Mid Century Wall Unit Cabinet Bar by Merton Gershun American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Mid Century Wall Unit Cabinet Bar by Merton Gershun American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:Merton Gershun (Designer),American of Martinsville (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 50 in (127 cm)Width: 58 in (147.32 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Good original vintage condition. 2 glass doors included.
- Seller Location:BROOKLYN, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1793228040002
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.
- Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 5 Drawer Tall Dresser Blonde MapleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in BROOKLYN, NYMid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 5 drawer high tall dresser. A Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Urban Suburban dresser. All Original Vintage condition - Blonde ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Low Dresser Blonde MapleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in BROOKLYN, NYMid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 6 drawer low dresser or credenza. A Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Urban Suburban dresser. All Original Vintage condition - B...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Cabinet in Birch SwedenBy Averskogs Industrier, Alvar AaltoLocated in BROOKLYN, NYMid-century chest of drawers featuring four shelves of equal proportions on sled base. Beautiful finger joints and brass screw details with original patina. Very solid handsome piece that would pair well with Mccobb, Eames, or Aalto designs. Matching bookcase...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Mid century modern walnut chrome style of Knoll credenza cabinetBy George Nelson, John Stuart, Florence KnollLocated in BROOKLYN, NYMid century modern walnut chrome style of Florence Knoll or George Nelson Thin Edge credenza/cabinet. It is a 75” long walnut credenza...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsChrome
$2,700 Sale Price40% Off - Mid-Century Modern Maison Rougier Pair of Red Mirror Cabinets or NightstandsBy Maison RougierLocated in BROOKLYN, NYMid-Century Modern Maison Rougier pair of red with gold mirror cabinets or nightstands. Very cool design circa 1980s Both doors open forward with...Category
Vintage 1980s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsMirror, Wood
- Mid Century Danish Modern Tall Narrow Cabinet with 5 drawers by Aksel KjersgaardBy Aksel KjersgaardLocated in BROOKLYN, NYMid Century Danish Modern Tall Narrow Cabinet by Aksel Kjersgaard Odder. This 2-piece standing storage unit contains 5 slide pull drawers be...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBirch
- 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
- 1960’s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century China CabinetBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
- 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
- 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
- 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