American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands
View Similar Items
American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 22.75 in (57.79 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1962
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Probably refinished in last 10 years, minor veneer damage as seen in photo along drawer edge.
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU843033356392
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.
- Strata by Unagusta Concave Front Walnut 2 Drawer NightstandBy UnagustaLocated in Philadelphia, PAStrata by Unagusta 2 Drawer Walnut Concave Nightstand. Unusual Design, 17.25 deep on ends and 16" deep in the center. Drawer Fronts have a carved vertical cut design. Top has been...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- Severin Hansen Teak Night StandsBy Severin Hansen Jr.Located in Philadelphia, PASeverin Hansen Pair of Teak Night Tables with Caned shelfs. Very nice condition, tops have been refinished and tables cleaned and oiled. Caning in very ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Night Stands
MaterialsCane, Teak
$3,950 Sale Price / set39% Off - Walnut Credenza or Buffet in the Style of KnollBy KnollLocated in Philadelphia, PAWalnut Credenza or Buffet that sits up on a square iron black base. Two doors and 4 drawers for plenty of storage! Unique system of connecting cabinets together to create the confi...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMetal, Chrome
- Tony Paul Style Pair of Walnut and Iron End TablesBy Tony PaulLocated in Philadelphia, PAPair of Tony Paul Iron and Walnut Side Tables. New Walnut shelves just made! Great useful design with a 1950's vibe! Matching Coffee Table available in a separate listing.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsIron
- Black and White Photo of African American Mother and ChildrenLocated in Philadelphia, PABlack and White photo of African American Mother and Children Glossy Paper mounted on Foam Core Overall size = 18" x 24" Image size = 12" ...Category
20th Century American Modern Photography
MaterialsPaper
$177 Sale Price40% Off - American Mahogany Partner's DeskLocated in Philadelphia, PABeautiful Mahogany Partner's Desk with glass knobs. Top refinished and everything else cleaned and ready to go! Two wide drawers per each side with smaller drawers below. Beautiful c...Category
Antique 1880s American Empire Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany
$4,650 Sale Price38% 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 Sculpted Walnut NightstandBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Brooklyn, NYFantastic single mid-century nightstand from the renowned furniture builders at American of Martinsville. Featuring a chunky, almost primitive design, the broad structure highlights a mesmerizing walnut grain. Two ample drawers provide plenty of bedside storage and a flat top is perfect for reading lamps...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood, Hardwood, Walnut
- American of Martinsville NightstandBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis beautiful walnut nightstand by American of Martinsville features the sturdy construction and fantastic wood grain the midcentury manufactu...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- American of Martinsville Black Walnut Campaign NightstandBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Brooklyn, NYTerrifically unique single nightstand from the renowned craftsmen of Virginia's American of Martinsville. Featuring a black walnut finish, brass accents, and a blend of English Campa...Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Night Stands
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Pair of American of Martinsville NightstandsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of oak American of Martinsville night stands, c.1950s, USA. This minimal design features black laminate surface, two drawers with curved brass drawer pulls and an open shelf bet...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
$3,500 / set - 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
