American of Martinsville "Dania" Secretary Desk by Merton Gershun
View Similar Items
American of Martinsville "Dania" Secretary Desk by Merton Gershun
About the Item
- Creator:Merton Gershun (Designer),American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 34.5 in (87.63 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 15 in (38.1 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960-1969
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Age appropriate wear- Recently refinished- Some chips remain- minor scratches- slightly tight drawers.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 9505-1915NLce1stDibs: LU921834593302
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.
- Vintage "Dania" Dresser by Merton Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYBring home a tremendous example of authentic Mid-Century Modern furniture with this stunning dresser designed by the legendary Merton Gershun for the famed American of Martinsville f...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
$1,680 Sale Price30% Off - 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 - 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 Designed DresserBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYClassic mid-century modern dresser by American of Martinsville, designed by Merton Gershun for his 'Dania' series. Features his louvered front drawers and accenting brass hardware. R...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Coffee TableLocated in Brooklyn, NYWith rich teak woodgrain, eye-catching stone inlays, and an elegant Mid-Century design. Please confirm item location with seller (NY/NJ).Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsStone
- Merton L. Gershun Walnut Writing Desk for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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
- Midcentury Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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 L. Gershun for American of Martinsville Two Piece DresserBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Denton, TXRare two piece set with louvered drawers on each side and additional drawers inside the center doors, Satin finish on the walnut really brings out th...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
$4,800 Sale Price / set20% Off - 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
- Merton Gershun Bali Hi Dresser by American of Martinsville, ca. 1950’sBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in New York, NYChic and stylish 5 drawer dresser in bleached mahogany with decorative faux bamboo front. The chest features an architecturally inspired case, which surrounds the drawer fronts, creating a dimensional design element to the cabinet. From the sought after, and hard to find Bali Hi...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMahogany
- 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
