Merton Gershun Desks

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

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Desk 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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Brass

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Desk by Merton Gershun

Merton L. Gershun Walnut Writing Desk for American of Martinsville

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Merton L. Gershun walnut writing desk for American of Martinsville. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing h...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Brass

Merton L. Gershun Walnut Writing Desk for American of Martinsville

American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

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...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Brass

American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Brass

American of Martinsville, Cabinet, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s

H 31.25 in W 61.75 in D 20.25 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 Desks

Materials

Brass

Mid century American of Martinsville Dania Tall Dresser

H 44.25 in W 38.25 in D 17.75 in

Vintage Mid-Century American of Martinsville walnut Credenza

By American of Martinsville

Located in Sheffield, MA

Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 2 drawer, 3 door credenza in warm walnut wood cabinet. Original vintage condition. A great entry way ...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Mid-Century American of Martinsville walnut Credenza

H 30 in W 52 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern Bubble Glass Cabinet Merton Gershun American of Martinsville

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Buffalo, NY

Seldom seen modernist server with stunning Bubble glass top designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Featuring three generous storage to bottom, three drawers, one being silverware drawer and two door top display locking...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Bubble Glass Cabinet Merton Gershun American of Martinsville

H 66 in W 65 in D 16 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...

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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Brass

Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville Two Piece Dresser

H 30.25 in W 96.25 in D 19 in

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

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in New York, NY

Chic, sophisticated and stylish Bali Hi dresser, designed by Merton Gurshun for American of Martinsville. The dresser has six deep drawers each having faux bam...

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

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

H 30.5 in W 54 in D 20.5 in

1960’s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century China Cabinet

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Designed by Merton Gershun for the “Dania” line featuring display on the upper left with glass sliding doors and open shelving on the top right. The bottom portion features a wide cabinet and column of four sculpted louvered slatted facade drawers. The first drawer in the column is felt lined and divided for storing silverware. Solid walnut Danish style legs lend support with detailed brass caps add subtle, sophistication. This piece doubles as a shelving / china hutch and server...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Brass

1960’s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century China Cabinet

H 57.75 in W 50 in D 18 in

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut and Cane Bookcase Hutch

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Countryside, IL

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Cane Bookcase Hutch This bookcase hutch measures: 40.5 wide x 15.5 deep x 60.25 inches high All pieces of furnitu...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Chrome

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut and Cane Bookcase Hutch

H 60.25 in W 40.5 in D 15.5 in

Walnut Sideboard with Cane Doors by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville

By American of Martinsville

Located in Dorchester, MA

From the Accord collection by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, this mid-century modern sideboard features a walnut case on a plinth base with signature inset aluminum Xs ...

Category

1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Aluminum

Walnut Sideboard with Cane Doors by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville

H 31 in W 62 in D 18.5 in

Mid Century Walnut Louvered Dresser by American of Martinsville

By American of Martinsville

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Mid-century walnut dresser designed and manufactured by American of Martinsville in the United States circa 1960s. This beautiful dresser features a walnut finish with nine pull-out ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Walnut Louvered Dresser by American of Martinsville

H 33 in W 65 in D 18.5 in

Merton Gershun - American of Martinsville Long & Short Louvered Walnut Cabinets

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

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 ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Merton Gershun - American of Martinsville Long & Short Louvered Walnut Cabinets

H 30 in W 96 in D 18.5 in

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Lowboy Dresser

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Countryside, IL

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 62 wide x 18.5 deep x 31 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Metal

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Lowboy Dresser

H 31 in W 62 in D 18.5 in

Previously Available Items

Vintage Walnut "Esprit" Desk by Merton L. Gershun for Dillingham

By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Fabulous vintage walnut “Esprit” desk designed by Merton L. Gershun for Dillingham Mfg. Co. in the United States, circa 1960s. This desk belongs to the "Espirit" collection, which st...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Vintage Walnut "Esprit" Desk by Merton L. Gershun for Dillingham

H 29.5 in W 48 in D 23 in

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut Dropleaf Desk

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Countryside, IL

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century walnut dropleaf desk Desk measures: 44.5 wide x 23 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a chair clearance of 26.25 inches; when ex...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Chrome

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut Dropleaf Desk

H 29 in W 58 in D 23 in

Mid-Century American of Martinsville Desk

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in San Jose, CA

Mid-Century Modern Desk by American of Martinsville in walnut. This piece is from the Dania collection designed by Merton Gershun. Features two drawers with brass handles and a uniqu...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Desks

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century American of Martinsville Desk

H 29.5 in W 47 in D 29.5 in

Merton Gershun desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Merton Gershun desks 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 desks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks by Merton Gershun were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1960s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks by Paul McCobb, John Stuart, and Drexel. Prices for Merton Gershun desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,895 and can go as high as $4,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,048.