Vintage American of Martinsville Burled Wood Dining Table
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 74 in (187.96 cm)Depth: 44.25 in (112.4 cm)
- Style:Post-Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1980
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Clarksboro, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6923232597092
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: Clarksboro, NJ
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands - Set of 2By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a pair of Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands. Featuring a straight line design, two doors with chrome hardware that open up to a hidde...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsChrome
- Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands - Set of 2By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis 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...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood, Walnut
- Vintage Burled Walnut Side Tables - Set of 2Located in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a pair of vintage Burled Walnut Side Tables. Featuring a rectangular top, painted white pedestal base, and a beautiful walnut top with burled inlay. This is an ex...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsWood, Walnut, Paint
- Vintage Henredon French Provincial Burled Wood DresserBy HenredonLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a Vintage Henredon French Provincial Burled Wood Dresser. Featuring seven drawers for storage, original French style har...Category
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Dressers
MaterialsMetal
- Mid-Century Modern Burled Wood Side TableLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Burled Wood Side Table. Featuring a straight line design, rectangular top, four modern legs, and a combination of burled wood and walnut. Thi...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsWood, Burl
- Mid-Century Modern Double Burled Wood Wall MirrorLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Double Burled Wood Wall Mirror. Featuring a straight line design, rectangular mirror on each side, bru...Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsBrass
- Mid Century Modern Dining table American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Medina, OHMid-century modern American of Martinsville dining table. This table would fit 4-6 people, it does not come with an extension table. The table has some uniqueness with metal trim and...Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsWood
- Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Dining TableBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Baltimore, MDStunning vintage Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville walnut dining table in great original condition. Features a u...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Faux Bamboo and Wicker Dining Table, Ebony, American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Stamford, CTFaux Bamboo and wicker dining table having two leaves fully refinished in a black lacquer by American of Martinsville A set of bamboo style table...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsWood
- Walnut Accord Dining Table by Merton Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Cincinnati, OHA dark walnut dining table with two 12" leaves and drop down ends for tighter areas . Designed by Merton Gershun for the American of Martinsville furniture company with inlay metal X...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Expanding Dining TableBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves This table measures: 62 wide x 40 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a chair clearance...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- American of Martinsville Mid Century Drop Leaf Dining Table with Metal AccentsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAmerican of Martinsville Mid Century Drop Leaf Dining Table with Metal Accented Legs Table without leaves measures: 26 wide x 40 deep x 30 high Table with two leaves measures : ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsMetal
