Striking Pair of End Tables/ Night Stands by American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Striking Pair of End Tables/ Night Stands by American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 24 in (60.96 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1960
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Atlanta, GA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: 1309068581628
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.
- Exceptional Pair of Modern Commodes by American of Martinsville, circa 1950By American of MartinsvilleLocated in Atlanta, GAThis magnificent pair of commodes is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. A fabulous meticulously restored pair of cream lacquer chests...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMahogany
- Restored American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Chest- Pair AvailableBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Atlanta, GAAn exquisite example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction restored in cream lacquer. Fabulous, chunky solid bra...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Rare Restored Modern Chest by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Atlanta, GAAn absolutely jaw-dropping chest from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Stout hardwood case construction with brass and leather accents. Fabulous detail and craf...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsHardwood
- Rare Five-Drawer Chest by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Atlanta, GAA beautiful example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1950. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction. Fabulous "wormhole" detail on the drawer front adds a...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMahogany
- Stellar Restored Nakashima Style American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Chest - PairBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Atlanta, GAThese magnificent commodes are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMahogany
- Fabulous Pair of Heritage Henredon End Table/ Night Stands in Flame MahogonyBy HenredonLocated in Atlanta, GAA Gorgeous Pair of parsons style end table/ night stands by Heritage Henredon, circa 1960. Wonderful flame mahogany top with a lovely ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsWood
- Vintage Nightstands by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in North Hollywood, CAPair of beautiful nightstands designed and manufactured by American of Martinsville in the United States, circa 1950s. Each nightstand features three dovetailed drawers with original...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
$1,650 / set - A Pair Of Night Stands Or Small Chests By American Of Martinsville 1950'sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in St.Petersburg, FLA fine pair of night stands or small chests of drawers by American of Martinsville. Ca' 1960's, with three drawers each. Reconditioned and redone in blue gray lacquer, handles polish...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsMahogany
- Mid Century American of Martinsville Lacquered Night StandsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in W Allenhurst, NJBeautiful streamline nightstands. 2 drawers and cubby for ample storage. Great forward moving lines. Brass drawer pulls. Newly lacquered finish with popping white. Curbside to NYC/Ph...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Elegant Night Stands by American of Martinsville with Bowed FrontsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in St.Petersburg, FLClassic and elegant mid century night stands by American of Martinsville. Reminiscient of Gio Ponti style, they have tapered legs with sabots, travertine tops-made in Italy, bowed dr...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsTravertine
$1,950 Sale Price / set25% Off - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stand by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Toledo, OHWalnut mid-century modern American of Martinsville 2-drawer night stand with diamond pattern inlaid drawer fronts and sculpted legs. Great condition. Part of a 4-piece set. 20 1/2" t...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- Rosewood Ebony Nightstand / End Table by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Cincinnati, OHA rosewood and ebony toned two drawer nightstand / end table with chrome pulls having aluminum trim to the lower stretcher and leg area. A very tight and crisp looking design retaini...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsWood
