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A Little More American of Martinsville History


I've touched on the history of American of Martinsville a little when I was trying to track down what line our American of Martinsville bar is from. (Turns out it's from the Dania collection.)

For some reason it never occurred to me that Martinsville might actually be a city where they made all the American of Martinsville furniture. In modern copywriting and naming you'd never throw the name of the town you're from in your company's name because you never know when you're going to expand or move out of town. But I guess American of Martinsville planned to stick around, and stick around they did, for over 100 years.

And the city of Martinsville has a little history on their furniture making legacy, which includes American of Martinsville, Bassett Furniture and Hooker Furniture Company. The American of Martinsville portion of that history is:
In 1906, American Furniture Company was founded by two Martinsville tobacco men, Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee. With 12 other local business leaders, these men raised an original capitalization of $30,000. The company has grown substantially and first surpassed $100 million in sales in 1989. Today, the company specializes 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.

17 comments:

  1. Hello,
    Can you tell me what Line of American of Martinsville is from? I can't seem to find it anywhere. I have a full bedroom set. Headboard, Armoire, Dresser with Mirror and two nightstands. I know my parents purchased the set sometime between 1960-1962. I would love to know the history. https://www.chairish.com/product/380599/american-of-martinsville-credenza-dresser

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    1. I haven't been able to find a name for that American of Martinsville line or any history about it. I did find out that it was also made in white / cream, sometimes with black highlights, and was produced in the '60s.

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    2. Hello but better late than never for responding. American Of Martinsville was a furniture manufacturer located in Martinsville Virginia. In 1961, they started a hospitality division, but your photograph online is from the residential division, same factory for both divisions. The furniture was very desirable due to quality and much of it is still in homes nationwide. The furniture is much better construction than most today and has made a resurgence in the market. The company also offered it's furnishings on the game show The Price Is Right with Bob Barker.

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  2. I have a bedroom set that I am trying to find out information on. It is American of Martinsville and it is very different from all other furniture styles they have made. I sent an email with the picture and information I have but it may have gone to your spam folder. kimberly z

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  3. HELLO, CAN YOU PLEASE SEND ME THE PHOTO ALSO AT CRSWD611@gmail.com. I ALSO HAVE A RARE AMERICAN MARTINSVILLE BEDROOM SET. THANK YOU,RENEE

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  4. Replies
    1. I check it from time to time and try to keep up with the comments, but I'd don't actively post all that often anymore.

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  5. I have a dining room set that I'm trying to get in on, can anyone help?
    It's American of Martinsville, mid-century modern, probably from the 50's or 60's,
    I think out of walnut.
    Thanks!

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  6. I have a dresser stamp american of Martinsville but can't find it...6drwr think separated top drawer and wavey front...looking for worth and heritage

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    1. I too have a tall dresser, a short and wide dresser and a night table/drawer (all mahogany veneer) that I’d like to value. Any ideas on where I could go for reference?

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  7. Hello!! I was hoping someone may be able to help me find information about my 3 piece bedroom set. We are looking to sell it, and would like to offer a fair price. Thank you. Terra Nollinger

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  8. Can I get replacement hardware for a bedroom set I bought 53 years ago? I still love the furniture.

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    1. I've recently heard of people 3D printing missing pieces for mid-century furniture. That might work, or you might have to buy a "parts" piece and steal from there for any replacements.

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  9. I have bedroom set stamped American of Martinsville with eagle over the I in American It is triple dresser,2 mirrors,2 night stands, headboard and brand new set of doors to build another piece circa 1960s pattern appears to be a mediteraian very Heavy! anyone know value

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    1. Pricing mid-century furniture is going to be dependent on a multitude of things like condition, location and rarity.

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  10. Very informative and interesting.

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