Pair of Tall Modernist Nightstands
View Similar Items
Pair of Tall Modernist Nightstands
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.25 in (74.3 cm)Width: 19 in (48.26 cm)Depth: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:San Diego, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU88782148792
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.
- Tall Abstract Modernist Aluminium SculptureLocated in San Diego, CAModernist TOTEM mask abstract aluminum sculpture standing 4 feet tall. Artist unknown.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsAluminum
$1,800 Sale Price35% Off - Pair of British Modernist Sterling Silver Candleholders, 1964Located in San Diego, CAPair of minimalist mid century modern sterling silver candleholders made in London, England, 1964. Hallmarks as pictured. Each piece measuring 7" in overall height and 4.5" in diameter.Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks
MaterialsSterling Silver
$1,100 Sale Price / set21% Off - Bosko Hrnjak Original Modernist Framed Art Tall Tabby Cat Wall Sculpture CarvingBy Witco, William Westenhaver / WitcoLocated in San Diego, CAStunning Witco inspired modernist abstract hand carved/hand painted wall sculpture plaque by Bosko Hrnjak. The sculpture is titled "Tall Tabby" and is hand carved out of redwood. Mounted in a beautiful handmade redwood frame...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
MaterialsWood
- Brown Saltman End Tables by John KealLocated in San Diego, CAEarly Brown Saltman end tables designed by John Keal, circa 1950s. Made of beautiful mahogany wood. Top drawer slides for storage. Wood is completely restored to original condition.Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern End Tables
$2,800 / set - 1950s Vintage Modernist Wall Mounted Coat RackLocated in San Diego, CAMid-Century Modern iron wall-mounted "hang it all" style coat or hat rack with painted wood balls. All original patina. Probably French design, circa 1950s.Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands
MaterialsWood
- Custom 1950s Wall Mounted Modernist Writing DeskLocated in San Diego, CAUnique handmade custom wall-mounted writing desk made in the 1950s. Solid birch construction with patinated brass accents and a smooth black laminate desk surface that folds up when ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
- 1960s Pair of Slim Tall Swedish Solid Nightstands / Bedside TablesLocated in Silvolde, GelderlandExclusive set of two great designed and well made Swedish solid mahogany nightstands / bedside tables from the '60s. Consists beside the gre...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
$2,407 Sale Price / set50% Off - American of Martinsville Midcentury Walnut NightstandBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAmerican of Martinsville midcentury Walnut Nightstand This nightstand measures: 30 wide x 16.25 deep x 19 inches high All pi...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- American of Martinsville Mid-Century NightstandBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAmerican of Martinsville mid-century nightstand. This nightstand measures: 23 wide x 16.25 deep x 22.25 inches high. All pieces of furnit...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood
- American of Martinsville Fruitwood Bedside Table NightstandsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Germantown, MDAmerican of Martinsville Mid-Century Italian style bedside tables. Measures 24" in width X 18" in depth X 24" in height.Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsFruitwood
$1,421 Sale Price25% Off - Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville Mid Century NightstandBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAlbert Parvin for American of Martinsville mid century nightstand This nightstand measures: 21 wide x 16 deep x 22.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we c...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Urban Suburban NightstandBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century urban suburban nightstand This nightstand measures: 22 wide x 17 deep x 22 inches high All...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass