X’s and oh oh oh’s they haunt me…welllll really only X’s here. This end table or nightstand, whichever you choose to call it, has those wonderful metal X’s or crosses in its top which is the signature mark of the Accord collection produced in the mid-20th century by American of Martinsville and designed by Merton Gershun. This little side table cabinet sports two drawers with the stunning and interesting asymmetric or staggered handles and is lifted off the floor by lovely legs and runners. The warmth of the walnut veneers used on this piece are so beautiful. I believe this was intended as a nightstand, but it will serve well as an end table too. The Accord line is one of my favorites from American of Martinsville.
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 little nightstand/end table is so versatile you can use it anywhere. You must make it yours!
