Set of 6 Postmodern Cane Back Dining Chairs by American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 45.5 in (115.57 cm)Width: 21 in (53.34 cm)Depth: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)Seat Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 6
- Style:Post-Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Original finish is in good condition. Two chairs have large rips in the caning (see photos). The vintage upholstery has small stains which may be able to be steam cleaned out. Reupholstery recommended but not required. 8/10.
- Seller Location:Freehold, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8007232850472
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Trenton, NJ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Set of 6 Midcentury Cane-Back Dining Chairs by HenredonBy HenredonLocated in Freehold, NJThis set of 6 Mid-Century Modern dining chairs by Henredon feature hardwood construction, original dark walnut finish, caned back, vintage green upholstery, and tall tapered legs. D...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsCane, Wood
- Set of 5 Postmodern Dining Chairs with Vintage UpholsteryLocated in Freehold, NJThis set of 5 post modern dining chairs features unique high back design, black painted metal frames, vintage upholstery and tall metal legs. Di...Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Set of 4 Postmodern Parson's Style Dining Chairs in YellowLocated in Freehold, NJThis set of 4 postmodern dining chairs feature vintage yellow velour upholstery throughout, tufted seat backs and Parson's style design. Complimentary glass & chrome dining table av...Category
Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery
- Set of 6 Mid Century Dining Chairs by Lane FurnitureBy Lane FurnitureLocated in Freehold, NJThis set of six mid century dining chairs by Lane Furniture feature vintage burnt orange upholstery, metal frame and solid walnut arm rests. Dimensions: 23w 21d 33h 17sh 25.5ah Con...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs by DrexelBy DrexelLocated in Freehold, NJThis set of four dining chairs by Drexel feature hardwood construction, original walnut finish, beautiful cane backing, and vintage upholstery.??Complimentary drop leaf dining table ...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsCane, Walnut
- Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by Heywood WakefieldBy Heywood-Wakefield Co.Located in Freehold, NJThis set of 4 Mid-Century Modern dining chairs by Heywood Wakefield features hardwood construction, original champagne finish, unique bentwood backs, vin...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Birch
- Set of 4 Reupholstered Cane Back Dining Chairs by American MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Medina, OHBeautiful set of boho chic cane back dining chairs by American Martinsville. This set includes 3 armless/side chairs and one arm chair. The chairs are in good condition, there are a ...Category
Late 20th Century Bohemian Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Velvet, Cane, Wood
- American of Martinsville MCM Walnut and Cane Back Dining Chairs - Set of 6By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAmerican of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Cane Back Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 20.5 wide x 21 deep x 31.5 high, with a seat height of 19.5 inches Ea...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Cane, Walnut
- Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by American of Martinsville, Set of 6By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYUnusual set of midcentury dining chairs manufactured by the American Furniture Company of Martinsville, Virginia. This set includes four side chairs and two armchairs. Handsomely scu...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- American of Martinsville Campaign Light Wood & Cane Dining Chairs 2 Arm & 2 SideBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Topeka, KSStunning set of 4 modern campaign style dining chairs 2 Arm and 2 side chairs comprised of beautiful light hardwood, radio weave cane seat backs, and fabric covered seats. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. The caning has been replaced in one chair back. Seat fabric has been professionally cleaned but most will want to reupholster, and they have been priced accordingly. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1970’s. “Well excuse me, but I think you’ve got my chair….” Oh wait…that’s a George Straight song!! Well, actually, we DO have just the chairs for you!!! This is a wonderful set of American of Martinsville campaign style dining chairs. We have 4 to offer you 2 side and 2 armchairs comprised of gorgeous light hardwood frames, and fabulous radio weave cane tall, slender seat backs. There is a lovely brass colored trim accent on the back of the chairs framing the cane and right now the seat cushions wear a beige or taupe basket weave pattern fabric, but we’ve priced them so you can reupholster with a fabric of your choice. This is a GORGEOUS dining chair set and will look amazing under your modern, Hollywood Regency, or campaign style dining table...Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsCane, Wood
- Mid-century American of Martinsville Dining Set of 6By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Miami, FLMid-century American of Martinsville Dining Set of 6 Offered for sale is a s set of 6 dining chairs with 2 arms and 4 sides. The chairs retain the original tags that say American Fu...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Art Deco American of Martinsville Burlwood 8 Piece Dining SetBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Chicago, ILArt Deco American of Martinsville burlwood 8 piece dining set. Stunning Art Deco American of Martinsville burlwood 8 piece dining set. This set includes: table with 1 leaf, and 6 chairs. Unique mirrored burlwood dining table with a leaf. Beautiful set of 6 art deco campaign style dining chairs...Category
Vintage 1970s Art Deco Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Cane, Rattan, Mirror, Burl