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.
Newly Refinished - Merton Gershun “Accord” Cane & Walnut Highboy Dresser
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
Merton L. Gershun Pyramid Tier Side Table for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
Newly Refinished - Merton Gershun “Esprit” Walnut Writing Desk for Dillingham
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Laminate, Walnut
Mid Century American Martinsville Dania Dresser by Merton Gershun circa 1950/60s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Iconic mid century dresser, designed by Merton Gershun, for American of Martinsville, as part of the classic Dania series, circa 1950/60's. The chest features a bank of three louvere...
Brass
Low Nightstands by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, USA 1960's
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing a pair of exquisite Low Nightstands by renowned designer Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, crafted in the United States of America during the glamorous 1960s e...
Brass
American of Martinsville Dania Queen Size Bar Bed Headboard with Nightstands
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mid-Century Modern queen size bed headboard with built-in nightstands. The 4004-14 “Bar Bed” is a part of American of Martinsville’s Dania Collection. Designed by Merton Gershun, this walnut bed...
Laminate, Walnut, Lacquer
1960s Vintage American of Martinsville Expandable Rolling Bar Cart
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Classic Mid-Century Modern walnut expandable rolling bar cart or server, Manufactured by American of Martinsville, designed by Merton L. Gershun. Expanding black laminate sliding top...
Formica, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Dresser American of Martinsville Accord Walnut & Cane w/ X’s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Accord Walnut & Cane Dresser w/ X’s & Asymmetric Handles, three drawers & cane doors designed by Merton Gershon. Beautif...
Metal
Merton Gershun Bali Hi Dresser by American of Martinsville, ca. 1950’s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in New York, NY
Chic and stylish 5 drawer dresser in bleached mahogany with decorative faux bamboo front. The chest features an architecturally inspired case, which surrounds the drawer fronts, creating a dimensional design element to the cabinet. From the sought after, and hard to find Bali Hi...
Mahogany
Mid-Century Walnut Credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing this stunning vintage long credenza, designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville in the 1960s. It’s a true gem from the Diana II Collection, which is celeb...
Brass
Mid-Century Walnut Credenza or Bookcase with Glass Doors by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning vintage walnut credenza or bookcase, a true gem designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville in the vibrant era of the 1960s. This piece showcases...
Brass
American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Bali-Hi Dresser, ca. 1950’s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sophisticated and stylish Bali Hi dresser, designed by Merton Gurshun for American of Martinsville. The dresser has six deep drawers each having faux bam...
Mahogany
Merton Gershun, Dresser, Oak, USA, 1950s
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun
Located in High Point, NC
An oak dresser designed by Merton Gershun and produced by Dillingham Manufacturing Company, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.25"H x 52.0"W x 18.5"D All items ship fr...
Oak
Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut / Brass Display, Cocktail Cabinet
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Merton Gershun Display / Cocktail Cabinet Late 1950's early 1960s walnut display / cocktail cabinet with 4 louvered drawers, top silverware drawer,,2 open shelves, shelf behind 2 sli...
Brass
Pair of Merton Gershun for Cavalier Mid-Century Modern Walnut Brass Nightstands
By Merton Gershun, Cavalier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Merton Gershun in the late 1960s for Cavalier, these nightstands or end tables feature a super refined design and great construction quality. Well built, they are constru...
Brass
Merton Gershun Dillingham Esprit Walnut Six Drawer Lowboy Dresser Mild Century
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Forest Grove, PA
This stunning Dillingham Esprit dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. The dresser features six spacious drawer...
Laminate, Walnut
Merton Gershun, Dresser, Walnut, USA, 1950s
By Merton Gershun
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut dresser designed by Merton Gershun and produced by Cavalier, USA, c. 1950s. Refinished. Minimal wear to top surface. Minor to moderate imperfections on unfinished outer b...
Walnut
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
American of Martinsville Walnut Bench by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Esperance, NY
American of Martinsville walnut bench by Merton Gershun.
Walnut
Classic Mid-Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning walnut Modernist dresser designed by Merton Gershun ,,manufactured by American Of Martinsville. Classic aluminum x's and asymetrical pulls. Beautiful original condition. Han...
Aluminum
Mid century American of Martinsville Dania Tall Dresser
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Baltimore, MD
This exceedingly well-crafted American of Martinsville louvered slat front drawer highboy tall dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for his Dani...
Brass
Pair of American of Martinsville Dressers Bleached Philippine Mahogany
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Pair of 3 drawer dressers made of mahogany. The drawers have a very interesting finish which gives a lot of character to the piece. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and hands-on cra...
Mahogany
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Lowboy Credenza
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Southampton, NJ
An attractive multi-functional lowboy credenza having high-gloss black lacquer doors with solid brass pulls covering center single shelf storage and 3 cream colored deep drawers. To ...
Brass
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X Inlay Walnut 5 Drawer
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X Inlay Walnut 5 Drawer Dresser This highboy measures: 36 wide x 17 deep x 44.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be h...
Chrome
Merton Gershun - American of Martinsville Long & Short Louvered Walnut Cabinets
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This stylish and cool set of Mid Century Modern dressers were designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Featuring one large dresser and a small one, they each feature ...
Brass, Enamel
Walnut Brass Night Stand by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Dania
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your zip. Two Drawer Night Stand in Walnut and Brass. Designed by Merton Gershun for the American of Martinsville: Dani...
Brass
$1,728Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Merton L. Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Chicago, IL
Excellent original condition Mid-century Modern American of Martinsville credenza or lowboy dresser designed by Merton Gershun. Made of genuine walnut with lacquered drawer fronts an...
Brass
Pair of mid century modern Esprit nightstands by Dillingham, circa 1960
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun
Located in View Park, CA
A pair of walnut « Esprit » nightstands by Merton Gershun for Dillingham, circa 1960. These bedside tables feature an ebonized wood detail and an elegant pullout drawer.
Walnut
$720Sale Price|20% Off
American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Urban Suburban Bed
By Merton Gershun
Located in Pasadena, TX
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville twin bed, circa 1960s. Designed in the 1960s for the Urban Suburban line. Headboard and footboard in maple....
Birch
1960s Mid Century Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-Century Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun Designed by the renowned Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville, this 1960s walnut dresser captures the perfect balance of fo...
Walnut
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Mid-Century Modern walnut low bench with modular desk and drawer cabinet designed by Merton Gerhsun for American of Martinsville's Dania line circa 60...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A gorgeous example of American mid-century design, this walnut and lacquered dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville embodies the clean sophistication and material ...
Brass
Bali-Hi Nightstand End Table By Merton Gershun For American Of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This charming Mid-Century Modern mahogany end table or nightstand is from a rare series, the Bali-Hi group designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville. Gershun designe...
Mahogany, Lacquer
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
American Martinsville High Boy Walnut Dresser Chest Mid-century Modern
By Merton Gershun
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome six drawer shingle front dresser designed by Merton Gershun. This particular line is exceedingly well crafted and heavy, a hidden treasure in American Mid-Century Modern in ...
Brass
Vintage American of Martinsville Desk
By Merton Gershun
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Vintage 3-drawer desk in bleached mahogany with a faux bamboo front. This design features an architectural-inspired linear silhouette with open-side shelving. From the sought-after a...
Mahogany
Merton Gershun Designed Dresser for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Merton Gershun designed dresser for his 'Dania' line with American of Martinsville. Beautiful walnut wood grain throughout with inlaid flourishes around the sculpted handles. Louvere...
Brass
Merton Gershun Designed Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic 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...
Brass
Merton Gershun Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Dainia Walnut Highboy
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This professionally restored tall dresser, from American of Martinsville's "Dania" line, was designed by Merton Gershun. It features three lower drawers with louvered fronts, three s...
Walnut
"Urban Suburban" Credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Introduce timeless mid-century elegance to your home with this iconic “Urban Suburban” Credenza, thoughtfully designed by celebrated American furniture designer Merton L. Gershun for...
Wood
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century American of Martinsville Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Baltimore, MD
This exceedingly well-crafted American of Martinsville highboy dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsv...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Vintage Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A beautiful mid-century modern walnut dresser, expertly crafted by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville in the 1960s. This piece showcases a beautifully designed walnut cas...
Brass
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Cocktail Table by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
This square walnut cocktail table was designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. It has been refinished. Brass X-inlays ador...
Brass
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Set of 6 Vintage Dining Chairs 1960s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Denville, NJ
This vintage set of six mid-century modern dining chairs by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville showcases clean lines and elegant craftsmanship from the 1960s. The set includ...
Walnut
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Ebonized Credenza
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century ebonized credenza The credenza measures: 50 wide x 19 deep x 32 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting stud...
Chrome
Merton Gershun For Dillingham Set Of 6 Brown Upholstered Dining Chairs
By Merton Gershun
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A stylish set of six dining chairs designed by Merton Gershun for Dillingham, featuring a warm and inviting brown upholstered finish. The set includes four side chairs and two armcha...
Fabric
Merton Gershun For Dillingham Set Of 6 Brown Upholstered Dining Chairs
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A stylish set of six dining chairs designed by Merton Gershun for Dillingham, featuring a warm and inviting brown upholstered finish. The set includes four side chairs and two armcha...
Fabric, Wood
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Square Coffee Table
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century walnut square coffee table The table measures: 31 wide x 31 deep x 16 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in ...
Walnut
Merton Gershun Gentleman's Chest for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic highchest from the Dania series by Merton Gershun, for American of Martinsville. Features include rich walnut grain, louvered drawers, signature brass accents, and articulated...
Walnut
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Urban Suburban Full Headboard
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Urban Suburban full headboard This headboard measures: 58 wide x 2 deep x 31 inches high A...
Wood
Merton Gershun Mid Century American of Martinsville Dainia Walnut Tall dresser
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This professionally restored tall dresser, from American of Martinsville's "Dania" line, was designed by Merton Gershun. It features three lower drawers with louvered fronts, three s...
Brass
Merton Gershun Designed Dresser w/ Louvered Front
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning mid-century design by Merton Gershun for Martinsville. Long walnut dresser with louvered front drawers, brass trim, and hidden drawers in the middle. Please confirm location...
Walnut