Mid-Century American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser
View Similar Items
Mid-Century American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 62 in (157.48 cm)Depth: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. This piece is in excellent vintage condition. Minor scuffs, scratches, dings, and signs of wear may be present from normal use.
- Seller Location:Clarksboro, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6923229803852
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 American of Martinsville Walnut DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser. Featuring six large drawers, center doors tha...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut High ChestBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut High Chest. Featuring a straight line design, two doors that open up to three hidden drawers, three larger dr...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWood, Walnut
- Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands - Set of 2By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a pair of Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands. Featuring a straight line design, two doors with chrome hardware that open up to a hidde...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsChrome
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut Triple DresserLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Walnut Triple Dresser. Featuring a straight line design, two doors on each end that open up to three drawers, three larger drawers in the cen...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood, Walnut
Sold$1,250 - Mid-Century Modern Stanley 9-Drawer Walnut DresserBy Stanley FurnitureLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Stanley 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser. Featuring a straight line design, nine equally sized drawers for storage, recessed handles for easy opening,...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood, Walnut
- Mid-Century Modern Kent Coffey “Carefree” Walnut DresserBy Kent-CoffeyLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Kent Coffey “Carefree” Walnut Dresser. Featuring a straight line design, nine drawers for storage, wooden...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood, Walnut
- 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 - Classic Mid-Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Buffalo, NYStunning walnut Modernist dresser designed by Merton Gershun ,,manufactured by American Of Martinsville. Classic aluminum x's and asymetrical pulls. Beautiful original condition. Han...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsAluminum
- Classic Mid Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Buffalo, NYStunning walnut modernist dresser designed by Merton Gershun, manufactured by American Of Martinsville. Classic aluminum x's and asymetrical pulls, minor stain to (see photo). Hand d...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsAluminum
- 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 - 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
- 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