Pair of 1950s Ebonized Nightstands by American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Pair of 1950s Ebonized Nightstands by American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 24.75 in (62.87 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)Depth: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. recently restored.
- Seller Location:Denton, TX
- Reference Number:Seller: KMD00420181stDibs: LU2538310735743
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.
- Jay Spectre NightstandsBy Jay SpectreLocated in Denton, TXJay Spectre for Century Furniture oak and stainless steel nightstands.Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsSteel
$4,500 / set - Danish Modern End Tables by Gangsø MøblerBy Gangsø MøblerLocated in Denton, TXSolid birch with stainless steel accents and frosted glass side tables.Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern End Tables
MaterialsMetal
$1,500 / set - Louis XVI Style Three-Tiered Table by F. BlondeauLocated in Denton, TXThis antique table could be used as a nightstand or plant stand Solid mahogany with bronze ormolu mounts and white marble top.Category
Antique 19th Century French Belle Époque End Tables
MaterialsBronze
- Pencil Reed Circular Night StandsLocated in Denton, TXRound swivel tables with circular pencil reed design. The open well makes for easy access and storage.Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsRattan, Reed, Wood
Sold$3,500 - Drexel Heritage Burl NighstandsBy DrexelLocated in Denton, TXWalnut with sculpted grain and black lacquer accents make these nightstands very dramatic. With storage below and a drink shelf for nightcaps. The drink sh...Category
20th Century Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
$2,000 / set - Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville Two Piece DresserBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Denton, TXRare two piece set with louvered drawers on each side and additional drawers inside the center doors, Satin finish on the walnut really brings out th...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
$4,800 Sale Price / set20% Off
- 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 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
- 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
- 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 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
$880 Sale Price20% Off - 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
