American of Martinsville Conference Tables
American
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.
to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
115
29
28
21
18
Creator: American of Martinsville
Faux Bamboo and Wicker Dining Table, Ebony, American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Manhasset, NY
Faux 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
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Wood
Related Items
Very Large Octagonal Glass Top Leather Strapped Bamboo McGuire Dining Table
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very large 80" round octagonal beveled glass top leather strapped bamboo McGuire dining table.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Glass
Mid Century Modern Dining table American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Medina, OH
Mid-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 American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Wood
Limb and Trunk Motif Dining Table
By Brendan Bass
Located in Dallas, TX
Limb and trunk motif dining table, reclaimed elm with decorative metal accents.
Piece from the Le Monde collection. Exclusive to Brendan Bass.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Rustic American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Metal
Expanding Walnut Dining Table of Midcentury Design
By Petersen Antiques
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large walnut dining table with extension leaf (100" x 60", expanding to 128" x 60). with beautifully matched, solid walnut planks.
Because each table is bench-made in our own Los A...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Walnut
Long Dining Table 'DING' Made of Concrete and Aluminum
By Bentu Design
Located in Paris, IDF
'DING' is a collection of tables: coffee / side tables, dining tables, bar tables.
The base is in concrete and the structure and to top in aluminum (black).
by Bentu design
Tab...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Industrial American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Concrete, Aluminum
JOLIE DINING TABLE - Ebony Oak Dining Table with Gold Metal Inlay
By Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
JOLIE DINING TABLE - Ebony Oak Dining Table with Gold Metal Inlay
The Jolie Dining Table is a stunning and sculptural piece of furniture that is an...
Category
2010s American Modern American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Metal
McGuire Organic Modern Blonde Bamboo Hexagonal Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous McGuire organic modern hexagonal base dining table featuring a large round glass top. This is an early McGuire model #MCBA17 crafted with a geometric iron frame hand-wrapped...
Category
20th Century American Organic Modern American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Iron
STACKED DINING TABLE - Modern Wooden Dining Table with Metal Inlay and Bases
By Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
STACKED DINING TABLE - Modern Wooden Dining Table with Metal Inlay and Bases
The Stacked Dining Table is a modern piece of furniture that draws i...
Category
2010s American Modern American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Metal
H 30 in W 120 in D 42 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Dining Table
By American of Martinsville
Located in Baltimore, MD
Stunning vintage Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville walnut dining table in great original condition. Features a u...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Walnut
Solid Walnut Dining Table with Walnut and Black Steel Legs "Campau Dining Table"
By Anton Maka
Located in Shelby Twp, MI
The Campau dining table is made of a bookmatched solid walnut top and solid walnut bases with blackened steel inserts. This simple and modern table emphasizes the high-quality materi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Steel
H 30 in W 36 in D 84 in
Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table in Bamboo & Brass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and impressive dining table, circa 1950's. The table top is in a race track oval form and wrapped in nailed pencil reed. The top has an inlayed brass plate and the bass is pa...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Brass, Bronze
"À Table" Dining Table
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
À table - dining table.
An asymmetric table top standing on five oval legs. Each segment carved from an individual piece of cherry wood to showcase the natura...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Cherry
Previously Available Items
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Extension Dining Table
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern bleached walnut extension dining table designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, circa 1960s. The table features beautiful wood grain, n...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Conference Tables
Materials
Brass
H 30 in W 60 in D 40 in
American Of Martinsville conference tables for sale on 1stDibs.
American of Martinsville conference tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original conference tables by American of Martinsville were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1950s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider conference tables by Knoll, John Widdicomb, and Herman Miller. Prices for American of Martinsville conference tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $6,500 and can go as high as $6,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,500.
Creators Similar to American of Martinsville
Questions About American of Martinsville Conference Tables
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify American of Martinsville furniture, first look for the brand stamp, often found inside of a drawer, on the bottom of the piece or under a seat. The mark typically features the full brand name; some pieces also display an eagle logo. Another identifying characteristic of wood pieces made by the company are brass "X" inlays, often found on tabletops and the front of cabinet doors. Many mid-century American of Martinsville case goods also feature slatted or louvered doors. If you need help with the identification process, use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a variety of American of Martinsville furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024How 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021American of Martinsville, which was founded in 1906, is still in business. The company now manufactures furniture for hotel and healthcare industries.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024The history of Martinsville furniture starts with the founding of the company in Martinsville, Virginia, in 1906 by Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee, a pair of former tobacco farmers. They launched their business with $30,000 in capital and began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company. In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings with a range of dining room sets. By the 1950s, the company’s name had been changed to American of Martinsville, and it had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as a variety of furniture styles. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul László, the brand innovated 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 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. Find a variety of American of Martinsville furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is Elgin American?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Elgin 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.
- What is American oak?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021American 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.
- What color is American walnut?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021With 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.
- Is sofa American or British?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024Sofa is both American and British. In the UK, sofa is the most commonly used term for an upholstered piece of furniture designed to seat two people or more. Americans use the word sofa as well. However, couch is the more popular name for sofas in the U.S. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary sofas.
- What is African American quilting?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022African 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, 2022The 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.
- What is American cut glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021American 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 ExpertNovember 22, 2024Yes, there is an American watch movement. In fact, there are multiple movements made in the USA. One is the Ameriquartz movement, a battery-driven quartz movement manufactured by Arizona-based maker Fine Timepiece Solutions for VAER watches. Another is the Caliber 1003 mechanical wind movement, created by Weis and produced in Nashville, Tennessee. Find a diverse assortment of watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025There was actually more than one famous American clockmaker. Many people refer to Eli Terry as the “father of mass-produced clocks in the U.S.,” as he introduced the concept of interchangeable parts that made large-scale production possible. Another well-known name in the history of American clock-making is Seth Thomas, who founded the Seth Thomas Clock Company in 1813. Brothers Aaron and Simon Willard are also important figures in the field, having developed banjo clocks and tall case clocks, respectively. Shop a variety of antique and vintage clocks on 1stDibs.
- What do Americans call a sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024What 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A 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 ExpertNovember 13, 2024To identify Native American beadwork, first consider the materials. Indigenous American artisans often produce beads out of glass and natural materials, such as shells, bone and wood, and use metal and plastic in their pieces less frequently. Older pieces will usually be held together by sinew, while newer examples will typically feature thread. Regardless of age, Native American beadwork will typically be expertly crafted, so pieces usually have tight, even stitching with no visible gaps. Familiarizing yourself with stitching techniques used by various tribes can also be helpful. You can find images of authentic beadwork on trusted online resources to refer to as you complete the identification process. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your piece. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of textiles and garments that feature Native American beadwork.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, American Leather is real leather. The American furniture maker typically uses genuine glove leather for its upholstered pieces. Only the top 10% of hides in the world meet the company's standards. Shop a diverse assortment of American Leather furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, American Leather is good quality. Skilled artisans make every piece that bears the American furniture maker's name with precision computer-controlled systems to maximize quality while expediting the manufacturing process to allow custom-made pieces to be produced much more quickly. American Leather also uses computer systems to scan hides, ensuring that only the finest leathers are used as upholstery on its furniture. Find a variety of American leather furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Native 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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore American of Martinsville Furniture
American of Martinsville End Tables
American of Martinsville Side Tables
American of Martinsville Coffee and Cocktail Tables
American of Martinsville Dining Room Tables
American of Martinsville Carts and Bar Carts
American of Martinsville Tables
American of Martinsville Console Tables
American of Martinsville Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
American of Martinsville Seating
American of Martinsville Mirrors
American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture
American of Martinsville Night Stands