Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Walnut End Tables
View Similar Items
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Walnut End Tables
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Manufacturer),Merton Gershun (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)Depth: 28 in (71.12 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very minor wear from age and use.
- Seller Location:South Bend, IN
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2745310530183
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.
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Lacquered Nightstands, RefinishedBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern black lacquered nightstands By Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville USA, 1950s Black ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsMahogany, Lacquer
- Merton Gershun for Dillingham Mid-Century Modern Walnut King Size HeadboardBy Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing CompanyLocated in South Bend, INA gorgeous Mid-Century Modern king size headboard By Merton Gershun for Dillingham USA, 1960s Book-matched walnut, with inset black vinyl panels. Measures: 77.25" W x 1.5...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Walnut Triple Dresser, RefinishedBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie triple dresser or credenza By Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, USA, 1960s Book-matched walnut wit...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Nightstands by Bethlehem Furniture, RestoredBy Bethlehem FurnitureLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional pair of Jens Risom style Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut nightstands By Bethlehem Furniture USA, circa 1960s Measures: 24" W x 18.5" D x 25.88" H. tabletop...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- Michael Taylor for Baker Mid-Century Modern Cherry and Brass Nightstands, PairBy Baker Furniture Company, Michael TaylorLocated in South Bend, INA gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie nightstands or side tables By Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, "Far East Collection" USA, Circa 1970s ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Milo Baughman for Directional Black Lacquered Large Bedside Chests or End TablesBy Milo Baughman, DirectionalLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern large nightstands or side tables By Milo Baughman for Directional USA, 1960s Black lacquered walnut, with brass finished accents an...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWalnut, Lacquer
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Full Size HeadboardBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century full size headboard This headboard measures 55 wide x 2 deep x 31.5 inches hig...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsWood
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Nightstands, PairBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid-century walnut nightstands - pair. Each nightstand measures: 22 wide x 17 deep x 25.25 inches high. All pieces of furniture can ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Urban Suburban NightstandBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century urban suburban nightstand This nightstand measures: 22 wide x 17 deep x 22 inches high All...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
- American of Martinsville Accord Walnut Nightstand or End Table with X’sBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Topeka, KSHandsome nightstand or end table from American of Martinsville and Merton Gershun’s Accord line of furniture with their signature X’s and asymmetric handles. It is in wonderful resto...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsAluminum
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Urban Suburban Full HeadboardBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Urban Suburban full headboard This headboard measures: 58 wide x 2 deep x 31 inches high A...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsWood
- Pair of Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century NightstandsBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Las Vegas, NVPair of Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut Nightstands Beautiful pair of walnut nightstand, designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville's...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsBrass
