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 MidCentury 9 Drawer Dresser Credenza
By American of Martinsville
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautifully detailed walnut American of Martinsville 9 Drawer dresser in great condition. Featuring a rectangular top over a ...
Walnut
$2,995
H 30 in W 76 in D 19 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Long Dresser or Credenza by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, American of Martinsville
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Enhance your living space with this vintage mid-century modern long dresser or credenza by American of Martinsville. Known for their high-quality craftsmanship, this piece combines s...
Wood
Cane/Oak Mid Century Credenza
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Cane front with oak frame Sculpted wood legs.
Cane, Oak
$2,500
H 30.5 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century American Martinsville Dania Dresser by Merton Gershun circa 1950/60s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in New York, NY
Iconic mid century dresser, designed by Merton Gershun, for American of Martinsville, as part of the classic Dania series, circa 1950/60's. The chest features a bank of three louvere...
Brass
$4,295
H 31 in W 62 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Dresser American of Martinsville Accord Walnut & Cane w/ X’s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Accord Walnut & Cane Dresser w/ X’s & Asymmetric Handles, three drawers & cane doors designed by Merton Gershon. Beautif...
Metal
Mid-Century Sideboard Credenza Dresser by Stanley
By Stanley Furniture
Located in Baltimore, MD
Stylish 1960s era sideboard/ credenza, dresser by Stanley Furniture. A Minimalist Danish Modern inspired profile, with exceptional construction and style. Features rectangular top ov...
Walnut
$4,295 / set
H 68.25 in W 64 in D 18 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut and Cane Credenza and Hutch
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Cane Credenza and Hutch The credenza measures: 64 wide x 18 deep x 30.25 inches high The hutch measures: 64 wide x...
Cane, Glass, Walnut
$1,600
H 30.5 in W 74 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut 9-Drawer Dresser or Credenza
By American of Martinsville
Located in Plainview, NY
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut 9-Drawer Dresser or Credenza Crafted in richly grained walnut, the dresser / credenza features a clean, rectilinear silhouette c...
Walnut
$2,400
H 31 in W 75.5 in D 18.75 in
Mahogany Ebony Mid Century Dresser / Credenza by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A elegant richly grained Mid-Century mahogany and ebony toned dresser / credenza with tri fold doors revealing three centered divided drawers and to each side three drawers with chro...
Wood
$5,999
H 31 in W 76 in D 19.5 in
Vintage 1960 Mid-Century American of Martinsville Dresser with Mirror
By American of Martinsville
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Elegant mid-century modern dresser by American of Martinsville, featuring rich walnut construction and striking geometric detailing. This substantial case piece showcases a beautiful...
Walnut
Walnut Credenza by American of Martinsville with a Louvered Front
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This massive vintage modern sideboard features three louvered drawers in the middle and two large storage compartments on the sides. The rich walnut finish, sculpted brass handles, a...
Brass
Merton Gershun Designed Dresser for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Merton Gershun designed dresser for his 'Dania' line with American of Martinsville. Beautiful walnut wood grain throughout with inlaid flourishes around the sculpted handles. Louvere...
Brass
American of Martinsville Long Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long mid-century dresser with criss cross pattern. Made by American of Martinsville with warm walnut grain, nine drawers and tapered legs. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Walnut
Mid-Century Dresser by Thomasville
By Thomasville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long nine drawer dresser by Thomasville with sculpted front drawers. Walnut grain with accenting rosewood ellipses. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Walnut
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut credenza designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Featuring a warm walnut case accented by two black lacquered doors with sleek brass handle...
Brass
Dunbar Credenza
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage modern Dunbar credenza features a lacquered hard wood base, spacious interior cabinets, and unique metal pulls. This beautiful Mid-Century piece is...
Wood
