American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Brass Accordion Door Credenza
View Similar Items
American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Brass Accordion Door Credenza
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 64 in (162.56 cm)Length: 30 in (76.2 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Countryside, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: 2020-55521stDibs: LU5408222572462
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.
- American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut CredenzaBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAmerican of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut Credenza This credenza measures: 52 wide x 18 deep x 30 inches high All pieces of fu...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Ebonized CredenzaBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century ebonized credenza The credenza measures: 50 wide x 19 deep x 32 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what w...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsChrome
- Mid Century Danish Walnut Floating Sliding Door CredenzaLocated in Countryside, ILMid century Danish walnut floating sliding door credenza Credenza measures: 64.75 wide x 18.25 deep x 27.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restore...Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut and Brass CredenzaBy Jens RisomLocated in Countryside, ILJens Risom Mid Century Walnut and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 20.25 deep x 26.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Barney Flagg for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Tambour Door CredenzaBy Barney Flagg, DrexelLocated in Countryside, ILBarney Flagg for Drexel Mid Century Walnut Tambour Door Credenza This credenza measures: 53.75 wide x 17 deep x 36.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- American of Martinsville Mid Century Harlequin Walnut MirrorBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAmerican of Martinsville Mid Century Harlequin Walnut Mirror Mirror measures: 61 wide x 1 deep x 48 inches high All pieces...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pier Mirrors and Console Mirrors
MaterialsMirror, Walnut
- Vintage Mid-Century American of Martinsville walnut CredenzaBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Sheffield, MAMid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 2 drawer, 3 door credenza in warm walnut wood cabinet. Original vintage condition. A great entry way ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid-Century Walnut Credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in North Hollywood, CAAmazing mid-century modern walnut credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville and manufactured in the United States, circa 1960s. This piece showcases the perfect blen...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Simple + Classic Walnut Mid-Century Modern Credenza by American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Weehawken, NJSimple + perfect Mid-Century Modern walnut Credenza / Media stand designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. This classic credenza features a simple front panel design ...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWood, Walnut
- Mid-Century Modern Credenza from Dania by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Freehold, NJThis Mid-Century Modern credenza from the Dania line by American of Martinsville features hardwood construction, walnut veneer with original finish, three large dovetailed drawers with louvered faces, black lacquered cabinet doors with three white painted dovetailed drawers inside, brass accented cabinet hardware...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- 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
- Mid Century Walnut Louvered Dresser by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in North Hollywood, CAMid-century walnut dresser designed and manufactured by American of Martinsville in the United States circa 1960s. This beautiful dresser features a walnut finish with nine pull-out ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
