Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut Louvered Credenza Cabinet Dresser
View Similar Items
Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut Louvered Credenza Cabinet Dresser
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32.5 in (82.55 cm)Width: 65 in (165.1 cm)Depth: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Small surface spots.
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: 1544268507451stDibs: LU934123535122
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.
- John Stuart Casalinda Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza Triple DresserBy John StuartLocated in Philadelphia, PAJohn Stuart Casalinda Collection for Mt Airy Furniture Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza Cabinet Triple Dresser. Item features 9 dovetailed drawers, brass pulls, nice clean ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Johnson Carper Mid-Century Modern 9 Drawer Walnut Laminate Credenza Long DresserLocated in Philadelphia, PAJohnson Carper Mid-Century Modern 9 drawer walnut laminate credenza long dresser. Item features formica top, beautiful wood grain, original label, 9 dove...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsNaugahyde, Lucite
- Antique Maple Wood American Empire Tall Chest Washstand Dresser CabinetLocated in Philadelphia, PAAntique maple wood American Empire tall chest washstand dresser. Item features bun feet, panel back and sides, backsplash, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, 1 swing door, no key, but unlocked, 5 dovetailed drawers, very nice antique item, quality American craftsmanship. Possibly by Flint...Category
Early 20th Century North American Dressers
MaterialsLeather, Oak
- Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Tall Chest Dresser Armoire CabinetLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut tall chest dresser armoire cabinet. Item includes sculpted wood pulls, beautiful wood grain, 2 swing doors, 5 dovetailed drawers, clean mo...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid Century Modern Danish Walnut Curved Top Gentleman Tall Chest Dresser CabinetLocated in Philadelphia, PASuperb vintage midcentury American modern walnut chest. Original owners had dresser professionally refinished inside and out with custom angled glass top added. Item features two scu...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut, Wood
- Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Maple & Mahogany Dresser Chest CredenzaBy Tommi ParzingerLocated in Philadelphia, PARare Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Maple and Mahogany Inlaid Dresser / Credenza. Item features six dovetail constructed drawers, mahogany plinth, brass P...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsMahogany, Maple
- Merton Gershun Designed Dresser for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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 Designed Dresser w/ Louvered FrontBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Brooklyn, NYStunning mid-century design by Merton Gershun for Martinsville. Long walnut dresser with louvered front drawers, brass trim, and hidden drawers in the middle. Please confirm location...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- 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 for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut 6 Drawer Lowboy DresserBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut and Brass Lowboy DresserBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut and Brass Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 19 deep x 30.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what w...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
