Cerused Oak Mid-Century Modern Dresser by American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Cerused Oak Mid-Century Modern Dresser by American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33.5 in (85.09 cm)Width: 65.25 in (165.74 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Oak,Cerused
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. newly refinished.
- Seller Location:North Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU98507411033
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.
- Campaign Style Gold Leafed Chest of Drawers by BakerBy Baker Furniture CompanyLocated in North Hollywood, CACampaign style gold leafed chest of drawers by Baker Furniture Company.Category
Vintage 1960s American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsGold Leaf
$3,600 Sale Price32% Off - Mid-Century Modern Bench Upholstered in BoucleBy Shelby WilliamsLocated in North Hollywood, CAMid-Century Modern bench with polished aluminum legs. Legs are repurposed from "Gazelle" chairs designed by Shelby Williams in 1960's. Upholstery is in boucle.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
MaterialsAluminum
- James Mont Cerused Redwood and Brass LampsBy James MontLocated in North Hollywood, CAJames Mont cerused redwood and polished brass lamps.Category
Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
$4,280 Sale Price / set20% Off - Petite Mid-Century Scoop Back Lounge ChairBy Karpen of CaliforniaLocated in North Hollywood, CAPetite Mid-Century scoop back lounge chair in cream naugahyde.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsNaugahyde, Wood
- Mid Century Decorative Bas Relief Wall SculptureBy John DickinsonLocated in North Hollywood, CAMid-Century Modern style bas relief decorative wall sculpture framed in American oak.Category
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
MaterialsFiberglass, Oak
- Mid Century Copper and Bronze Door PanelBy Billy Joe Mccarroll and David GillespeLocated in North Hollywood, CAHandcrafted repousse copper door with cast bronze handle and details with cast glass ornaments. This panel can be attached to your existing door or ...Category
Vintage 1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Doors and Gates
MaterialsBrass, Copper
$8,750 Sale Price30% Off
- 1950's Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Highboy DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Burbank, CAOriginal 1950's Mid-Century Modern dresser for sale. Manufactured by American of Martinsville, and very solidly constructed. It has five drawers, and has been professionally refinish...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood
- 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 - American of Martinsville Vintage Mid Century Modern Highboy Dresser c. 1960sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Denville, NJWe 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...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- American of Martinsville Vintage Mid Century Modern Lowboy Dresser c. 1960sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Denville, NJWe 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...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid century American of Martinsville Dania Tall DresserBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Baltimore, MDThis exceedingly well-crafted American of Martinsville louvered slat front drawer highboy tall dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for his Dani...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
$1,960 Sale Price20% Off - Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 5 Drawer Tall Dresser Blonde MapleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in BROOKLYN, NYMid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 5 drawer high tall dresser. A Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Urban Suburban dresser. All Original Vintage condition - Blonde ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
