Merton L. Gershun Walnut Writing Desk for American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer),Merton Gershun (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 47 in (119.38 cm)Depth: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Refinished. Newly Refinished. by Danish Modern LA’s Restoration Studio.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU971124943762
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: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Expertly Restored - American of Martinsville 9-Drawers Walnut DresserBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CAAmerican of Martinsville 9-drawers walnut dresser. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern fur...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood, Walnut
- Expertly Restored - American Modern Studio Craft Sculpted Walnut Executive DeskLocated in Los Angeles, CAAmerican Modern Studio Craft sculpted walnut executive desk. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsWood, Walnut
- Albert Parvin Diamond Door Night Stands for American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CATransforming 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 years of artisanal exper...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- California Studio Sculpted Walnut Executive Desk by Anthony KhanBy Anthony KahnLocated in Los Angeles, CATransforming 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 years of artisanal exper...Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsEbony, Walnut
- Expertly Restored - American of Martinsville Night Stands with Brass AccentsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CAAmerican of Martinsville night stands with brass accents. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history bac...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Nightstands by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CAMid-Century Modern nightstands by American of Martinsville. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history b...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsLaminate, Walnut
- Midcentury Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
- Merton Gershun Gentleman's Chest for American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYIconic highchest from the Dania series by Merton Gershun, for American of Martinsville. Features include rich walnut grain, louvered drawers, signature brass accents, and articulated...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun Designed Dresser for American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYMerton Gershun designed dresser for his 'Dania' line with American of Martinsville. Beautiful walnut wood grain throughout with inlaid flourishes around the sculpted handles. Louvere...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Brass Buffet HutchBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century walnut and brass buffet with hutch The buffet and hutch measure: 48 wide x 15.75 deep x 60.25 inches high All pieces of ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Buffets
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Walnut Credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut 6 Drawer Lowboy DresserBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 54 wide x 19 deep x 30.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsMetal
