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: 24.75 in (62.87 cm)Width: 23.25 in (59.06 cm)Depth: 17.25 in (43.82 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Hollywood Regency (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Newly refinished.
- Seller Location:North Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU127022376132
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 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 Monteverdi-Young, Maurice BaileyLocated 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
- Midcentury Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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
- Glenn of California Walnut Nightstands by Milo BaughmanBy Glenn of California, Milo BaughmanLocated in North Hollywood, CAAmazing vintage walnut nightstands/end tables by Milo Baughman for Glenn of California in the United States, circa 1960s. These nightstands have a minimalist but highly functional de...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsAluminum
- American of Martinsville Midcentury Walnut NightstandBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAmerican of Martinsville midcentury Walnut Nightstand This nightstand measures: 30 wide x 16.25 deep x 19 inches high All pi...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- American of Martinsville Mid-Century NightstandBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAmerican of Martinsville mid-century nightstand. This nightstand measures: 23 wide x 16.25 deep x 22.25 inches high. All pieces of furnit...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood
- American of Martinsville Fruitwood Bedside Table NightstandsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Germantown, MDAmerican of Martinsville Mid-Century Italian style bedside tables. Measures 24" in width X 18" in depth X 24" in height.Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsFruitwood
$1,421 Sale Price25% Off - Albert Parvin for American of Martinsville Mid Century NightstandBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILAlbert Parvin for American of Martinsville mid century nightstand This nightstand measures: 21 wide x 16 deep x 22.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we c...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Urban Suburban NightstandBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century urban suburban nightstand This nightstand measures: 22 wide x 17 deep x 22 inches high All...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- American of Martinsville Asian Inspired Large Square Side Table or NightstandBy American of Martinsville, James MontLocated in Doylestown, PAFabulous vintage Asian inspired square walnut side table or nightstand by American of Martinsville. This handsome table features a modern, clean silhouette with a lacquered, ebonize...Category
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsBrass