Walnut Sideboard by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Walnut Sideboard by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:Merton Gershun (Designer),American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 60 in (152.4 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:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Expertly refinished.
- Seller Location:Dorchester, MA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU83782198052
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.
- Walnut Sideboard with Cane Doors by Merton Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Dorchester, MAFrom the Accord collection by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, this mid-century modern sideboard features a walnut case on a plinth base with signature inset aluminum Xs ...Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsAluminum
- Rosewood Sideboard by Henry Rosengren Hansen for NC MøblerBy Henry Rosengren Hansen, NC MöblerLocated in Dorchester, MAHenry Rosengren Hansen designed this striking rosewood sideboard for NC Møbler. It offers a substantial amount of storage. Its four doors, with graphic inset...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards
MaterialsRosewood
- Mahogany Rungstedlund Sideboard by Ole Wanscher for Poul JeppesenBy Ole WanscherLocated in Dorchester, MAOle Wanscher designed this modern, clean-lined sideboard as part of his Rungstedlund series for Poul Jeppesen in the 1960s. Constructed of a rich stained mahogany, the raised case fe...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards
MaterialsBrass
- Teak Sideboard, Model 20, by Hans Wegner for Ry MøblerBy Ry Møbler, Hans J. WegnerLocated in Dorchester, MADesigned by Hans Wegner for Ry Møbler, this double sideboard exemplifies Danish Modernism. Solidly constructed of oiled teak, the piece featu...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards
MaterialsTeak
- Brass-Trimmed Amboyna Burl Sideboard by MastercraftBy MastercraftLocated in Dorchester, MAMastercraft constructed this stunning sideboard, attributed to William Doezema. The honey-toned amboyna burl wood case features four brass-welted doors accented by large brass chinoi...Category
Vintage 1970s American Sideboards
MaterialsBrass
- Three-Door Mahogany Cabinet by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for WiddicombBy T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.Located in Dorchester, MAT.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb designed this mahogany cabinet with a minimal, clean-lined aesthetic. Three doors conceal six spacious drawers and, on the right, open storage wi...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsMahogany
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Brass Buffet HutchBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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 Mid Century Ebonized CredenzaBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century ebonized credenza The credenza measures: 50 wide x 19 deep x 32 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what w...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsChrome
- 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 American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated 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
- 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