Vintage Lacquered Nightstands by American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Vintage Lacquered Nightstands by American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)Width: 23.25 in (59.06 cm)Depth: 17.25 in (43.82 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Newly refinished.
- Seller Location:North Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU127027261023
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.
- 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
- Vintage Brutalist Mosaic Nightstands by LaneBy Lane FurnitureLocated in North Hollywood, CAStunning pair of vintage Brutalist mosaic nightstands manufactured by Lane in the United States. Each table comes with two doors and a fixed shelf in...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsOak, Lacquer, Wood
$3,295 / set - Vintage Two-Tiered Walnut and Glass Tripod TableBy Adrian PearsallLocated in North Hollywood, CAStunning vintage two-tiered walnut and glass tripod table designed and manufactured in the United States, circa 1960s. This table has a very particular design where its lines and the...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsGlass, Walnut
- Midcentury Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in North Hollywood, CAFabulous mid century walnut and lacquered dresser designed by Michael L. Gershun for American of Martinsville in the United States, circa 1960s. This credenza has been constructed from the highest quality walnut wood. Features a white lacquered box...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Vintage Burl Wood and Mirrored Nightstands by RomweberBy Romweber Furniture Co.Located in North Hollywood, CABeautiful vintage burl wood and mirrored nightstands by Romweber Furniture in the United States, circa 1970s. These nightstands have been built from the highest quality burl wood. Th...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsGlass, Maple, Burl
- Vintage Walnut Nightstands by Maurice Bailey for Monteverdi YoungBy Maurice Bailey, Monteverdi-YoungLocated in North Hollywood, CAGorgeous vintage walnut nightstands designed by Maurice Bailey for Monteverdi Young in United States, circa 1960s. Fantastic pair of nightsta...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- American of Martinsville Side End Tables Nightstands Wicker Faux BambooBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Lake Worth, FLPair of American of Martinsville Side End Tables Night Stands Wicker Faux Bamboo With lower glass shelves which are included. Approximate Measurements in Inches 24" wide x 22" h...Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsWicker, Glass, Bamboo
- Pair of Black Lacquer Asian Modern End Tables or Stands American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Buffalo, NYPair of black lacquer Asian Modern end tables or stands American of Martinsville. Asian inspired step end tables with drawer. Original black lacquer finish, gold detailing with brass...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun "Dania" End Tables by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis unique pair of louvered drawer end tables by Merton Gershun feature stylish walnut frames with painted black tops. Designed with a pair of drawers for added storage, this matchi...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsLaminate, Walnut
$1,470 Sale Price / set26% 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
- 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
On Hold$3,500 / set - American of Martinsville Mid Century Rosewood End Tables, a PairBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAmerican of Martinsville mid century rosewood end tables - A pair Each side table measures: 25 wide x 28 deep x 19 inches high Al...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsWood, Rosewood
