Mid Century Dresser Credenza American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Mid Century Dresser Credenza American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer),Merton Gershun (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 70 in (177.8 cm)Depth: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Original finish, with minor wear and light use indicators, overall nice surface condition. Drawers slide open smoothly; solid, strong and sturdy, the base is tight level and supportive, construction is strong and sturdy.
- Seller Location:Baltimore, MD
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5065126431302
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 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 - 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 American of Martinsville Louvered Bachelors ChestBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Baltimore, MDBeautifully detailed & proportioned walnut American of Martinsville bachelors chest/dresser. Designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville’s “Dania” line, one of the most e...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Mid Century Dresser Credenza Brass PullsLocated in Baltimore, MDAn exceedingly well-crafted credenza / dresser. Features the mid-century style and construction quality that keep these pieces in such high demand today. Beautiful all original walnut figuring and color. Unique design with wonderful clean lines features three center drawers each drawer with dovetail joinery and adorned with recessed sculpture drawer pulls. The center drawers are flanked by cabinet doors, accented with beautiful thin brass pulls. Cabinet doors open to reveal a beautiful interior one with a fixed shelf, giving ample storage capability. Solid walnut mid century style legs with lower stretcher adds to its unique style and lends support. Please see other listings, for the accompanying, matching china cabinet...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid Century Credenza Dresser Bassett MayanBy Bassett FurnitureLocated in Baltimore, MDBeautiful Mid-Century Modern Bassett credenza, dresser from the "Mayan" Collection circa 1960's. Featuring a beautifully grained walnut rectangle top above a whopping 9 drawers. Three deep spacious drawers reside on the left and right sides. Each adorned with detailed solid wood block carved tiki handles, in the Mayan like style, creating a striking contrast to the walnut wood. The Polynesian inspired design reflects exotic cultures. Manufacturer’s stamp (Bassett furniture) on interior of drawer. The center cabinet doors, also adorned with wood block carved tiki handles, open to reveal a column of three more drawers. The original signature Bassett Mayan...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
$3,040 Sale Price20% Off - Mid-Century Credenza Dresser Boho Drexel “Accolade” Campaign DresserBy DrexelLocated in Baltimore, MDA gorgeous, Boho Drexel Campaign mid-century, credenza, dresser. Minimalist Danish Modern inspired profile, with exceptional construction and style and adorned with original stylish, sculpted, brass pulls. Two available. Features rectangular top over three center dovetail joinery drawers top drawer with divider ideal for storing various objects. The center drawers are flanked by cabinet doors that open to reveal a beautiful interior each with a fixed shelf, giving ample storage capability, authentication stamp (Drexel) on the interior of one drawer. This beautiful credenza is raised on a plinth base. This classically designed piece of exceptional craftsmanship can be used throughout your home either as a sideboard/buffet in the dining room, or a storage piece for the living room, office or bedroom. Two available dressers. Consider pairing this with a matching Campaign Dresser...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
$1,516 Sale Price20% Off
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Lowboy DresserBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 62 wide x 18.5 deep x 31 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsMetal
- 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
- Merton Gershun Designed Dresser for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Brooklyn, NYMerton Gershun designed dresser for his 'Dania' line with American of Martinsville. Beautiful walnut wood grain throughout with inlaid flourishes around the sculpted handles. Louvere...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville Two Piece DresserBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Denton, TXRare two piece set with louvered drawers on each side and additional drawers inside the center doors, Satin finish on the walnut really brings out th...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
$4,800 Sale Price / set20% 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
