American of Martinsville Vintage MCM Lime Green Lacquer Dresser Credenza

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About the Item

An American of Martinsville mid century vintage dresser. This is a very eclectic vintage dresser unit featuring a bright lime green lacquered finish, a bamboo-like border trim on the face, and detailed pull handles on each of the drawers and doors. This unit contains 9 drawers: three on each side, and three on the interior of the center doors. This piece is in very good condition. It features the American of Martinsville tagging on the inside on the top left drawer as pictured above. This piece measures 30.5 inches tall, 76 inches long, and 19.75 inches deep.Creator: American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)Dimensions: Height: 30.5 in (77.47 cm)Width: 76 in (193.04 cm)Depth: 19.75 in (50.17 cm)Materials and Techniques: WoodPlace of Origin: United StatesPeriod: Mid-20th CenturyDate of Manufacture: mid 20th centuryCondition: GoodRefinished.Seller Location: Keego Harbor, MIReference Number: 1stDibs: LU2715342742152Shop 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 Keesees 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 isnt difficult to spot American of Martinsvilles sturdy, solid designs the lacquered walnut nightstands, mahogany coffee tables and more have long earned the admiration of mid-century modernism enthusiasts. The companys 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 xs 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 companys 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. Gershuns 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.