Vintage American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands with Leather & Brass Accents
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 23 in (58.42 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 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:1960
- Condition:Refinished. These nightstands have been fully restored and refinished.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Mid-Century Modern Nightstands by American of Martinsville: Elegance RestoredBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CAStep into the world of mid-century modern design with our beautifully restored pair of nightstands by American of Martinsville. Crafted from high-quality mahogany, these bedside tables have been meticulously brought back to life, showcasing an elegant ebonized color, complemented by a sleek lacquer finish. Each nightstand features two spacious drawers, accented with original chrome pull handle knobs...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsChrome
- Refined Vintage 1960s Walnut Nightstands: Mid-Century Modern Elegance RestoredLocated in Los Angeles, CAIntroducing our meticulously restored Pair of Vintage 1960s Nightstands, skillfully hand-crafted from premium walnut wood. In exceptional condition, these mid-century modern nightsta...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- 1980s-Inspired Mid-Century Modern Nightstands: Vintage Elegance RedefinedLocated in Los Angeles, CADiscover the allure of vintage elegance with our classic Mid-Century Modern nightstands, a pair that beautifully embodies the sophisticated design ethos of the 1980s. Expertly handcr...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood, Oak, Lacquer
- Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Nightstands: Timeless Elegance Meets FunctionLocated in Los Angeles, CAStep back in time with this stunning pair of mid-century modern nightstands from the 1970s, a period renowned for its iconic designs and unparalleled craftsmanship. Perfectly restored to their original glory by our expert in-house team, these nightstands boast a captivating brown finish, seamlessly blending with contemporary and traditional settings alike. Each bedside table is thoughtfully designed with two spacious drawers, adorned with round pull knobs, offering ample storage while maintaining a sleek profile. The standout feature, however, is the flat molding metal frames on the sides, complemented by robust black metal pedestal...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsMetal, Steel
- Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Nightstands: Elegance & CraftsmanshipLocated in Los Angeles, CAImmerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty and craftsmanship of our Mid-Century Modern nightstands, expertly handcrafted from exquisite walnut wood. Our skilled craftsmen have resto...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Restored Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman Nightstands: A Vintage Walnut WonderLocated in Los Angeles, CAIntroducing a pair of iconic Mid-Century Modern Brown Saltman nightstands, meticulously restored to radiate their vintage charm. Crafted with precision from rich walnut wood, these ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood, Mahogany, Walnut, Lacquer
- 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
- 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
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Lacquered Nightstands, RefinishedBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern black lacquered nightstands By Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville USA, 1950s Black ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsMahogany, Lacquer
- 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
- 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
- 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
