Pair of American of Martinsville Mid century Modern Endtables Nightstands
View Similar Items
Pair of American of Martinsville Mid century Modern Endtables Nightstands
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Hopewell, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU91981359952
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.
- Elegant Pair of Maitland-Smith Tessellated Stone End Tables NightstandsBy Maitland SmithLocated in Hopewell, NJTwo elegant beautifully crafted tessellated stone veneer end tables or night stands, one is a round drum shape trimmed with a brass ring at the base (measures H 25 diameter 19); the ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Night Stands
MaterialsStone
- Handsome Pair of Mid-Century Modern Rattan and Smoky Glass End TablesLocated in Hopewell, NJHandsome pair of two tier rich brown rattan end tables having smoky glass tops. Bases are 24.75 w 21.75 d 21 h.Category
Vintage 1970s American Organic Modern End Tables
MaterialsRattan, Smoked Glass
- Clever Pair of Mid-Century Modern End Tables with Hidden Collapsible Tea TablesLocated in Hopewell, NJVery versatile and ingeniously designed pair of mahogany Mid-Century Modern end tables with Danish modern Silhouette, having what looks like three drawers, but in actuality each has ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsMahogany
$3,040 Sale Price20% Off - Pair of French Vintage Two-Drawer Nightstands ChestsLocated in Hopewell, NJSubstantial in size with great deep drawers, solid pegged construction. Bronze original hardware including a central medallion.Category
Vintage 1940s French Night Stands
MaterialsWood
- French Pair of Neoclassical Style Painted Wood NightstandsLocated in Hopewell, NJA French pair of neoclassical painted wood nightstands, bedside tables or side chests with original gold gilt and grayish ivory paint. Each has lovely original marble tops, which re...Category
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Night Stands
MaterialsMarble
- Chic Pair of White Lacquered Nightstands or End Tables with Chinese Style FeetLocated in Hopewell, NJHandsome pair of white laquered bedside tables with smooth contrasting top and wonderful shaped feet in the traditional Chinese style. The clean lines and single drawer with nickel ...Category
2010s American Modern End Tables
MaterialsWood
- Mid-Century Modern Nightstands by American of Martinsville, a PairBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYStylish pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands manufactured by American of Martinsville. Well-built frame with walnut veneer exterior. A nice addition to any modern interior. Please ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- 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 Nightstand from Dania Series by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Freehold, NJThis Mid-Century Modern nightstand from the Dania series by American of Martinsville features hardwood construction, walnut veneer with original finish, drop front with white lacquer...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Vintage Lacquered Nightstands by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in North Hollywood, CAPair of beautiful lacquered nightstands designed and manufactured by American of Martinsville in the United States, circa 1950s. These lovely nightstands are professionally restored ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of Mid Century Modern Nightstands by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Freehold, NJThis pair of mid century modern nightstands by American of Martinsville feature hardwood construction, gray painted finish, dovetailed drawer with brass accented hardware, slat open shelving below, white lacquer top, and tall tapered legs. Complimentary highboy dresser coming soon. Dimensions: 20w 16.5d 19.5h Condition: Original gray paint is in fair condition. There is some discoloration to the white lacquer tops. These pieces are sturdy and solid nightstands...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood, Lacquer, Paint
- Pair of American of Martinsville Lacquered Nightstands, Mid-Century ModernBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Pemberton, NJHandsome pair of American of Martinsville black lacquered nightstands with round white ceramic pulls. We love the interesting shape of t...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood
