Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Ebonized Credenza
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer),Merton Gershun (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 50 in (127 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Unknown
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Countryside, IL
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Countryside, IL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Lowboy DresserBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 62 wide x 18.5 deep x 31 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsMetal
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Full Size HeadboardBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century full size headboard This headboard measures 55 wide x 2 deep x 31.5 inches hig...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsWood
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Style Mid Century Blonde Dining TablBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville style mid century blonde dining table The table measures: 56 wide x 34 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 25 inches All pie...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsWood
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X Inlaid Coffee Table orBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X inlaid coffee table or bench This table measures: 54 wide x 20.5 deep x 14.25 high All pieces of furniture can be had ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Center Tables
MaterialsWood
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X Inlaid Walnut Side EndBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century X inlaid walnut side end table End table measures: 20 wide x 27 deep x 19 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had i...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsChrome
- 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
- Mid-Century Walnut Credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in North Hollywood, CAAmazing mid-century modern walnut credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville and manufactured in the United States, circa 1960s. This piece showcases the perfect blen...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- 1960s Mid Century Dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in North Hollywood, CAMid-century walnut dresser designed by Merton L. Gershun and manufactured by American of Martinville. This dresser features a walnut frame with three spacious dovetail drawers on the...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville Two Piece DresserBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Denton, TXRare two piece set with louvered drawers on each side and additional drawers inside the center doors, Satin finish on the walnut really brings out th...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern Bubble Glass Cabinet Merton Gershun American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Buffalo, NYSeldom seen modernist server with stunning Bubble glass top designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Featuring three generous storage to bottom, three drawers, one being silverware drawer and two door top display locking...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- 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
- American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Bali-Hi Dresser, ca. 1950’sBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in New York, NYChic, sophisticated and stylish Bali Hi dresser, designed by Merton Gurshun for American of Martinsville. The dresser has six deep drawers each having faux bam...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsMahogany
