Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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.

Creator: Merton Gershun

Merton Gershun Bali Hi Dresser by American of Martinsville, ca. 1950’s

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

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 ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Dramatic Restored Nine-Drawer Chest by American of Martinsville, circa 1950

H 31 in W 65 in D 20.75 in

Dramatic Restored Nine-Drawer Chest by American of Martinsville, circa 1950

By American of Martinsville

Located in Atlanta, GA

A beautiful example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1950. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction finished in cream lacquer. Fabulous wormhole detail on...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century American Martinsville Dania Dresser by Merton Gershun circa 1950/60s

H 30.5 in W 60 in D 18.5 in

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Dillingham’s “Esprit” Walnut Dresser Credenza by Merton Gershun

H 30 in W 72.25 in D 19 in

Dillingham’s “Esprit” Walnut Dresser Credenza by Merton Gershun

By Merton Gershun

Located in Kensington, MD

+ Sleek American Modernist walnut dresser or credenza + Tons of storage in these 9 spacious drawers + Three large drawers on the far right are hidden behind a door, breaking up the f...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Pair Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut & Brass Louvered Chests

H 30 in W 36 in D 18.5 in

Pair Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut & Brass Louvered Chests

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

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 ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Hollywood Regency Style Dresser by American of Martinsville 1950/60

H 30.25 in W 74 in D 18.5 in

Mid Century Hollywood Regency Style Dresser by American of Martinsville 1950/60

By American of Martinsville

Located in New York, NY

Chic Hollywood Regency, Mid Century style dresser made by the American of Martinsville company, circa 1950/60's. The dresser features two banks of three drawers, which flank two doo...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Mid century American of Martinsville Dania Tall Dresser

H 44.25 in W 38.25 in D 17.75 in

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

1950s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Bali Cabinet Dresser Mid centu

H 42 in W 37.625 in D 20.625 in

1950s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Bali Cabinet Dresser Mid centu

Located in Virginia Beach, VA

A tall cabinet designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville in the 1950s. This piece from the Bali Hi series features a pickled oak finish with fluted doors and drawers,...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Milo Baughman Style American of Martinsville Mid Century Blonde Highboy Dresser

H 44 in W 36 in D 20.5 in

Milo Baughman Style American of Martinsville Mid Century Blonde Highboy Dresser

By American of Martinsville, Milo Baughman

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Milo Baughman style American of Martinsville mid century blonde highboy dresser Dresser measures: 36 wide x 20.5 deep x 44 inches high All p...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Chrome

Merton Gershun Dillingham Esprit Walnut Six Drawer Lowboy Dresser Mild Century

H 29.5 in W 60 in D 19 in

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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

American of Martinsville 9 Drawer Walnut Dresser Merton Gershun X-Design

H 30 in W 76 in D 18.5 in

American of Martinsville 9 Drawer Walnut Dresser Merton Gershun X-Design

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Forest Grove, PA

An American of Martinsville walnut nine drawer dresser. This line is attributed to Merton Gershun and is distinguished by the bold relief "X" or "Criss Cross" pattern to the front of...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Merton Gershun, Dresser, Oak, USA, 1950s

H 30.25 in W 52 in D 18.5 in

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Rare Restored Modern Chest by American of Martinsville

H 53.5 in W 41.25 in D 20.5 in

Rare Restored Modern Chest by American of Martinsville

By American of Martinsville

Located in Atlanta, GA

An absolutely jaw-dropping chest from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Stout hardwood case construction with brass and leather accents. Fabulous detail and craf...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Hardwood

Previously Available Items

Chest of Drawers by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville- Mid Century MCM

H 30.5 in W 33.875 in D 19.62 in

Chest of Drawers by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville- Mid Century MCM

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Vintage Chest of Drawers by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville in Black Lacquer with Melamine tops. This pair of chest of drawers is a stunning example of mid-century mode...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Lacquer

'Dania' Highboy Dresser by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, c1960s

H 44 in W 38 in D 17 in

'Dania' Highboy Dresser by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, c1960s

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Chino Hills, CA

Discover a timeless piece of mid-century elegance with this Vintage 'Dania' Highboy Dresser, masterfully designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville in the 1960s. This ex...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

1950s American of Martinsville Midcentury High Chest Dresser with Brass Inlay

H 47 in W 40 in D 20.5 in

1950s American of Martinsville Midcentury High Chest Dresser with Brass Inlay

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Forest Grove, PA

A substantial and impressive Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville high boy dresser. The brass inlay contrasts with the origina...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Accord Dresser Chest MCM

H 44.5 in W 36 in D 18.5 in

Mid Century Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Accord Dresser Chest MCM

By Merton Gershun

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid-Century Modern Accord Bachelor chest of drawers designed by Merton Gershun, American (1909-1989) for American of Martinsville. Made of walnut featuring inset X top with upper can...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Accord Dresser Chest MCM

H 44.5 in W 36 in D 18.5 in

Mid Century Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Accord Dresser Chest MCM

By Merton Gershun

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid-Century Modern Accord Bachelor Chest of Drawers designed by Merton Gershun, American (1909-1989) for American of Martinsville. Made of walnut featuring inset X top with upper boo...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Dresser

H 31 in W 62 in D 18.5 in

Mid Century Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Dresser

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in New York, NY

Slick and clean Mid Century dresser designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. The dresser features a bank of three drawers, fla...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cane, Walnut

American of Martinsville 'Dania' Highboy by Merton Gershun

H 44 in W 38 in D 19 in

American of Martinsville 'Dania' Highboy by Merton Gershun

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Vintage "Dania" highboy dresser crafted in beautifully figured walnut with louvered drawer fronts and brass stretcher detail by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Desig...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century 3 Drawer Chest

H 30.25 in W 36 in L 30.25 in

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century 3 Drawer Chest

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid-century 3 drawer chest. This chest measures: 36 wide x 18.5 deep x 30.25 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in what...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Louvered Highboy Dresser

H 44 in W 38 in D 19 in

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Louvered Highboy Dresser

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century louvered highboy Dresser Chest This highboy measures: 38 wide x 19 deep x 44 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century 3 Drawer Chest

H 30.25 in W 36 in D 18.5 in

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century 3 Drawer Chest

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century 3 Drawer Chest This chest measures: 36 wide x 18.5 deep x 30.25 inches high Al...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Martinsville "Dania" Louvered Chest of Drawers designed by Merton Gershun

H 30.25 in W 36 in D 19 in

Martinsville "Dania" Louvered Chest of Drawers designed by Merton Gershun

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Milford, NH

A fine form Mid-Century Modern louvered three-drawer chest with brass bound base in walnut by American of Martinsville, designed by Merton Gershun for their Dania series circa 1950’s...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Dresser Chest by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville

H 30.5 in W 58.13 in D 18 in

Walnut Dresser Chest by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville

By Merton Gershun

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A medium dark walnut six drawer dresser chest with inset cut pulls to the top edge of each drawer giving the piece a clean look. Having plenty of storage to each drawer it's the perf...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Merton Gershun commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.

Merton Gershun commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers by Knoll, Mengel Furniture Co., and United Furniture Corporation. Prices for Merton Gershun commodes and chests of drawers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,500 and can go as high as $4,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,598.