Three-Piece Merton Gershon Design for American of Martinsville Server Sideboard
View Similar Items
Three-Piece Merton Gershon Design for American of Martinsville Server Sideboard
About the Item
- Creator:Merton Gershun (Designer),American of Martinsville (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 35 in (88.9 cm)Width: 108.5 in (275.59 cm)Depth: 18.75 in (47.63 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s-1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Wear to finish, small veneer chip to chest.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU978710087971
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.
- American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Bali-Hi Dresser, ca. 1950’sBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in New York, NYChic, sophisticated and stylish Bali Hi dresser, designed by Merton Gurshun for American of Martinsville. The dresser has six deep drawers each having faux bam...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsMahogany
- 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
- Mid Century Carousel Server by Gimsom SlaterBy Gimson and Slater LtdLocated in New York, NYChic and stylish server sideboard by noted English maker Gimson and Slater, as part of the Carousel line, retailed by Heals of London. The case has four drawers, each having cast bra...Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsBrass
- Mid Century Server Credenza Attributed to Paul McCobbBy Paul McCobbLocated in New York, NYNice Mid-Century Modern credenza having a large cabinet bottom and a tall vertical display shelf top element. The shelf has its original white glass insert surfaces and four thin dra...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Wormley Designed Precedent Credenza by DrexelBy Drexel, Edward WormleyLocated in New York, NYImpressive credenza, sideboard, server, designed by Edward Wormley, made by Drexel as part of the classic Precedent line. The cabinet features center bank of five drawers, flanked by...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMetal
- Art Deco Hollywood Regency Sideboard Credenza by James MontBy James MontLocated in New York, NYChic Art Deco, Hollywood Regency sideboard, credenza, server by noted master of the genre, James Mont. This example features a faux tortoise lacquered exterior, with unexpected ( exc...Category
Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Credenzas
MaterialsWood
- 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
- 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 - Midcentury Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated 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
- Art Deco American of Martinsville Burlwood SideboardBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Chicago, ILArt Deco American of Martinsville burlwood sideboard Stunning Art Deco American of Martinsville burlwood sideboard. Beautiful burlwood and brass ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Sideboards
MaterialsGlass, Burl
- Mid-Century Walnut Credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in North Hollywood, CAAmazing mid-century modern walnut credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville and manufactured in the United States, circa 1960s. This piece showcases the perfect blen...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWalnut
- 1960s Mid Century Dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in North Hollywood, CAMid-century walnut dresser designed by Merton L. Gershun and manufactured by American of Martinville. This dresser features a walnut frame with three spacious dovetail drawers on the...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass