Mid-Century Modern Credenza with Travertine Top & Cane Doors by American of Mart
View Similar Items
Mid-Century Modern Credenza with Travertine Top & Cane Doors by American of Mart
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer, Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32.5 in (82.55 cm)Width: 63.25 in (160.66 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:1960s
- Condition:Refinished. Newly Refinished.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU971122405712
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 Style Tambour-Door Credenza by Danish Modern LALocated in Los Angeles, CAIntroducing our first-ever modern credenza designed and crafted by Danish Modern L.A.'s artisans' house in Los Angeles, CA. Our skillfully crafted credenza showcases a solid American...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid-Century Modern Style Tambour-Door Credenza by Danish Modern LALocated in Los Angeles, CAIntroducing our first-ever modern credenza designed and crafted by Danish Modern L.A.'s artisans' house in Los Angeles, CA. Our skillfully crafted credenza showcases a solid American...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone Doors Lacquer Credenza by Florence KnollBy Florence Knoll, KnollLocated in Los Angeles, CAElegant credenza designed by architect and designer Florence Knoll and manufactured by Knoll Associates Inc, circa 1950s. This iconic design features a walnut wood case over six soli...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWood, Walnut, Lacquer
- Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Credenza w/ Sliding DoorsLocated in Los Angeles, CA________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWood, Teak
- Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone Tambour-Door CredenzaLocated in Los Angeles, CATransforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsOak, Teak
- Glenn of California Tambour-Door Credenza with Black Formica TopBy Glenn of CaliforniaLocated in Los Angeles, CAMid Century Modern Credenza designed by Glenn of California for Glenn of California in the United States c. 1950’s. This beautiful storage piece is comprised of walnut wood. The righ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsFormica, Wood, 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
- Simple + Classic Walnut Mid-Century Modern Credenza by American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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 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
- 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
- Light American Walnut Multi Drawer Sliding Cane Doors Dowel Leg Long CredenzaBy American of Martinsville, Hooker FurnitureLocated in Rockaway, NJLight American walnut multi drawer sliding cane doors dowel leg long credenza dresser. Amazing vintage cosmetic condition with wonderful original amber t...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsCane, 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
