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.
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
$2,800
H 42 in W 37.5 in D 20.5 in
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
$2,995 / set
H 23.5 in W 24 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Travertine Top Night Tables
By American of Martinsville
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic 2 drawer end tables or night stands by American of Martinsville with Travertine marble tops. Curved wave front design to drawers. Nickel s...
Travertine, Nickel
Sold|$2,400
H 31 in W 54 in D 18.5 in
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 Modern Broyhill Brasilia Walnut Flip-Top Server
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This iconic Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia walnut flip-top server showcases the sculptural design and timeless craftsmanship that made the Brasilia line so desirable. Featuring...
Brass
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
$1,440Sale Price|40% Off
H 66.25 in W 56.5 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Bubble Glass Cabinet
By American of Martinsville
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this very nice unique Bubble Glass Cabinet made by American of Martinsville. The cabinet is one piece and can not be separated.
Glass
$3,750
H 30.25 in W 54 in D 18.5 in
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
$3,995
H 30.25 in W 60 in D 19.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Lacquer Credenza by American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
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
$9,950
H 32 in W 70 in D 21 in
Remarkable Chest or Buffet by American of Martinsville in Cream Lacquer
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
An absolutely jaw-dropping chest/buffet from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Beautiful, stout hardwood case construction, with brass and leather accents. Fabul...
Brass
$5,200
H 30.25 in W 78.25 in D 18.75 in
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
$1,695
H 27.75 in W 39 in D 19.25 in
Thomasville French Provincial Louis XV Pecan Buffet Server or Bar Cabinet
By Thomasville
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful French Provincial Louis XV style drop leaf buffet server or bar cabinet By Thomasville USA, Circa 1970s Carved pecan wood, with original brass hardware. Measures: 39"...
Brass
$4,295
H 31 in W 62 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Dresser American of Martinsville Accord Walnut & Cane w/ X’s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
Sold
H 60.25 in W 48 in L 60.25 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut and Brass Buffet Hutch
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century walnut and brass buffet with hutch The buffet and hutch measure: 48 wide x 15.75 deep x 60.25 inches high All pieces of ...
Brass
Merton Gershun for Dillingham Mid Century Walnut Buffet China Cabinet
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for Dillingham mid century walnut buffet China cabinet China cabinet measures: 57 wide x 16 deep x 76 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we cal...
Walnut
Merton Gershun for Dillingham Mid Century Walnut Buffet China Cabinet
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for Dillingham Mid Century walnut buffet China cabinet China cabinet measures: 57 wide x 16 deep x 76 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call r...
Walnut
1960s Sideboard by Merton L Gershun for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
USA 1960's The sideboard is in excellent refinished condition, finished in the original brown color with a very nice original brass accents on the drawers and legs. There is tons...
Brass