Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut and Brass Buffet Hutch
View Similar Items
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut and Brass Buffet Hutch
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer),Merton Gershun (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 60.25 in (153.04 cm)Width: 48 in (121.92 cm)Length: 60.25 in (153.04 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:Seller: 2022-07261stDibs: LU5408227708612
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 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
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut and Brass China CabinetBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Brass China Cabinet This china cabinet measures: 50 wide x 18 deep x 57.75 inches high All pieces of furniture ca...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Buffets
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut and Cane Bookcase HutchBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Cane Bookcase Hutch This bookcase hutch measures: 40.5 wide x 15.5 deep x 60.25 inches high All pieces of furnitu...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsChrome
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Brass 5 Drawer HighboyBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Brass 5 Drawer Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 34 wide x 18.5 deep x 44.75 inches high All pieces of furni...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Nightstands, PairBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Square Coffee TableBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century walnut square coffee table The table measures: 31 wide x 31 deep x 16 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun - American of Martinsville Long & Short Louvered Walnut CabinetsBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Philadelphia, PAThis stylish and cool set of Mid Century Modern dressers were designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Featuring one large dresser and a small one, they each feature ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass, Enamel
- Classic Mid-Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Buffalo, NYStunning walnut Modernist dresser designed by Merton Gershun ,,manufactured by American Of Martinsville. Classic aluminum x's and asymetrical pulls. Beautiful original condition. Han...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsAluminum
- Classic Mid Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Buffalo, NYStunning walnut modernist dresser designed by Merton Gershun, manufactured by American Of Martinsville. Classic aluminum x's and asymetrical pulls, minor stain to (see photo). Hand d...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsAluminum
- 1960’s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century China CabinetBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Los Angeles, CADesigned by Merton Gershun for the “Dania” line featuring display on the upper left with glass sliding doors and open shelving on the top right. The bottom portion features a wide cabinet and column of four sculpted louvered slatted facade drawers. The first drawer in the column is felt lined and divided for storing silverware. Solid walnut Danish style legs lend support with detailed brass caps add subtle, sophistication. This piece doubles as a shelving / china hutch and server...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Merton L. Gershun Walnut Writing Desk for American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CAMerton L. Gershun walnut writing desk for American of Martinsville. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing h...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern Bubble Glass Cabinet Merton Gershun American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
