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.
Merton L. Gershun Pyramid Tier Table w/ Steel Accent for American of Martinsvill
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Steel Accents ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take...
Steel
1960s Vintage American of Martinsville Expandable Rolling Bar Cart
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Classic Mid-Century Modern walnut expandable rolling bar cart or server, Manufactured by American of Martinsville, designed by Merton L. Gershun. Expanding black laminate sliding top...
Formica, Wood
Mid Century "Esprit" Nightstands by Merton Gershun for Dillingham, a Pair
By Milo Baughman, Merton Gershun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of walnut nightstands by Merton Gershun for Dillingham, c.1960s, USA. The nightstands each feature a single door front with beveled sides. The hinged doors open to reveal a wide...
Walnut
Merton L. Gershun Pyramid Tier Side Table for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
Bali-Hi Nightstand End Table By Merton Gershun For American Of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This charming Mid-Century Modern mahogany end table or nightstand is from a rare series, the Bali-Hi group designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville. Gershun designe...
Mahogany, Lacquer
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Square Coffee Table
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century walnut square coffee table The table measures: 31 wide x 31 deep x 16 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in ...
Walnut
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Cocktail Table by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in New York, NY
This square walnut cocktail table was designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. It has been refinished. Brass X-inlays ador...
Brass
Vintage bamboo & rattan round service bar cart, Italy 1960s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Amazing rattan and bamboo bar cart made in Italy in the 1960s. The bottom level is designed for storing bottles, while the top one has a useful handle for moving the trolley. The ...
Bamboo, Rattan
$3,000 / set
H 24 in W 21 in D 16 in
Pair of Merton Gershun for Cavalier Mid-Century Modern Walnut Brass Nightstands
By Merton Gershun, Cavalier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Merton Gershun in the late 1960s for Cavalier, these nightstands or end tables feature a super refined design and great construction quality. Well built, they are constru...
Brass
Pair of Marble and Stainless Steel Two-Tier Side Tables
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Amazing pair of two tier marble and polish stainless steel side tables. The marble piece just sit on the frame. In good condition, with minor wear consistent with age. Measurem...
Marble, Stainless Steel
Paul Frankl Two-Tier Side Table for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Frankl two-tiered occasional table by Brown Saltman of California, circa 1950. Solidly crafted and elegantly designed. Signed and marked. We have not refinished or restore...
Maple
American of Martinsville Two-Tier Bedside Table Pair
By American of Martinsville, George Nelson
Located in Van Nuys, CA
American of Martinsville two-tier Walnut end table pair, part of the "Accord Line" line of furniture by designer Merton Gershun. Each table features a top pull-out drawer, beautiful ...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands with sculpted wood handles. Two drawers with brass trim handles. Please confirm location NY of NJ.
Brass
$1,600 / set
H 22.75 in W 22 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands by American of Martinsville, a Pair
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands manufactured by American of Martinsville. Well-built frame with walnut veneer exterior. A nice addition to any modern interior. Please ...
Walnut
$2,850
H 29.6 in W 43 in D 18 in
Bert England Johnson Furniture Forward Trend MCM Expandable Rolling Bar Cart
By Bert England, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in St. Louis, MO
An architectural mid-century modern rolling bar cart designed by Bert England for Johnson Furniture Company's celebrated Forward Trend line. Combining mid-century elegance with B...
Walnut
$4,000
H 15 in W 40 in D 40 in
Danish Mid Century Adrian Pearsall Oiled Walnut Rounded Square Coffee Table MINT
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid Century Adrian Pearsall Olied Walnut Rounded Square Coffee Table MINT!
Glass, Walnut
Vintage 1960s Italian-designed bamboo bar cart
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Two-shelf bar cart with a bamboo and wicker frame, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to age. DIMENSIONS: Height 68 cm; Width 45 cm; Depth ...
Bamboo, Wicker
Pair of Rare Paul McCobb Nightstands for Planner Group
By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of highly desirable and rare Paul McCobb nightstands from his Planner Group collection for Winchendon, c.1950s. The pair features an exposed wrought iron frame, single maple dra...
Iron
$7,950 / set
H 24.25 in W 36 in D 19.25 in
Low Nightstands by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, USA 1960's
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing a pair of exquisite Low Nightstands by renowned designer Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, crafted in the United States of America during the glamorous 1960s e...
Brass
$1,985 / set
H 23.5 in W 26.5 in D 18 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Danish Rosewood & Black Lacquer Nightstands C1970
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Scandinavian Rosewood and Black Lacquer nightstands. Two drawers & a opening for having a space at the ready. In excellent vintage cond...
Rosewood, Paint, Oak, Lacquer
Modern Walnut Coffee Table
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This modern walnut coffee table is made in the heart of Ohio with locally sourced wood. Each table is a hand-made mitered box from walnut v...
Walnut
$1,275
H 15.5 in W 49 in D 30 in
Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Coffee Table by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage low storage coffee table in mahogany manufactured by American of Martinsville, circa 1960's. Features a natural warm wood grain pattern accented wi...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Merton Gershun “Accord” Walnut Coffee Table
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...
Metal
Newly Refinished - Expanding Merton Gershun “Esprit” Walnut Dining Table
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 design...
Walnut
Sold
H 19.25 in W 20 in D 27 in
Newly Refinished -American of Martinsville “Accord” Side Table 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...
Steel
Mid-Century Dillingham ‘Espirit’ Nightstands - a Pair
By Drexel, Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Kipp Stewart, Lane Furniture
Located in Raleigh, NC
A pair of mid-century ‘Espirit’ nightstands designed by Merton L. Gershun for Dillingham, circa 1960s. Crafted from rich, book-matched walnut, these nightstands showcase a sleek, m...
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 29.5 in W 60 in D 40 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Harlequin” Dining Table by Merton Gerhun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Dimensions: 29.50”H x 60" -96”W x 40”D 2 Extensions With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, s...
Walnut
Sold
H 29 in W 66 in D 41 in
Newly Refinished - Large Expanding Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut, Ebonized Wood Dimensions: 29”H x 66”-105.50”W x 41”D 2x Extension Leaves 19.75” With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of ...
Walnut
Sold
H 29.25 in W 47 in D 29.5 in
American of Martinsville Walnut Writing Desk Merton Gershun Mid Century Modern
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Forest Grove, PA
An American of Martinsville writing desk designed by Merton Gershun. Two floating drawers and a very useable, organic shaped top. The top tapers down to 20.25" at the narrow end, the...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern "Esprit" Desk by Merton Gershun for Dillingham
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, walnut desk designed by Merton L. Gershun for Dillingham Mfg. Co. for the "Espirit" collection features a top with lip and sits on a black laminate band separatin...
Walnut
Sold
H 14.25 in W 54 in D 20.5 in
Merton Gershun American of Martinsville X Inlaid Walnut Coffee Table
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A rectangular Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville X Inlaid Mid-Century coffee or cocktail table in the original finish.
Metal
Sold
H 24.5 in W 24 in D 28 in
Mid Century Walnut End Tables by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun
Located in New York, NY
Handsome pair of architecturally designed two tiered end tables by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville part of the “Dania” collection . The tables feature louvered deep dovet...
Walnut
Sold
H 22 in W 25 in D 20 in
Mid Century Modern Tiered Side Table By Merton Gershun, American Of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sleek and sculptural, mid-century modern, walnut side table designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville features slanted, tapered legs that support three tiers perfect fo...
Aluminum
Sold
H 29.75 in W 48 in D 22.75 in
Modernist Architectural Walnut Desk designed by Merton Gershun for Dillingham
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun
Located in Buffalo, NY
Merton Gershun was an American furniture designer of the early 20th century, known for designing some of the earliest modern furniture lines available in the U.S. and striving to bri...
Walnut
Sold
H 15 in W 60 in D 17 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Coffee Table Walnut Mid Century Mod
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
The Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Coffee Table in Walnut is a quintessential piece of mid-century modern design. Crafted with the finest walnut wood, this coffee table ...
Walnut
Sold
H 21 in W 27.5 in D 19 in
Pair Mid-Century End Tables by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Trenton, NJ
Enjoy the timeless allure of mid-century modern design with this exquisite pair of Mid-Century Modern Step Side Tables/Nightstands by American of Martinsville. These tables aren't ju...
Metal
Sold
H 15.5 in W 60 in D 25.5 in
Mid-Century Coffee Table by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Trenton, NJ
Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of 1970s design with this exquisite Mahogany and Brass Coffee Table by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Discover a perfect harmony between the warmth of mahogany and the elegance of the vintage brass trim, an enchanting blend that defines a modern era of sophistication. This coffee table captures the essence of 1970s design, an era known for its unique fusion of organic materials and sleek, modern lines. The mahogany top showcases the natural beauty of the wood, while the brass accents add a touch of glamour and opulence. The versatile design of this cocktail table includes a spacious interior drawer and unique slatted top for magazine. storage or otherwise. Crafted by Merton Gershun, a name synonymous with mid-century modern craftsmanship, this coffee table is not merely a piece of furniture; it's a work of art. It reflects the meticulous attention to detail and the commitment...
Metal