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.
"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
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
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern “Esprit” Walnut & Lacquered Credenza
By Merton Gershun
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, Lacquer
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut and Cane Credenza and Hutch
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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 Walnut Credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
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
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
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 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
H 30.5 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
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
H 28 in W 48 in D 17.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Early Knoll Walnut 2-Door Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Diminutive credenza from the early 1950s. Walnut top is new veneer replacing worn Formica. Leather pulls a signature Florence Knoll design mark. Two sliding doors open to reveal two ...
Steel
H 31.75 in W 59 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by R-Way Furniture, 1960s
By R-Way Furniture Company
Located in Raymondville, TX
This vintage mid-century modern credenza by R-Way Furniture features a classic design, beautiful amber tone walnut wood with a lacquered finish, and versatile storage. To the left is...
Metal, Brass
H 31.75 in W 88.5 in D 17.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Tambour Door Credenza, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut credenza manufactured in the United States, circa 1960s. This beautifully executed case piece exemplifies the clean lines and refined craftsmanship that defined Am...
Walnut, Lacquer
H 32.75 in W 60 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by Ramseur Furniture, 1960s
By Ramseur Furniture Company
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut credenza crafted by cabinet maker Ramseur Furniture in the United States, circa 1960s. This beautifully crafted piece embodies the clean lines and thoughtful funct...
Walnut
H 27.5 in W 72 in D 17.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Black Lacquer Credenza by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional mid-century modern credenza designed by legendary architect and furniture designer Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates Inc., circa 1960s. This iconic case piece showca...
Steel, Chrome
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...
Walnut, Wood
H 42 in W 37.5 in D 20.5 in
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...
Mahogany
H 30 in W 36 in D 18.5 in
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
H 31.13 in W 72.25 in D 20 in
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Walnut Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern long dresser or credenza By Kipp Stewart for Drexel "Declaration" Line USA, Mid-20th Century Walnut, with original brass hardware. Measu...
Brass
H 29.5 in W 60 in D 19 in
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
H 30 in W 72 in D 19 in
Mid century modern 9 drawer Walnut credenza with cabinet door
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century modern 9 drawer Walnut credenza with cabinet door. Has 3 white lacquered drawers behind cabinet door. Has black lacquered accents on front in between drawers. The credenz...
Walnut
H 30 in W 60 in D 19 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Lowboy Credenza
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
H 30.25 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Credenza by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
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 design...
Brass
H 30 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
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
H 30.5 in W 65.25 in D 18.25 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by Merton Gershun
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Formica, Walnut
H 30.25 in W 60 in D 19.25 in
Newly Refinished - Century Modern Credenza by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Ebony, Walnut, Lacquer
H 25 in W 52 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Walnut Credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing mid-century modern walnut credenza by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville and manufactured in the United States, circa 1960s. This piece showcases the perfect blen...
Walnut
H 31 in W 52 in D 17 in
Mid Century Modern Merton Gershun for Dillingham Walnut Sideboard Credenza
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Merton Gershun for Dillingham Walnut Sideboard Credenza Buffet Hutch Mid century modern walnut sideboard/credenza designed by M...
Laminate, Walnut
H 30 in W 52 in D 18.5 in
Mint Condition Merton Gershun Dillingham Midcentury Credenza, Sideboard Buffet
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern walnut sideboard or credenza designed by Merton Gershun for Dillingham. The credenza features beautiful walnut wood grain with ebony trim and sleek mid-...
Walnut
H 31 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Mini Sideboard/Credenza by American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern walnut mini sideboard/credenza by American of Martinsville Offered is a Mid-Century Danish Modern American of Martinsville walnut...
Walnut
H 23 in W 71.25 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Tambour-Door Credenza by Merton L. Gershun
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern tambour-door credenza by Merton L. Gershun.
Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
H 30.25 in W 96.25 in D 19 in
Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville Two Piece Dresser
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Denton, TX
Rare two piece set with louvered drawers on each side and additional drawers inside the center doors, Satin finish on the walnut really brings out th...
Brass
H 30 in W 52 in D 18 in
Merton Gershun for Dillingham Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sideboard Credenza
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern walnut sideboard or credenza designed by Merton Gershun for Dillingham. The credenza features beautiful walnut wood grain with ebonized trim and sleek m...
Walnut