American of Martinsville Black Walnut Campaign Nightstand
View Similar Items
American of Martinsville Black Walnut Campaign Nightstand
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Attributed to:Merton Gershun (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Width: 26 in (66.04 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Style:Chinoiserie (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Good age appropriate used vintage condition- minor scratches/edge wear, some wear around drawer pulls.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 20181-7539NL1stDibs: LU921838378642
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.
- American of Martinsville Sculpted Walnut NightstandBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Brooklyn, NYFantastic single mid-century nightstand from the renowned furniture builders at American of Martinsville. Featuring a chunky, almost primitive design, the broad structure highlights a mesmerizing walnut grain. Two ample drawers provide plenty of bedside storage and a flat top is perfect for reading lamps...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood, Hardwood, Walnut
- American of Martinsville NightstandBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis beautiful walnut nightstand by American of Martinsville features the sturdy construction and fantastic wood grain the midcentury manufactu...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- Single Midcentury Nightstand by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYVintage-modern nightstand, features two drawers and rich walnut grain throughout. Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer.Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood
- 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 of Martinsville Bedroom SetBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYSix piece full bedroom set by American of Martinsville. All in walnut grain with bright brass trim. Finish your bedroom in one purchase! headboard: 60.25"w, 36.25"h nightstands: ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets
MaterialsWalnut
$4,320 Sale Price / set20% Off - American of Martinsville Bedside TablesBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYPair of mid-century modern end tables by American of Martinsville. All walnut grain with two drawers. Please confirm location NY or NJCategory
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut
$1,280 Sale Price / set20% Off
- Pair of American of Martinsville Walnut NightstandsBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of walnut American of Martinsville nightstands, c.1950s, USA. This Merton Gershun style set showcases Gershuns signature reeded wood detail along the bottom drawer. The two uppe...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- 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 Accord Walnut Nightstand or End Table with X’sBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Topeka, KSHandsome nightstand or end table from American of Martinsville and Merton Gershun’s Accord line of furniture with their signature X’s and asymmetric handles. It is in wonderful resto...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsAluminum
- 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
- AMERICAN OF MARTINSVILLE Blonde Walnut Asian Inspired Three-Drawer NightstandBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Charlotte, NCAn Asian inspired three-drawer nightstand by American of Martinsville. Walnut with a light blonde finish, smooth top, brass hardware, black painted slightly raised base on four legs ...Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Urban Suburban NightstandBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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