American of Martinsville Coffee Table
View Similar Items
American of Martinsville Coffee Table
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)Width: 66 in (167.64 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 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:Highland, IN
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU909117768112
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.
- Greta Grossman Rosewood Coffee TableBy Glenn of California, Greta Magnusson GrossmanLocated in Highland, INThis stunning and rare Greta Grossman coffee table by Glenn of California has a beautiful rosewood top supported by six sculptural legs.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMahogany, Rosewood
- Gio Ponti Travertine Coffee TableBy M. Singer & Sons, Gio PontiLocated in Highland, INSublime mid-century Italian design at its best, this coffee table by Gio Ponti by Singer & Son features a stunning piece of travertine marble supported by an Italian walnut base with...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsTravertine
- Milo Baughman Glass Top Coffee TableBy Milo Baughman, Thayer CogginLocated in Highland, INThis Milo Baughman coffee table by Thayer Coggin features a cylindrical base of lacquered wood in a warm, putty colored gray with a large 54" round top. It was custom made to serve i...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsGlass, Wood
- Heywood Wakefield M1585 Coffee TableBy Heywood-Wakefield Co.Located in Highland, INThis rare Heywood Wakefield model M1585 coffee table is not just a very uncommon and beautiful form, it is in fantastic original condition including its champaign finish. The design ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMaple
- Lucite "Cityscape" Coffee TableLocated in Highland, INWe have nicknamed this elaborate coffee table the "cityscape" table as the base features 18 rectangular forms of varying heights in a compelling arrangement that hearkens to a cluste...Category
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsGlass, Lucite
- Mid-century Brass Leg Coffee TableBy Milo BaughmanLocated in Highland, INThis handsome and versatile minimalist design has four brass legs which attach via pressure to a glass top. They can be configured different ways: in the corners, in the center of ea...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Square Coffee TableBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century walnut square coffee table The table measures: 31 wide x 31 deep x 16 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table with Tile InlayBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis uniquely long mid century table features white tile inserts complimented by decorative brass star-shaped inlays. Quality walnut cons...Category
Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Coffee Table by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in San Jose, CAVintage low storage coffee table in mahogany manufactured by American of Martinsville, circa 1960's. Features a natural warm wood grain pattern accented wi...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Coffee Table Walnut Mid Century ModBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Keego Harbor, MIThe Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Coffee Table in Walnut is a quintessential piece of mid-century modern design. Crafted with the finest walnut wood, this coffee table ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Coffee TableLocated in Brooklyn, NYWith rich teak woodgrain, eye-catching stone inlays, and an elegant Mid-Century design. Please confirm item location with seller (NY/NJ).Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsStone
- American Of Martinsville Console Coffee Table Media CabinetBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis versatile, multi-purpose, ebonized walnut and brass piece designed by Merton Gershon for American Of Martinsville works in many capacities. It is finished on 3 sides to go up ag...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
MaterialsBrass
