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 “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
Pair Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut & Brass Louvered Chests
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Merton Gershun, this pair of chests was made in the 1960s by American of Martinsville. Each dresser features three drawers with the classic Gershun louvered look, almost ...
Brass
Mid Century American Martinsville Dania Dresser by Merton Gershun circa 1950/60s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
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 for American of Martinsville Walnut and Cane Credenza and Hutch
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Cane Credenza and Hutch The credenza measures: 64 wide x 18 deep x 30.25 inches high The hutch measures: 64 wide x...
Cane, Glass, Walnut
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, 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
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
Merton Gershun Gentleman's Chest for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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 Dillingham Esprit Walnut Six Drawer Lowboy Dresser Mild Century
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
Mid-Century Walnut Credenza or Bookcase with Glass Doors by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
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
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
"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
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
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
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
Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut / Brass Display, Cocktail Cabinet
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
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
American of Martinsville 'Dania' Walnut High-Boy Dresser by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic mid-century modern “Dania” highboy dresser by renowned designer Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Crafted in rich walnut, this iconic piece features the clean ar...
Wood
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
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
American of Martinsville “Bali Hai” Cork Top Bar Cabinet or Server, Mid-Century
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A refined and highly collectible “Bali Hai” cork top cabinet by American of Martinsville, embodying the relaxed sophistication of mid-century coastal modern design. Crafted in the Un...
Wood
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville "Dania" High-Boy Walnut Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic “Dania” highboy dresser designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. A standout example of Mid-Century Modern design, this piece blends clean architectural lines w...
Wood
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 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
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
Merton Gershun Designed Dresser w/ Louvered Front
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
Merton Gershun Designed Dresser for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
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 X Inlay 9 Drawer Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X Inlay Walnut 9 Drawer Dresser This highboy measures: 36 wide x 17 deep x 44.5 inches high We take our photos in a controll...
Cane, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Lacquer Credenza by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional mid-century modern credenza designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville, United States, circa 1960s. Known for blending clean architectural lines with l...
Brass
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut credenza designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Featuring a warm walnut case accented by two black lacquered doors with sleek brass handle...
Brass
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Walnut Cabinets
By Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut cabinets designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, circa 1960s. These pieces showcase Gershun’s signature clean lines, warm walnut grain, and...
Brass
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 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