Pair of Mid-20th Century night chests.
View Similar Items
Pair of Mid-20th Century night chests.
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 24 in (60.96 cm)Width: 26 in (66.04 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 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:Wear consistent with age and use. Freshly ebonized.Brass grille intact.No scuffs.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: MTP1stDibs: LU129122848922
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 of Mid-20th Century Frederick Cooper Hammered Brass Table LampsBy Frederick CooperLocated in Chicago, ILPair of mid-20th century Frederick Cooper subtly hammered brass table lamps with applied brass rope tassels set upon walnut bases.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Brutalist Mid-20th Century Wire Tree Sculpture by Silva BucciLocated in Chicago, ILMid-20th Century intricate and realistic bronze tree sculpture by Silva Bucci. Bronze nameplate accompanies the sculpture.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsQuartz, Bronze
- Set of Four Bronze Artisan Made 20th Century PotsLocated in Chicago, ILThis is a set of four bronze artisan made 20th century pots. Each pot has initials inscribed on the neck .One pot has the name Legundo Gomes with a heart symbol next to it . They app...Category
20th Century Unknown Anglo-Indian Urns
MaterialsBronze
- 19th Century Japanese Tansu ChestLocated in Chicago, ILThis is a wonderful 19th century Japanese Laquer Tansu chest on a custom metal base Two drawers with metal hardware in great condition Born in ...Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMetal
- Pair Mid Twentieth Century Murano Glass Candleholders by Seguso Vetri d'arteBy Seguso Vetri d'ArteLocated in Chicago, ILA pair of Mid Twentieth Century blown Murano glass candlestick holders having gold infused in the top and the bottom of the holder. Signed Seguso Vetri d'Arte on the bottom.Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Candlesticks
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Mid-Century Mercury Glass VaseLocated in Chicago, ILThis is a Mid-Century mercury glass two handled vase probably from Mexico.Category
Vintage 1970s Mexican Spanish Colonial Vases
MaterialsMercury Glass
- Pair of French Early 20th Century Night StandsLocated in Stockbridge, GABeautiful work of marquetry, the doors are covered of leather fake books. Very different.Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Night Stands
MaterialsLeather, Rosewood
$2,260 / set - Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho American of Martinsville Nightstands - a PrBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in west palm beach, FLAdd boho charm to your bedroom with our Vintage Boho American of Martinsville Camo Olive Wood Nightstands. American-crafted as a pair by American of Martinsville, these nightstands f...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsMetal
- Pair of Mid 20th Century Modern Solid Hard Mountain Ash Night StandsLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of Mid 20th Century modern solid hard mountain ash, by A. Period Mfg. Co night stands.Category
20th Century American American Craftsman Night Stands
MaterialsBentwood
- Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night StandsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CAWith over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- AMERICAN OF MARTINSVILLE Mid 20th Century Modern Walnut Queen Size HeadboardBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Charlotte, NCA Mid 20th Century Modern queen size panel headboard by American of Martinsville. Walnut with a lighter color finish, two carved square panels, and a square carved top rail. Made in ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsWalnut
- 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
