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Mid-Century American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser

$4,800List Price

Shop All American of Martinsville

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.

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

American Walnut Block Front Drawers High Chest Dresser American of Martinsville

$3,800

H 45 in W 40 in D 20 in

Milo Baughman Style American of Martinsville Mid Century Blonde Highboy Dresser

By Milo Baughman, American of Martinsville

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Milo Baughman style American of Martinsville mid century blonde highboy dresser Dresser measures: 36 wide x 20.5 deep x 44 inches high All p...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Chrome

Milo Baughman Style American of Martinsville Mid Century Blonde Highboy Dresser

$1,795

H 44 in W 36 in D 20.5 in

Classic Modernist Chest of Drawers or Dresser, American of Martinsville

By American of Martinsville

Located in Buffalo, NY

A Classic tall chest by Merton Gershun for his Dania collection manufactured by American of Martinsville. Features three drawers over three generous drawers with louver fronts. Brass...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Classic Modernist Chest of Drawers or Dresser, American of Martinsville

$1,960

H 44 in W 38 in D 18.5 in

Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Dresser

By American of Martinsville

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

This exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut nine-drawer dresser by American of Martinsville exemplifies timeless craftsmanship and refined design. Featuring a beautifully grained waln...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Dresser

$3,995

H 30.5 in W 84 in D 19 in

Mid Century American of Martinsville Highboy Dresser

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Baltimore, MD

This exceedingly well-crafted American of Martinsville highboy dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsv...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Mid Century American of Martinsville Highboy Dresser

$1,880 Sale Price

20% Off

H 49.5 in W 40 in D 17 in

Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Accord Walnut Triple Dresser

By American of Martinsville

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Accord Walnut Triple Dresser. Featuring a straight line nine drawer d...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Accord Walnut Triple Dresser

$2,995

H 31 in W 84 in D 18.5 in

Mid Century American Walnut Gentleman s Chest Dresser w/ Two Doors Compartment

By American of Martinsville

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern American walnut two doors compartment five drawers high chest dresser cabinet.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century American Walnut Gentleman s Chest Dresser w/ Two Doors Compartment

$3,200

H 50 in W 40 in D 19 in

Merton Gershun Bali Hi Dresser by American of Martinsville, ca. 1950’s

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in New York, NY

Chic and stylish 5 drawer dresser in bleached mahogany with decorative faux bamboo front. The chest features an architecturally inspired case, which surrounds the drawer fronts, creating a dimensional design element to the cabinet. From the sought after, and hard to find Bali Hi...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Merton Gershun Bali Hi Dresser by American of Martinsville, ca. 1950’s

$2,800

H 42 in W 37.5 in D 20.5 in

Pair of Mid-Century American Walnut Dressers

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stylish pair of American walnut dressers feature four spacious drawers, carved pulls, and raised rear edges. Slight taper to the sculpted ...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Mid-Century American Walnut Dressers

$3,000 / set

H 32.25 in W 36 in D 19 in

American Mid-Century Modern Light Walnut 5 Drawers High Chest Dresser Mint!

By American of Martinsville, Sligh Furniture

Located in Rockaway, NJ

American Mid-Century Modern light walnut 5 drawers high chest dresser MINT!.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

American Mid-Century Modern Light Walnut 5 Drawers High Chest Dresser Mint!

$4,400

H 43 in W 34 in D 18 in

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White Lacquered Paul McCobb Dresser

By Paul McCobb

Located in Pasadena, CA

This elegant white lacquer Paul McCobb dresser features 8 drawers with simple chromed knobs.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

White Lacquered Paul McCobb Dresser

$1,520 Sale Price

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Located in Pasadena, CA

This dresser features six medium drawers and three large ones on the bottom. It is made of blond oak veneer and stamped Huntley by Thomasville. Very well-crafted and distinctive due ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

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Midcentury Nine Drawers Huntley/ Thomasville Blond Oak Dresser

$1,800

Modern White Lacquered Three-Drawer Dresser with Black Handles

Located in Pasadena, CA

A postmodern lacquered dresser, circa 1980s, featuring three angled drawers with black resin lacquered pulls. The glossy finish highlights its geometric silhouette, in a minimalist M...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Modern White Lacquered Three-Drawer Dresser with Black Handles

$950

Modern Large White Lacquer Dresser with Long Black Handles

By Roger Rougier

Located in Pasadena, CA

This white lacquered dresser from the 1980s, reminiscent of the Roger Rougier style, boasts a unique feature: contrasting black handle accents adorning six stairs-stepped drawers . ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Modern Large White Lacquer Dresser with Long Black Handles

$950 Sale Price

66% Off

Mid-Century Blond Walnut Bookcase

Located in Pasadena, CA

This Mid-century blond walnut bookcase features three adjustable shelves for flexible storage or display. Its minimalist design highlights the natural warmth and grain of walnut.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Blond Walnut Bookcase

$1,200

Mid-century Walnut Chest of Drawers and Cabinet Shelves

Located in Pasadena, CA

This mid-century modern walnutcabinet features open shelves for display and four drawers for storage. It includes carved drawer pulls and a solid wood base, showcasing its practical ...

Category