American Of Martinsville Console Coffee Table Media Cabinet
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 12.75 in (32.39 cm)Width: 54.25 in (137.8 cm)Depth: 18.75 in (47.63 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950's
- Condition:Refinished. Refinished condition.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1560236661322
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: Brooklyn, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- American of Martinsville Ebonized Ash Stepped Side TableBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYMid-Century Modern, ebonized ash, stepped side table by American of Martinsville features a lower tier with steel inlay at 16.5 inches height.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsSteel
- American of Martinsville Bamboo Motif Mahogany VanityBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYOutstanding, Mid-Century Modern, mahogany vanity by American of Martinsville features 4, recessed, "wormhole" bamboo motif drawers framed in a contrasting ebonized finish with a 3 in...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vanities
MaterialsMirror, Mahogany
- Mid Century Modern Tiered Side Table By Merton Gershun, American Of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Brooklyn, NYSleek and sculptural, mid-century modern, walnut side table designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville features slanted, tapered legs that support three tiers perfect fo...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsAluminum
- Paul Frankl Cork and Ebonized Oak Console TableBy Johnson Furniture Company, Paul FranklLocated in Brooklyn, NYMinimal, Paul Frankl model 5008 console table for Johnson Furniture Company features a natural beige cork top with folded ebonized oak legs.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
MaterialsOak, Cork
- Industrial Brushed Steel Work Bench TableLocated in Brooklyn, NYBrushed steel, Industrial work bench tables with storage drawer.Category
Vintage 1940s American Industrial Console Tables
MaterialsSteel
- Industrial Adjustable Drafting Spring Stools by American Cabinet Co.By American Cabinet CompanyLocated in Brooklyn, NYIndustrial drafting stool designed by Charles E. Miller for American Cabinet Co. features an adjustable height, steel, spring suspension base with ori...Category
Early 20th Century North American Industrial Stools
MaterialsSteel
- 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
- Unique Wood Server by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYDelightful burl and wood bar server made by American of Martinsville. Lovely server because not only is it great looking and stylish but it has tons of storage options. Two pull out ...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Serving Tables
MaterialsBurl
- American of Martinsville End TableBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Medina, OHBeautiful refinished American of Martinsville end table with a gorgeous and unique top!Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsWood
- Design Institute of America Console TableBy Design Institute AmericaLocated in Brooklyn, NYAn elegant vintage modern maroon colored console table with unique brass drawer pulls and sculpted feet. The three hefty drawers ensure plenty of...Category
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Console 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