore your item, addressing imperfections like lacquer finish failure, chips, and deep scratches. Our skilled team goes beyond surface treatment, thoroughly cleaning each piece and ensuring smooth operation of movable parts like doors and drawers. Receive a high-quality vintage furniture piece that will stand the test of time. We will gladly share photos of our recent restorations -- please message us! Step into the world of vintage elegance with our Mid-century Modern lowboy dresser, a fine example of the celebrated craftsmanship from the 1960s. This piece, a creation of the esteemed American of Martinsville, is a blend of classic American MCM and Danish Modern designs, crafted to perfection with rich walnut wood. It features a practical yet stylish design with six spacious drawers, three of which are cleverly concealed behind folding doors. This unique design element adds an air of sophistication and surprise, complemented by round brass knobs on each door panel, subtly infusing an Asian aesthetic into the minimalist design. The remaining three drawers are easily accessible, each fitted with rectangular cut-outs that serve as pulls, a nod to the Danish Modern influence that marked the era. The dresser's visual appeal is heightened by the thoughtful placement of walnut, showcasing vertical graining on the left half and horizontal graining on the right half, creating a harmonious visual texture. Its minimalist design focuses attention on the natural beauty of the wood, making the dresser a standout piece in any room. Supported by slightly splayed legs and finished with a beautifully crafted stretcher, the dresser exudes a timeless charm. Beyond its stunning appearance, this lowboy dresser offers versatile functionality. It's perfect for various settings, from the bedroom for organizing clothes to the living room or hallway as an elegant storage solution. Built with the robust, enduring quality of classic American craftsmanship, this dresser is more than just a furniture item; it's a durable, stylish investment poised to bring beauty and order to your home for many years to come.

Creator:

American of Martinsville (Maker)

Dimensions:

Height: 32.25 in (81.92 cm)Width: 68.125 in (173.04 cm)Depth: 19.125 in (48.58 cm)

Style:

Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Walnut

Place of Origin:

United States

Period:

1960-1969

Date of Manufacture:

1960s

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Denville, NJ

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU8162238041392

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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.