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American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

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.

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Creator: American of Martinsville
American of Martinsville Dania Queen Size Bar Bed Headboard with Nightstands
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mid-Century Modern queen size bed headboard with built-in nightstands. The 4004-14 “Bar Bed” is a part of American of Martinsville’s Dania Collection. Designed by Merton Gershun, this walnut bed...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Queen Headboard by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This queen size headboard by Martinsville features a cutout design in warm walnut wood grain. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Headboard by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Toledo, OH
Walnut mid-century modern American of Martinsville headboard with angular pattern panels. Great condition. Part of a 4-piece set. 61" wide x 36" high. Frame included.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

American of Martinsville Painted Decorated Queen Size 68" Tall Headboard Bed MNT
By American of Martinsville, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American of Martinsville Painted Decorated Queen Size 68" Tall Headboard Bed MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Fruitwood

AMERICAN OF MARTINSVILLE Mid 20th Century Modern Walnut Queen Size Headboard
By American of Martinsville
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Mid 20th Century Modern queen size panel headboard by American of Martinsville. Walnut with a lighter color finish, two carved square panels, and a square carved top rail. Made in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Vintage MCM Headboard Queen by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering one of our recent Palm Beach Estate fine furniture acquisitions of a vintage MCM headboard...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mirror, Wood

American of Martinsville Full or Queen Walnut & Woven Rush Headboard
By American of Martinsville
Located in West Chester, PA
A 1950s headboard by American of Martinsville featuring a rush wrapped sculptural curved walnut top rail over open windowpane inner framework. The bol...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Rush, Wood

AMERICAN OF MARTINSVILLE Blonde Walnut & Cane Asian Oversized King Headboard
By American of Martinsville
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian inspired oversized king headboard by American of Martinsville. Walnut with a light blonde finish, three decoratively carved panels inset with cane divided by two solid panel...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Cane, Walnut

American of Martinsville Midcentury Walnut Full Headboard
By American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
American of Martinsville midcentury Walnut Full Headboard This headboard measures: 57 wide x 3 deep x 32.25 inches high All ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Full Size Headboard
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century full size headboard This headboard measures 55 wide x 2 deep x 31.5 inches hig...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Urban Suburban Full Headboard
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Urban Suburban full headboard This headboard measures: 58 wide x 2 deep x 31 inches high A...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Hollywood Regency American of Martinsville Faux Bamboo Bedroom Set, Signed
By American of Martinsville
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An extremely rare bedroom set of faux bamboo furniture. This listing includes one faux bamboo chair, one tallboy faux bamboo secretary desk with ...
Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Glass, Faux Bamboo, Wood

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Vintage Lacquered Nightstands by American of Martinsville
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American of Martinsville Fruitwood Bedside Table Nightstands
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Dixie Furniture Mid-Century Modern Walnut Queen Size Headboard
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Pair of Mid Century Modern Nightstands by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
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This pair of mid century modern nightstands by American of Martinsville feature hardwood construction, gray painted finish, dovetailed drawer with brass accented hardware, slat open shelving below, white lacquer top, and tall tapered legs. 

Complimentary highboy dresser coming soon. Dimensions: 20w 16.5d 19.5h Condition: Original gray paint is in fair condition. There is some discoloration to the white lacquer tops. These pieces are sturdy and solid nightstands...
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Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands - Set of 2
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This listing is for a pair of Mid-Century Modern American Of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands. Featuring a straight line design, two drawers for storage, modern legs, Albert Pravin st...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

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Antique bed headboard US Queen or UK King size painted 19th century. This bed with great patina gloriously distressed This will fit to the wall o...
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American of Martinsville Vintage Mid Century Modern Pair of Nightstands c. 1960s
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Previously Available Items
American of Martinsville Vintage Mid Century Modern King Headboard c. 1960s
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Vintage American of Martinsville Arched Tambour Queen Headboard
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Beautiful Mid-Century Walnut Headboard Queen Size
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Hollywood Regency Faux Bamboo Canopy Queen Bed by American of Martinsville
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Midcentury American of Martinsville Twin Headboards, a Pair
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Midcentury American Of Martinsville Patchwork Olive Wood Queen Size Headboard
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

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American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut King Headboard
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Located in Countryside, IL
American of Martinsville mid century walnut king headboard This headboard measures: 78.5 wide x 1 deep x 39.5 inches hig...
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Merton Gershun American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Cane Full Storage Headboard
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century walnut and cane full storage headboard Headboard measures: 59.75 wide x 9 deep x 35.5 inches high ?All pieces of furniture...
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Vintage Walnut Headboard by American of Martinsville
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Sized for a full-sized bed, this vintage headboard by American of Martinsville combines an impressive design with rich walnut woodgrain for a timeless Mid-Century Modern look. Please...
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American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rattan King Headboard
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A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern king size headboard By American of Martinsville USA, circa 1960s Walnut, with inset rattan panels. Measures: 79.13"W x 3"D x 36.5"H. Good...
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Merton Gershun American of Martinsville MCM Rattan X Inlay Queen Headboard
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Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Rattan X Inlay Queen Floating Nightstand Storage Headboard This headboard is 97.25 wide ...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames

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American Of Martinsville beds and bed frames for sale on 1stDibs.

American of Martinsville beds and bed frames are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of American of Martinsville beds and bed frames, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original beds and bed frames by American of Martinsville were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider beds and bed frames by Thomasville, Heywood-Wakefield Co., and John Widdicomb. Prices for American of Martinsville beds and bed frames can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $695 and can go as high as $7,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $995.
Questions About American of Martinsville Beds and Bed Frames
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    American of Martinsville, which was founded in 1906, is still in business. The company now manufactures furniture for hotel and healthcare industries.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
    How much an American of Martinsville dresser weighs can vary greatly. The dimensions and materials of the piece will determine its weight. Generally, highboy dressers will be the heaviest pieces produced by the American furniture maker due to their size. Shop a diverse assortment of American of Martinsville dressers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Elgin American was an American brand known for producing watches, jewelry and compacts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Illinois Watchcase Company owned it. In 1901, the company abandoned the Elgin name due to trademark infringement claims made by the Elgin National Watch Co. Find a selection of Elgin American art, jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    American oak comes from oak trees that grow in America (as opposed to in Europe). While both are pale, American oaks have a slightly pink undertone and European oaks have a honey-hued undertone.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    With respect to the actual wood, the outer layer of American walnut — the sapwood — has a creamy yellow-white color whereas the inner layer — the heartwood — ranges from a golden brown to dark chocolate brown color. In more descriptive words, the color of American walnut embodies the richness of chocolate mixed with slight undertones of red wine. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage American walnut furniture.
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    African American quilting has roots in history during slavery and was a way for African American women to bond. The quilts themselves tell stories of history, teach lessons and are beacons of hope. Shop a collection of African American quilts from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The history of African-American quilting stretches back almost as far as the beginning of the United States itself. The craft began with slave women quilting on plantations and after emancipation, the tradition of quilting continued. Today, there are many African American quilters who are inspired by a number of different quilting traditions. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of African-American quilts from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    American cut glass is a technique used for decorating glass. The period from 1771 to 1876 is considered the early period of American cut glass — later, cut glass was called Brilliant glass. This technique is associated with high labor costs and involves the work of skilled craftsmen — American cut glass is considered a luxury item and can be very valuable.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    What Americans call a sofa varies. Often, people living in the U.S. refer to an upholstered furnishing designed to hold more than one person as a couch. However, the word sofa is also commonly used in the U.S. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary sofas.
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    A Native American artifact is any object that provides insight into the lives and history of native people in America. These items range from carved stone pipes, weapons for hunting, tools for cooking, pottery, jewelry and more. Find a collection of artifacts on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Some famous African-American artists include Horace Pippin, Augusta Savage, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Aaron Douglas, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kerry James Marshall, Theaster Gates, Sam Gillam, Kara Walker and Kehinde Wiley. Shop a variety of African-American art from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The most well-known Native American blankets come from Navajo weaving, which are prized by collectors worldwide. Originally utilitarian, the Navajo people began creating blankets specifically for export and tourism in the 19th century. Shop a collection of Navajo blankets from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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    What Native American drums are called varies by type. Ones designed to rest in the player's lap are hand drums, while instruments that hold water used primarily by the Iroquois and Yaqui are water drums. Large freestanding drums that produce loud percussive sounds are powwow drums. The Aztec and Hopi used foot drums. You'll find a range of Native American drums on 1stDibs.
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    Native American slippers are called moccasins. Moccasins are characterized by their U-shaped puckered toe design and are crafted with various leathers such as sheepskin or buffalo. They may or may not be decorated with beading. Shop a collection of authentic moccasins from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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    It depends on which region the beads were made since they were created out of available materials found in the land around them. In the Eastern Woodlands, white and purple marine shell beads were called “wampum”. You can shop a collection of Native American beadwork from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
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    To identify Native American baskets, you can research the patterns using authoritative online resources to try and determine which tribe produced it. However, many replicas exist and there are many tribes that produced baskets. As a result, it is a good idea to consult a licensed appraiser. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Native American baskets.
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    What a Native American headdress represents depends on what tribe produced it. In general, headdresses may symbolize a person's status within the tribe or serve as a sign of bravery during battle. You'll find a selection of Native American headdresses on 1stDibs.
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    American Brilliant cut glass is deeply and sharply cut glass known for its reflective quality and highly polished nature. This type of glass is thick, heavy, and very clear.
    The difference between cut glass and cut crystal is the lead content along with some other criteria. "There are three primary criteria for crystal as established by the European Union in 1969: a lead content in excess of 24%, a density in excess of 2.90 and a reflective index of 1.545." "Prior to 1969 crystal glass was generally around 36% lead. However, due to concerns over lead leaching the percentage was reduced to the [unofficial} standard of 24%. Today glass with a lead content of 10% or more is considered to be crystal or “fine glass”" in the US.
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    What Native Americans used to produce baskets varied from tribe to tribe. Generally, craftsmen used whatever materials were readily available. In the Northeast, sweet grass was a common material, while pine needles and wicker are frequently found in baskets produced by tribes in the Southeast. Find a range of vintage and antique baskets on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In the Native American language of Powhatan spoken by the Algonquian indigenous people, moccasin refers to a hand-sewn suede bootie. Today, people may call any shoes that feature stitched round toes by the name. Shop a variety of moccasins on 1stDibs.
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    There are a wide array of different dolls made by the various tribes of Native American peoples. Some of the most well-known are the kachinas made by the Navajo, Hopi and Pueblo peoples. Shop an array of Native American dolls on 1stDibs.

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