Elegant Set of Mid-Century Modern Dressers
View Similar Items
Elegant Set of Mid-Century Modern Dressers
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 34 in (86.36 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Good condition, these dressers have been refinished.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 1837-02353NS1stDibs: LU92185852903
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 Mid-Century Modern DressersLocated in Brooklyn, NYVintage modern chest of drawers with accenting wood sides and top. Chrome handles with black trims. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMahogany
$4,000 / set - Mid-Century Modern DresserLocated in Brooklyn, NYNice mid-century dresser with wicker accent panels. Top doors open to reveal shelving and five slide-out drawers for plenty of storage options. Ple...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWicker, Wood
$1,120 Sale Price30% Off - Mid-Century Modern High DresserLocated in Brooklyn, NYStunning Mid-Century Modern highboy dresser. Six spacious dovetail-jointed drawers line the center of the case and are flanked by leather front cabinet...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Mid-Century Modern Tall DresserLocated in Brooklyn, NYUnique chest of drawers with sculpted mosaic front pattern, black handles with chrome. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with deale...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy DresserLocated in Brooklyn, NYA beautiful vintage modern highboy dresser that features recessed drawer pulls, tapered legs, and a sleek Minimalist appearance. Please confirm it...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy DresserLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis gorgeous vintage modern chest features six hefty drawers with unique metal pulls. Sturdy construction with elegant dark walnut wood grain adding to the midcentury appeal. This u...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsMetal
- 1960s Set of Danish Mid-Century Modern DressersLocated in Copenhagen, DKA set of Mid-Century Modern dressers. One in teak and one in oak. Simple and in good original shape from 1960s.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsTeak
- Sculptural Walnut Mid-Century Modern Long Dresser CredenzaBy Kent-Coffey, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Rockaway, NJSuper nice walnut wood pattern Mid-Century Modern long dresser credenza. Beautiful refinished condition.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWalnut
- Oiled Walnut Mid-Century Modern High Chest 4 Drawers DresserBy Broyhill Brasilia, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Rockaway, NJVery clean beautiful walnut wood pattern oil finished high chest dresser.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWalnut
- Five Drawers Mid-Century Modern Warmer High Chest DresserBy Lane Acclaim, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Rockaway, NJMid-Century Modern five drawers walnut hi chest dresser cone shape legs with fluted brass tips.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern DresserLocated in Westwood, NJMid-Century Modern style dresser, constructed of walnut with a transparent lacquer finish. Top features walnut veneer in a pattern reminiscent of ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Commodes and...
MaterialsWood
$7,872 / item - Mid-Century Modern Five Drawers High Chest Dresser with Brass AccentsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Rockaway, NJAmerican of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern walnut high chest dresser with block front drawers and brass accents.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
