Pair American Martinsville Black Lacquered Night Stands
View Similar Items
Pair American Martinsville Black Lacquered Night Stands
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 21.75 in (55.25 cm)Width: 22.25 in (56.52 cm)Depth: 15.75 in (40.01 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches to surface.
- Seller Location:Palm Springs, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: A11421stDibs: LU93812664402
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.
- Pair Kittinger Tripod Dark Walnut End Side TablesBy Kittinger Furniture CompanyLocated in Palm Springs, CAPair of round top dark walnut/espresso lacquered finish wood side or end tables by Kittinger Furniture Company. Solid hard wood construction tables resting on center post with tripod...Category
Vintage 1950s American End Tables
MaterialsWood
- Pair of Italian 2 Tier 'Step' Brass Side or End TablesLocated in Palm Springs, CAA pair of Italian two step tier side tables with glass shelvers attached to brass legs and fittings.. The solid brass fittings and cylinder shape legs (not plated) are high quality. Legs are done in 2 tone finish, alternating matte and gloss. Very unique and hard to find tables.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian End Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Italian Brass Round Tripod Side TableLocated in Palm Springs, CAItalian tripod solid brass tripod side or end table with round glass top. The brass table has decorative unique features, and is well constructed using heavy solid brass.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Side Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Italian Rectangular 2-Tier Brass End or Side TableLocated in Palm Springs, CAItalian brass 2-tier rectangular side or occasional end table, with newer dark tinted glass insert tops. Unique design with bowed cabriole style legs. Solid heavy brass construction.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian End Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Large Italian Square End or Side TableBy MastercraftLocated in Palm Springs, CALarge scale brass 2-tier square side or occasional end table, with tinted glass mirrored edge insert top. Nice overall aged patina to brass. Qualit...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian End Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Black & Gold Greek Key Wall MirrorBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Palm Springs, CAGreat mid-century black painted wall mirror with gold Greek key detailing. The unique construction is done in a molded (hollow) fiberglass composite.Category
Vintage 1960s American Wall Mirrors
MaterialsMirror, Fiberglass
- Mid Century American of Martinsville Lacquered Night StandsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in W Allenhurst, NJBeautiful streamline nightstands. 2 drawers and cubby for ample storage. Great forward moving lines. Brass drawer pulls. Newly lacquered finish with popping white. Curbside to NYC/Ph...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- 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
- 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 - Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Lacquered Nightstands, RefinishedBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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
- 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
- American Mid-Century Restored Walnut Block Front Two Drawers Night StandsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in San Diego, CAPair of mid-century American modern walnut block front nightstands end tables, freshly refinished beautiful lines, and good looking.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsWalnut
$2,220 Sale Price20% Off
