American of Martinsville

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 American of Martinsville  

History and Information -- stolen from the internet & condensed  

The company American of Martinsville was founded in 1906 by Martinsville tobacco manufacturers, Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee, who wanted to branch out into furniture manufacturing. In these early years, they focused solely on bedroom furniture, expanding into dining room furniture in the 1920s.

The company was vast by the end of the 1950s, and proudly offered furniture representing almost every broad design era. As well as adding living room furniture to their repertoire, they began producing furniture for businesses such as roadside motels and hotels, which they continued to do for the rest of the century.

Later, the company specialized in producing furniture for the hotel and healthcare industries, and operates under the name American of Martinsville. Open a dresser drawer the next time you stay in a hotel and, chances are, you'll see an American of Martinsville logo.

In 2000, American of Martinsville was acquired by La-Z-Boy Incorporated.

Collectors are likely to collect pieces of American of Martinsville furniture manufactured for the home rather than those produced for motels and hotels, as the former would be more unique than the latter mass produced items.

They would generally choose a particular style of American of Martinsville furniture, as the array of designs is so eclectic.

Genuine American of Martinsville furniture will have their logo imprinted on the article.

Most Mid Century Enthusiasts prefer the Aluminum Pulls Series (my name for the line)

I know, I know, we all want these awesome (yes, awe inspiring) staggered aluminum pulled, inlaid wood series to be designed by George Nelson .... but they were not --- all internet rumor and mis-crediting are exactly that - in error.

Who cares who designed them, they are gorgeous and well built - quality is quality no matter the designer name.

Buffets to wall units, chests to dressers and nightstands - the array of styles seem limitless for the Aluminum Pull Series -- every time I think I have seen them all, a new one pops up. 

They are all marked with the logo, all have staggered pulls and inlaid wood - walnut and teak ? some have claimed rosewood but I call BS on that... its a fabulous series of furniture and based on my years in the Mid Mod business, its by far the most collectable and recognizable in the A of M mid century period.

American of Martinsville Inlaid Wood & Staggered Aluminum Pulls Danish Modern Style Chest

American of Martinsville Inlaid Wood & Staggered Aluminum Pulls Danish Modern Style Low Dresser

American of Martinsville Inlaid Wood & Staggered Aluminum Pulls Danish Modern Style Upright Chest of Drawers

American of Martinsville Inlaid Wood & Staggered Aluminum Pulls Danish Modern Style 6 Drawer Low Dresser

American of Martinsville Inlaid Wood & Staggered Aluminum Pulls Danish Modern Style China Cabinet Hutch / Wall Unit

American of Martinsville Inlaid Wood & Staggered Aluminum Pulls Danish Modern Style Credenza / Buffet / Sideboard