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.
Five Drawers Mid-Century Modern Warmer High Chest Dresser
By Lane Acclaim, American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern five drawers walnut hi chest dresser cone shape legs with fluted brass tips.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Floating Base 5 Drawers High Chest Dresser
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern 5 drawers walnut "floating" base cone shape legs dresser with brass pulls.
Brass
Five Drawers Blond to Gold Mahogany High Chest Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern 5 drawers high chest dresser. Lacquered bleached mahogany. Near mint condition. NYC area delivery starts from $150.
Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone High Chest Dresser Kent Coffey
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Compact chest on chest style Mid-Century Modern two-tone horn and dark expresso coffee high chest dresser.
Walnut
Five Drawer High Chest with Long Solid Brass Cylinder Pulls
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, James Mont
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice five drawers high chest with nice large heavy solid brass pulls.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut 5 Drawers High Chest Dresser MINT!
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Walnut 5 Drawers High Chest Dresser MINT!.
Teak
Mid Century Modern Highboy Dresser with Four Drawers and Brass Hardware
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern highboy dresser features hardwood construction, durable formica top with faux woodgrain, original brass accented hardware, and tall tapered legs. Matching l...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Three Drawer Chest with Curved Drawer Fronts & Brass Hardware
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern three drawer chest features hardwood construction, original walnut finish, three dovetailed drawers with bentwood faces and brass hardware, durable vinyl top ...
Brass
American of Martinsville HighBoy Dresser Chest Mid-Century Modern
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Baltimore, MD
This exceedingly well crafted American of Martinsville louvered slat front drawer highboy dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for his Dania collection, features seven drawers offe...
Brass
Vintage Mid Century Modern 4 Drawer Dresser Dovetailed Drawers
Located in Seattle, WA
This mid-century dresser features a clean and minimalist design typical of the era. It has a warm wood finish, likely made from walnut or another hardwood, showcasing the natural gra...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Lowboy Dresser with 6 Drawers & Brass Hardware
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern lowboy dresser features hardwood construction, original walnut finish, six dovetailed drawers with original brass hardware, durable formica top with faux wood...
Brass
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Four Drawer Highboy Dresser Dovetail Drawers storage
Located in Seattle, WA
An elegant Mid-Century Modern four drawer dresser. The dresser features gorgeous walnut wood grain and sleek mid-century design. It offers ample room for storage, with four dovetaile...
Walnut
