Pair of Ebonized Nightstands by American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Pair of Ebonized Nightstands by American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 19.75 in (50.17 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Depth: 15 in (38.1 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Newly refinished.
- Seller Location:Pasadena, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8258956844
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.
- Pair of White Nightstands by HenredonBy HenredonLocated in Pasadena, CAThis matching pair of white lacquer nightstands features drop-down front drawers, which also provide storage when closed. Each unit has a black lacquered and brass knob. They are wel...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
$1,600 Sale Price / set27% Off - Pair of Blonde Oak Nightstands by LaneBy Lane FurnitureLocated in Pasadena, CAThis pair of mid-century nightstands features one drawer and a space to store books or magazines. They show the manufacturer's stamp and, what is very rare the past owner kept the ma...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsOak
- Large Midcentury American of Martinsville DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Pasadena, CAAn elegant blonde walnut dresser by American of Martinsville catches the eye with its twin blocks of drawers resting on a slightly darker base. T...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of Dark Stained Solid Birch Nightstands/Side Tables- 1950sLocated in Pasadena, CAThese nightstands/side tables boast clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic that seamlessly blends form and function. Crafted from solid birch, each piece is thoughtfully designed wit...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsBirch
- Wood and Brass Nightstand by John Keal for Brown-SaltmanBy Brown Saltman, John KealLocated in Pasadena, CAPrecious night stand by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Drawers are made of particleboard looking very much like cork, accented with a sculptural brass pull. Retains original labels.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
$1,280 Sale Price20% Off - 1960s Black Stained Walnut Four-Drawers Nightstand by Edward Wormley for DrexelBy DrexelLocated in Pasadena, CAThis mid-century nightstand of black stained walnut features steel drawer pulls and drawers in graduating sizes. The largest drawer, at the bottom, measures 7.50 inches high and the ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsSteel
$950 Sale Price20% 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 furniture can be had in what we call restored...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 - Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Nightstands, PairBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid-century walnut nightstands - pair. Each nightstand measures: 22 wide x 17 deep x 25.25 inches high. All pieces of furniture can ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- 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 Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
