Milo Baughman Style American of Martinsville Mid Century Blonde 6 Drawer Lowboy
View Similar Items
Milo Baughman Style American of Martinsville Mid Century Blonde 6 Drawer Lowboy
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Similar to:Milo Baughman (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31.75 in (80.65 cm)Width: 52.25 in (132.72 cm)Depth: 20.5 in (52.07 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Unknown
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Countryside, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: 2021-50161stDibs: LU5408224623362
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.
- Milo Baughman Style American of Martinsville Mid Century Blonde Highboy DresserBy American of Martinsville, Milo BaughmanLocated in Countryside, ILMilo Baughman style American of Martinsville mid century blonde highboy dresser Dresser measures: 36 wide x 20.5 deep x 44 inches high All p...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsChrome
- Franklin Shockey Mid Century 8 Drawer LowboyBy Franklin Shockey CompanyLocated in Countryside, ILFranklin Shockey mid century 8 drawer lowboy Lowboy measures: 57 wide x 19.5 deep x 31 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had i...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood
- 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
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut 6 Drawer Lowboy DresserBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 54 wide x 19 deep x 30.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsMetal
- Bassett Trimline Mid Century Walnut 9 Drawer Lowboy DresserBy Bassett FurnitureLocated in Countryside, ILBassett trimline mid century walnut 9 drawer lowboy dresser Dresser measures: 60 wide x 19 deep x 30.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsChrome
- Edmond Spence Mid Century Maple 6 Drawer Lowboy DresserBy Edmond J. SpenceLocated in Countryside, ILEdmond Spence Mid Century Maple 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser Dresser measures: 80 wide x 20.5 deep x 23.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsMaple
- Mid-Century Modern Dresser in the Style of Milo BaughmanBy Milo BaughmanLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis beautiful vintage modern sideboard features ultra white Formica laminate and chrome trim. The sleek design offers plenty of room for storage within its six large drawers and thr...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsChrome
- 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
- Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Low Dresser Blonde MapleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in BROOKLYN, NYMid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 6 drawer low dresser or credenza. A Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Urban Suburban dresser. All Original Vintage condition - B...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- 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
- Large Bleached Mahogany Dresser by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CALarge bleached mahogany dresser by American of Martinsville. Stamped.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Large Bleached Mahogany Dresser by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CALarge bleached mahogany dresser by American of Martinsville. Stamped.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass