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.
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stands
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stands
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With 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 incorporated with many interior decors. Enjoy! 😁 This pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands embodies a clean, architectural simplicity that feels both timeless and functional. Crafted in walnut, each piece features two smoothly integrated drawers, offering practical storage while maintaining a minimal, uncluttered façade. Subtle details—like the exposed dovetail joinery and softly tapered legs—speak to the craftsmanship behind their construction without overwhelming the design. The proportions are thoughtfully balanced, giving them a light, elevated presence that works beautifully in both modern and classic interiors. Expertly refinished, the wood has been restored to a rich, even tone, highlighting the natural grain and ensuring a clean, cohesive presentation throughout. Fun Historical Fact Nightstands as we know them today became widely popular during the mid-20th century, as homes shifted toward more casual, functional living spaces. Designers began simplifying forms, moving away from ornate bedroom furniture...
Walnut
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid Century Modern 3-Drawer Night Stands
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Brass, Steel
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Night Stands w/ Cane Pulls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativi...
Cane, Walnut
Newly Refinished - Single Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stands
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stands
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Steel
Pair of American of Martinsville Walnut 2-Drawer Nightstands or End Tables 1960s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Probably designed by Merton Gershun, this pair of nightstands features a minimalist, almost brutalist look, with a rectangular body, and squared off drawers. The look is softened by ...
Wood, Walnut
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stands by Ace-Hi
By ACE-HI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17...
Steel
Mid Century Rosewood Bedside Cabinets with Three Drawers, Germany, c. 1960
Located in Berlin, DE
Mid-century nightstands with three drawers in rosewood veneer and chrome-plated metal. Germany, ca. 1960.
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Walnut Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of vintage American made end tables with two drawer storage. Simple mid-century design with metal handles and tapered legs. Great for bedside or living room use. Please confirm ...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Three Drawer Walnut Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Enhance your bedroom with this pair of mid-century modern walnut nightstands, a perfect combination of refined design and everyday functionality. Crafted from richly grained walnut, ...
Wood, Walnut
Stylish Pair of American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands Mid-Century Modern
By American of Martinsville
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Great looking pair of American of Martinsville walnut nightstands. These stylish nightstands have a great flip down door opening to reveal a nice open space with on small drawer. The...
Brass
