Skip to main content

Merton Gershun Seating

American, 1909-1989

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.

to
1
3
3
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
2
3
3
3
2
3
3
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
44
1,454
1,251
1,121
1,075
Creator: Merton Gershun
Set of Six Mid Century Dania Dining Chairs American of Martinsville c 1950/60s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural set of Mid Century Modern dining chairs designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville as part of their classic Dania series, circa 1950-1960s. This impre...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Walnut

American of Martinsville Walnut Bench by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Esperance, NY
American of Martinsville walnut bench by Merton Gershun.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Walnut

Related Items
Vintage set of 12 dining chairs, Italy 1960s
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Vintage set of 12 dining chairs in black metal with seating cushions reupholstered with a Dédar fabric. Italy, 1960s. Price for the set of 12 pieces. Please ask for availability.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Metal

Vintage set of 12 dining chairs, Italy 1960s
Vintage set of 12 dining chairs, Italy 1960s
$21,090 / set
H 31.89 in W 18.51 in D 16.93 in
Pair of Modern Walnut Benches by Lara Mann
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Modern walnut benches by Lara Mann. Simplistic modern styling in rich walnut woods and upholstered seat cushion. Contrasting center panel adds texture and flare to the design...
Category

2010s American Modern Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Pair of Modern Walnut Benches by Lara Mann
Pair of Modern Walnut Benches by Lara Mann
$4,560 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 21.25 in W 26 in D 18 in
1960s Set of 8 Danish Vintage Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
A very stylish and extremely well made set of 8 Danish vintage dining chairs in solid teak made in the 1960’s The quality is outstanding, they have a beautiful, sculptural design an...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Teak

1960s Set of 8 Danish Vintage Dining Chairs
1960s Set of 8 Danish Vintage Dining Chairs
$2,698 / set
H 38.19 in W 19.3 in D 22.05 in
Vintage Brutalist Dining Chairs, Set of 6 - 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Midcentury solid wood Brutalist dining chairs, set of 6 Good original condition. 1960s - Germany Dimensions: Height: 97cm/38.181 Seat height: 45cm/17.71" Width: 48cm/18.89" Depth...
Category

1960s German Brutalist Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Wood

Vintage Brutalist Dining Chairs, Set of 6 - 1960s
Vintage Brutalist Dining Chairs, Set of 6 - 1960s
$1,787 / set
H 38.19 in W 18.9 in D 18.12 in
Vintage brutalist dining chairs, 1960s - set of 11
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rustic hand made brutalist dining chairs with newly upholstered black fabric seats. Well made sturdy frames and a handy handle integrated in the backrests. 1960s - Spain Good cond...
Category

1960s Spanish Brutalist Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Vintage brutalist dining chairs, 1960s  - set of 11
Vintage brutalist dining chairs, 1960s  - set of 11
$1,787 / set
H 34.26 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Set of 6 Postmodern Cane Back Dining Chairs by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Freehold, NJ
This set of six postmodern dining chairs by American of Martinsville feature hardwood construction, original burl wood finish, vintage cream colored upholstery, caned seat backs with...
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Cane, Burl

Set of 6 Postmodern Cane Back Dining Chairs by American of Martinsville
Set of 6 Postmodern Cane Back Dining Chairs by American of Martinsville
$1,072 Sale Price / set
44% Off
H 45.5 in W 21 in D 21.5 in
Bench or Coffee Table, LINK by Reda Amalou, 2016, American Walnut
By REDA AMALOU DESIGN
Located in Paris, FR
The LINK collection consists of three elegant elements: two versions of benches and a stool. These versatile pieces adapt to a variety of spaces, serving as bed benches, coffee table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Oak, Walnut, Wood

Bench or Coffee Table, LINK by Reda Amalou, 2016, American Walnut
Bench or Coffee Table, LINK by Reda Amalou, 2016, American Walnut
$4,468 / item
H 16.93 in W 16.93 in D 47.25 in
Vintage Beechwood Dining Chairs, Set of Four, Italy 1960s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Vintage Beechwood Dining Chairs, Set of Four, Italy 1960s A charming set of four vintage dining chairs, crafted in Italy during the 1960s. These chairs showcase the elegance and qua...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Vintage Beechwood Dining Chairs, Set of Four, Italy 1960s
Vintage Beechwood Dining Chairs, Set of Four, Italy 1960s
$1,429 Sale Price / set
40% Off
H 31.11 in W 18.9 in D 18.12 in
Set of Six Mid-Century Dining Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage set of six dining chairs in walnut with slat backs. Two armchairs and four side chairs with original fabric. Armchairs: 30.5h, 22w, 20d Side chairs: 30.5h, 18.5w, 20d Please ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Walnut

Set of Six Mid-Century Dining Chairs
Set of Six Mid-Century Dining Chairs
$1,800 / set
H 30.5 in W 18.5 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By American of Martinsville
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a set of six Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Dining Chairs. Featuring a high caned back design, two arm chairs, four side chairs, new navy blue...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Wood, Walnut

Vintage Danish Teak Dining Chairs 1960s, Set of 2
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak dining chairs 1960s, set of 2. Pair of Danish Mid-Century Modern side chairs in solid teak and reupholstered in off white Bouclé. Wide curved backrest with stunning joinery details. Round tapered legs in solid teak. The teak has wonderful dark and warm color with visible grain pattern. Very smooth to the touch. Seats have been reupholstered with new high density foam and very high quality Scandinavian Bouclé...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Teak

Vintage Danish Teak Dining Chairs 1960s, Set of 2
Vintage Danish Teak Dining Chairs 1960s, Set of 2
$947 / set
H 29.34 in W 19.3 in D 20.08 in
Vintage Walnut Slat Bench by Mel Smilow
By Mel Smilow
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautifully crafted walnut Slat Bench by Mel Smilow. The design features turned tapered walnut legs and excellent details on the end showing the box joints where the slats are att...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Walnut Slat Bench by Mel Smilow
Vintage Walnut Slat Bench by Mel Smilow
$3,030
H 14 in W 60 in D 18 in
Previously Available Items
Midcentury American of Martinsville Dania Walnut Desk Chair by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Dania Desk Chair by Merton Gershun A Sculpted Walnut Desk chair by American of Martinsville designed ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Walnut

1970 MCM Dillingham Espirit Line Walnut Dining Chairs by Merton Gershun Set of 6
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Mid-Century Modern Dillingham Espirit Line walnut dining chairs with maroon & green plaid fabric by Merton Gershun set of 6. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind tha...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Set of 4 Cocktail Slipper Chairs in Mohair with Brass Handles by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville, Harvey Probber
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A set of four cocktail slipper chairs designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. These have often been attributed to Harvey Probber, but we were able to locate an origi...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Mohair, Mahogany

Mid Century American of Martinsville Gershun Long Bench & Lighted Bar Cabinet
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
An amazing walnut bar and bench combo from the 1950's. Very modern design. Designed by Merton Gershun as part of the Dania Series for American of Martinsville. This set is modular yo...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Brass

Merton Gershun for Dillingham Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 8
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for Dillingham mid century walnut dining chairs - set of 8 Each chair measures: 20.5 wide x 20 deep x 37.5 high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches and arm height of...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid-Century Merton Gershun Low Coffee Table or Bench-American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Southampton, NJ
A striking walnut low table having brass accents and 3 drawer storage designed by Merton Gershun for American Of Martinsville circa 1960. Professionally refinished and ready for use!
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Brass

Merton Gurshun Dillingham Esprit Mid Century Record Cabinet Bench
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gurshun Dillingham Esprit Mid Century record cabinet bench Cabinet measures: 48 wide x 13.25 deep x 20 inches high All pieces of furniture...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Wood

Merton Gershun for Dillingham Esprit Midcentury Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for Dillingham Esprit midcentury walnut dining chairs, set of 6 These chairs are 19 wide x 21 d...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Long 3-Drawer Walnut and Brass Bench
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century long 3-drawer walnut and brass bench Bench measures: 72.25 wide x 18.5 deep x 12.75 high All pieces of furniture can be had i...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Brass

Set of Four Merton L. Gershun Walnut Dining Chairs
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in South Charleston, WV
Merton L. Gerhsun Dillingham, Esprit Series, USA, 1968 Walnut. Fully restored, new upholstery and cushioning. Measures: 37 tall x 19 wide and 22 inches deep. Seat height is 18 inches. Price is for the set of four. Four sleek, elegant, modern walnut frame chairs with tall backs by Dillingham furniture, circa 1970. This line was designed by Merton L. Gershun. These chairs have been refinished and reupholstered using a soft, vintage, off-white Knoll textile fabric. During the refinishing process the chair were re-enforced making for a stronger frame and finished with lacquer ensuring they maintain the finished look for decades - no oiling of the walnut required. New cushioning was added to the backs to ensure comfort. Samples of swatches of the Knoll upholstery fabric...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

American of Martinsville Walnut Bench by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage walnut and brass bench / coffee table designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Features three dovetail drawers and a solid brass trim around the base. Newly r...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Materials

Brass

Walnut & Brass Bench by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Walnut and brass bench by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville circa late 1950's. This all original example has brass stretchers and detailing, 3 drawers and beautifully grain...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Seating

Walnut & Brass Bench by Merton Gershun
Walnut & Brass Bench by Merton Gershun
H 12.63 in W 54.25 in D 18.5 in

Merton Gershun seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Merton Gershun seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Merton Gershun seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Merton Gershun were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Raymor, Peter Protzmann, and H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company. Prices for Merton Gershun seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $400 and can go as high as $6,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,995.

Recently Viewed

View All