Pair of Three-Tiered Side Tables by Merton Gershun
View Similar Items
Pair of Three-Tiered Side Tables by Merton Gershun
About the Item
- Creator:Merton Gershun (Designer),American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 22 in (55.88 cm)Width: 25 in (63.5 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960's
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Little Rock, AR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU86761180202
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.
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X Inlaid Walnut Side EndBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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
- Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut End TableBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Wilmington, DEOffered is a walnut end table designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville. Features one drawer with a brass pull and the iconic x-shaped brushed aluminium inlaid detai...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun "Dania" End Tables by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis unique pair of louvered drawer end tables by Merton Gershun feature stylish walnut frames with painted black tops. Designed with a pair of drawers for added storage, this matchi...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsLaminate, Walnut
$1,470 Sale Price / set26% Off - American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Step End Tables by Merton Gershun - a PairBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Charleston, SCFrom the 1950s "Dania" collection by Merton Gershum, who was a prolific designer of furniture lines for American of Martinsville in Virginia. Clean lines, accessible value and richer stain colors made this line one of the best selling in the world at the time, This pair of nightstands has the classic louvered doors of the line with black formica table...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsFormica, Walnut
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Lacquered Nightstands, RefinishedBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Nightstands, PairBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid-century walnut nightstands - pair. Each nightstand measures: 22 wide x 17 deep x 25.25 inches high. All pieces of furniture can ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
