Handsome pair of chests from American of Martinsville and
Merton Gershun’s Accord line of furniture with the signature X’s and asymmetric
handles. One is the long walnut dresser with three drawers and cane doors and
the second is the three-drawer bachelor’s chest. Two separate pieces but butted
together make one long marvelous piece. We are pricing them as a set. Both are
in wonderful restored condition. However, they are not without signs of age and
use having an overall beautiful age patina which includes small nicks,
scratches, and imperfections but nothing major. Please see photos. Circa mid-20th
century.
Oh my! If you could ever say X marks the spot for a piece of
furniture…you can say it with this pair. Note the metal signature crosses in
their tops and their fabulous asymmetric or staggered handles. These gorgeous
chests are from the Accord collection produced in the mid-20th
century by American of Martinsville and designed by Merton Gershun. One piece
is the longer dresser which is comprised of a bank of three drawers next to
three doors with cane inserts. One door opens to the left and the other two
doors bi-fold open to the right revealing three interior drawers. This dresser
alone is wonderful but paired with the matching bachelor’s chest, which has the
same bank of three drawers as the dresser, and butted next to the doors, making
it one extra long cabinet…it is nothing short of magnificent!
Not much was available online about Merton Gershun but his
designs for American of Martinsville are incredible and speak to his talent as
a furniture designer. He was born August 7, 1909 and passed on January 3, 1989.
Although not as currently well-known as other mid-century modern designers, I
feel his time is coming.
American of Martinsville was established in 1906 in
Martinsville, Virginia by tobacco manufacturers, Ancil Witten and Charles
Keesee. Early on they produced only bedroom furniture. In the 1920s they
expanded their production to include dining room furniture and by the end of
the 1950s were vast in their offerings in purpose and style. With the expansion
of travel and roadside motels, they began offering a mass-produced line for the
many motels popping up across the country and continued this through the end of
the 20th century. In 2000 they were acquired by La-Z-Boy
Incorporated and today specialize in furniture for the hotel and healthcare industries.
This incredible set of credenzas would be outstanding in a
large entry, or a long wall in a living room, dining room or bedroom. However,
they could always be used separately. You must make it yours!
Long Credenza:
Short Credenza:
Crated Size:
We ask that the buyer
cover freight. Please send zip code for a quote to your area.