American of Martinsville Accord Walnut and Cane King-Size Headboard
View Similar Items
American of Martinsville Accord Walnut and Cane King-Size Headboard
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 35.25 in (89.54 cm)Width: 79 in (200.66 cm)Depth: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1958312235731
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.
- Broyhill Emphasis Queen Size Walnut HeadboardBy BroyhillLocated in Miami, FLA vintage Mid-Century Modern queen size walnut bed dating from the 1960s manufactured by Broyhill for their Emphasis collection. The sculptural bed fram...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsWalnut
$942 Sale Price35% Off - White Lacquer, Walnut and Brass Mid-Century CabinetBy Davis Cabinet CompanyLocated in Miami, FLA solid walnut off-white lacquered Mid-Century Modern small credenza or oversized night stand made by the Davis Cabinet Co. of Nashville, Tennessee. The light ivory or cameo white commode...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Walnut Triple Dresser and Mirror Mid-Century Bedroom Set by Stanley FurnitureBy Distinctive Furniture By StanleyLocated in Miami, FLMid-Century Modern bedroom set including a walnut and brass triple dresser and mirror by Stanley Furniture. The vintage credenza features 9 drawers, recessed black hardware with bras...Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Midcentury Stanley Walnut and Brass Cane MirrorBy Distinctive Furniture By StanleyLocated in Miami, FLMid-Century Modern walnut mirror by Stanley Furniture. The vintage rectangular mirror features a solid walnut frame with a panel of brass toned cane style decoration. A stylish addit...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsWalnut
- Louis XV Carved Wood and Cane BenchLocated in Miami, FLFrench Provincial Louis XV Style hand-crafted carved wood and cane bench. The natural wood frame is hand-carved and features shell details and 6 cabriole legs joined by shaped stretc...Category
20th Century Spanish French Provincial Benches
MaterialsCane, Wood
- McCobb Walnut and Brass Burnt Orange Sectional SofaBy Directional, Paul McCobbLocated in Miami, FLAll original Paul McCobb walnut and brass two piece sectional sofa from the designer's coveted Directional collection. The rare Mid-Century Modern set features: a model 5006-L left arm sofa; a model 5004-R right arm loveseat; set-in arm detail; original burnt orange wool fabric; walnut legs; brass stretchers. 100% original condition. The perfect seating arrangement to accent any decor! The couch measures approximately 77.5 in (196.85 cm) W x 34.5 in (87.63 cm) D x 32.5 in (82.55 cm) H. The settee measures approximately 51.5 in (130.81 cm) W x 34.5 in (87.63 cm) D x 32.5 in (82.55 cm) H. The two pieces can also be used together to create one long sofa measuring 129.75 inches (329.56 cm). The dimensions listed under Item Details are if the two pieces are used as a sectional with a square corner table...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsBrass
- AMERICAN OF MARTINSVILLE Blonde Walnut & Cane Asian Oversized King HeadboardBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Charlotte, NCAn Asian inspired oversized king headboard by American of Martinsville. Walnut with a light blonde finish, three decoratively carved panels inset with cane divided by two solid panel...Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsCane, Walnut
- American of Martinsville Midcentury Walnut Full HeadboardBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAmerican of Martinsville midcentury Walnut Full Headboard This headboard measures: 57 wide x 3 deep x 32.25 inches high All ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsWalnut
- American of Martinsville Accord Walnut Nightstand or End Table with X’sBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Topeka, KSHandsome nightstand or end table from American of Martinsville and Merton Gershun’s Accord line of furniture with their signature X’s and asymmetric handles. It is in wonderful resto...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsAluminum
- AMERICAN OF MARTINSVILLE Mid 20th Century Modern Walnut Queen Size HeadboardBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Charlotte, NCA Mid 20th Century Modern queen size panel headboard by American of Martinsville. Walnut with a lighter color finish, two carved square panels, and a square carved top rail. Made in ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut Headboard by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Toledo, OHWalnut mid-century modern American of Martinsville headboard with angular pattern panels. Great condition. Part of a 4-piece set. 61" wide x 36" high. Frame included.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsWalnut
- Walnut Queen Sized Headboard by American of MartinsvilleBy Merton GershunLocated in Cincinnati, OHA beautifully grained walnut queen sized headboard with nice wood inter trim detail to the headboard , attaches to your excising mattress frame . Manufa...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsWalnut