Merton Gershun for Dillingham Wedge Shaped Bookcase
About the Item
- Creator:Merton Gershun (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 59.5 in (151.13 cm)Width: 36.63 in (93.05 cm)Depth: 13.13 in (33.36 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Repaired: See pictures of a small repair to the top of a shelf. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Denton, TX
- Reference Number:
Merton Gershun
In as early as the 1920s, American furniture designer Merton Gershun created popular bedroom suites and more for the likes of Shelbyville, Indiana’s Albert Distinctive Modern Furniture Company. Later, he partnered with Dillingham Manufacturing, which had offices in Wisconsin and Mississippi and collaborated with the likes of Arthur Umanoff and Pierre Cardin. The world’s growing population of mid-century modern furniture devotees, however, know Gershun as having been American of Martinsville’s most prolific designer. Vintage Merton Gershun dressers, side tables, bed frames and other pieces are widely collected today.
Founded in the early 1900s by former tobacco producers, American of Martinsville eventually became one of the best known furniture manufacturers in the United States. Besides quality manufacturing, American of Martinsville is additionally recognized for having incorporated the day's trends in its designs. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul Laszlo, the brand was also known for innovations with wood.
Working with walnut and ebonized mahogany — and integrating decorative flourishes such as brass drawer pulls into his dressers and cane door fronts on his cabinets — Gershun designed numerous furniture lines for the company, including Dilettante, Fortissimo and others. The designer’s Dania collection, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers, has enjoyed popularity all over the world.
Gershun was passionate about bringing stylish pieces to American families but was also focused on affordability. His Harlequin line for American of Martinsville — the print ads for which read “SCULPTURED” and “BUDGET-PRICED” in bolded all-caps text — included bedroom and dining room furnishings in solid walnut. For Dillingham, Gershun designed the similarly well-received Esprit and Samara lines as well as other collections.
Gershun was particularly interested in creating furniture for small spaces and for postwar homeowners on a modest budget. He was a big proponent of incorporating international influences into his designs — he drew inspiration from Asia and created chinoiserie-style dressers in bleached walnut supported by ebonized wood bases. To Gershun, modern design was more than clean lines and sharp angles: it was about utility as well as beauty.
Find vintage Merton Gershun case pieces, tables, bedroom furniture and other furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Denton, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- 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
- Mastercraft Style Burl & Brass BookcaseBy MastercraftLocated in Denton, TXMastercraft Style Burl & Brass Bookcase. Low profile bookcase that features burl and brass that is finished on both sides. This piece can be easil...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsBrass
- Modular Teak Wall Units by Finn Juhl for France & SonBy France & Søn, Finn JuhlLocated in Denton, TXTwo Finn Juhl's Danish Modern modular wall unit from the Cresco series for France & Son. Finn Juhl's aluminum bow-tie drawer pulls that...Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
MaterialsAluminum
- Henredon Burl Wall UnitBy HenredonLocated in Denton, TXHenredon Burl Wall Unit. 3 separate cabinets that can be used as one wall unit or separately. Glass shelves with a plate groove to display collectible p...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsWood
- John Keal for Brown Saltman Wedge End TablesBy John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in Denton, TXJohn Keal for brown Saltman walnut wedge end tables/ magazine rack with brass capped feet. Hard to find in this good of original condition. Please see ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsBrass
- German Modernist Wall Unit by Schieder MobelLocated in Denton, TXCombination of ebonized oak with teak and glass make this wall unit usable as a bookcase / display cabinet or media center. The faceted arched glass doors...Category
20th Century German Modern Vitrines
MaterialsGlass, Mirror, Wood
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut Pyramid Bookcase by Merton Gershun for DillinghamLocated in Los Angeles, CAMid-Century Modern Walnut Pyramid Bookcase by Merton Gershun for Dillingham Original Vintage Condition Dimensions: 59.50”H x 36.75”W x 13”DCategory
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut Pyramid Bookcase by Merton Gershun for DillinghamLocated in Los Angeles, CAOriginal Vintage ConditionCategory
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsWalnut
- Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut and Cane Bookcase HutchBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Countryside, ILMerton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Cane Bookcase Hutch This bookcase hutch measures: 40.5 wide x 15.5 deep x 60.25 inches high All pieces of furnitu...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsChrome
- Mid Century Modern Merton Gershun for Dillingham Walnut Sideboard CredenzaBy Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton GershunLocated in Chicago, ILMid Century Modern Merton Gershun for Dillingham Walnut Sideboard Credenza Buffet Hutch Mid century modern walnut sideboard/credenza designed by M...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsLaminate, Walnut
- Merton Gershun Designed DresserBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Brooklyn, NYClassic mid-century modern dresser by American of Martinsville, designed by Merton Gershun for his 'Dania' series. Features his louvered front drawers and accenting brass hardware. R...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Merton Gershun Gentleman's Chest for American of MartinsvilleBy American of Martinsville, Merton GershunLocated in Brooklyn, NYIconic highchest from the Dania series by Merton Gershun, for American of Martinsville. Features include rich walnut grain, louvered drawers, signature brass accents, and articulated...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
