Pair of Mid-Century Modern Dresser Credenza Cabinets by American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Dresser Credenza Cabinets by American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 32 in (81.28 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Newly finished condition.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1560214886012
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 Tiered Side Table By Merton Gershun, American Of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYSleek and sculptural, mid-century modern, walnut side table designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville features slanted, tapered legs that support three tiers perfect fo...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsAluminum
- Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Credenza Cabinet By Marius Byrialsen For NipuBy Nipu, Marius ByrialsenLocated in Brooklyn, NYDanish modern, rosewood "Super Top" cabinet by Marius Byrialsen for Nipu feature sliding, tambour fronts with 10 interior shelves that are adjustable and removeable, on chrome legs. ...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas
MaterialsChrome
- American Of Martinsville Console Coffee Table Media CabinetBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis versatile, multi-purpose, ebonized walnut and brass piece designed by Merton Gershon for American Of Martinsville works in many capacities. It is finished on 3 sides to go up ag...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of Hollywood Regency Mahogany DressersBy Gilbert RohdeLocated in Brooklyn, NYPair of matched, Hollywood Regency, mahogany, 5 drawer dressers attributed to Gilbert Rohde with prominent brass ring pulls are newly finished in satin rosewood. The drawers measure ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Dressers
MaterialsBrass
$7,800 / set - Industrial Brushed Steel Office Credenza CabinetLocated in Brooklyn, NYMidcentury, industrial, brushed steel, office credenza cabinet features drawers on both sides with sliding door shelf storage in the middle. The bottom drawers can hold file folders ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Credenzas
MaterialsSteel
- John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint Mahogany and Grasscloth Credenza DresserBy Drexel, John Van KoertLocated in Brooklyn, NYMid-Century Modern, mahogany, credenza dresser by John Van Koert for Drexel Counterpoint features a custom grasscloth facade treatment that contrasts nicely with his signature round brass plated...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsGrasscloth, Mahogany
- 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
- Renzo Rutili Style Monumental Dresser/Credenza by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Dallas, TXA stunningly sophisticated design from the 1960's, this piece feels like Renzo Rutili but is from a rare series by American of Martinsville. A modern interpretation on refined neocla...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- American Mid-Century Modern 6 Drawers Dresser Credenza w Butterfly Joints MINT!By Drexel, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Rockaway, NJAmerican Mid-Century Modern 6 drawers dresser credenza w Butterfly Joints MINT!.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern Light American Walnut 4 Doors Credenza Dresser CabinetLocated in Rockaway, NJTwo-door compartments with adjustable shelf’s with concealed 3-drawer compartment American light walnut midcentury dresser in Gibbings Widdicomb style. Beautiful exposed tapered dowe...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid Century Modern Long DRESSER / CREDENZA American of Martinsville, c. 1960'sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Weehawken, NJMid Century Modern Long Dresser / Credenza by American of Martinsville, a solid American manufacturer known for their superb quality, c. 1960's. ...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsLaminate
