Oh my! If you could ever say X marks the spot for a piece of furniture…you can say it with this PHENOMENAL dresser or buffet!!!! This incredible piece is from the Accord collection produced in the mid-20th century by American of Martinsville and designed by Merton Gershun. It is composed of a wonderful walnut frame with a bank of three drawers on one side and three doors on the other side with fantastic cane door fronts and marvelous little metal knob pulls. One door opens to the left and the other two bi-fold doors open to the right revealing three interior wood drawers. And, Note… the signature aluminum X’s or crosses in the top corners, the handsome recessed base with straight round tapered legs & horizontal stretchers… and just STOP IT with the astonishing asymmetric or staggered aluminum handles!!! OK… we have a dilemma/debate!! We came across the original 1957 catalog for the Accord Collection and in that catalog, they refer to the inlays and hardware as pewter-like metal… and we have always thought they were aluminum. Still kind of do. But we will throw that ball in your court as the debate around here was inconclusive and either way… they are GORGEOUS!!! Maybe you aren’t in need of a dresser at this time but still love the presence of this piece?? No Problem!!! It would serve beautifully in a dining area, living room, or study utilized as a buffet, credenza, or storage cabinet. It is a versatile, functional, high-quality piece with a reputable maker and it’s nothing short of MAGNIFICENT!!
Merton Gershun designed some of the earliest modern furniture lines available in the United States. He designed over 12 different lines including names such as Accord, Uptown, Legacy, Dilettante, Mokatone Modern, Urban-Suburban, Silhouette, Dania, Pristine, Fortissimo, Harlequin, and Kashmir. He also designed the Samara, Orbit, Espirit, and Budgetrend lines for Dillingham. During his career he strove to bring affordable modern design to the average American consumer. His designs sought many influences, from designing furniture to make small spaces seem large, to influences in French and Asian culture, and his use of many types of materials. Notably his most recognized line, Dania by American of Martinsville, was once the best-selling furniture line in the world. Mr. Gershun passed away in 1989.
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.
Call it a dresser, Call it a buffet, Call it a credenza or a cabinet… But whatever you decide to call this fantastic Accord Collection piece by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville… decide to call it YOURS!!!!
