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.
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
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Square Coffee Table
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
H 15.25 in W 12 in D 14 in
Midcentury Modern Wood Side Drinks Cocktail or End Tables, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A small pair/set of Midcentury Modern rectangular wood veneered side, end, drinks or cocktails tables, circa mid-20th century. This pair/set is versatile as side tables, drinks table...
Wood
H 22.5 in W 25 in D 20 in
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
H 15.74 in W 39.5 in D 39.5 in
Pair of Midcentury Square Lucite Coffee Tables with Chromed Metal Details
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of midcentury square Lucite coffee tables with chromed metal details. Measurements: H 15.74 in. x W 39.5 in. x D 39.5 in. H 17.71 in. x W 27.5 in. x D 27.5 in.
Brass
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
H 12 in W 30 in D 30 in
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
H 15 in W 40 in D 40 in
Burl Wood Brass Glass Top Square Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern massive burl wood frame glass top square coffee table. Gorgeous burl wood grain pattern. Nice design proportions.
Brass
H 11 in W 48 in D 48 in
Midcentury Italian Sculptural Modern Square Travertine Marble Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple and sculptural square coffee table made of travertine for Italy circa 1970s. It features a very low profile with solid slab travertine construction with beautiful veining an...
Travertine
H 17 in W 42 in D 42 in
Large Cloth-Covered Square Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice cloth covered square Mid-Century Modern coffee table in style of Karl Springer.
Grasscloth, Seagrass
H 15.5 in W 42.5 in D 42.5 in
Mastercraft Midcentury Hollywood Regency Brass and Glass Cocktail Table, 1970s
By Mastercraft
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency coffee or cocktail table By Mastercraft Furniture USA, circa 1970s Brass, with beveled smoked glass inserts. Measures:...
Brass
H 29.5 in W 56 in D 34 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Style Mid Century Blonde Dining Tabl
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville style mid century blonde dining table The table measures: 56 wide x 34 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 25 inches All pie...
Wood
H 17 in W 42 in D 42 in
Multicolor Marble X Base Square Marble Coffee Table
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern X base multi color marble or travertine square coffee table.
Marble
Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Round Walnut Coffee Table Tapered Legs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern round walnut coffee table tapered legs.
Walnut
H 14.25 in W 54 in D 20.5 in
Merton Gershun American of Martinsville X Inlaid Walnut Coffee Table
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
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
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
H 15.5 in W 60 in D 17 in
MCM Mid Century Modern Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Coffee Table
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful professionally refinished Mid-Century Modern coffee table by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. This solid walnut table features 4 point star...
Walnut
H 13 in W 54.25 in D 18.75 in
Mid-Century Merton Gershun Low Coffee Table or Bench-American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Southampton, NJ
A striking walnut low table having brass accents and 3 drawer storage designed by Merton Gershun for American Of Martinsville circa 1960. Professionally refinished and ready for use!
Brass
H 13 in W 36 in D 18.75 in
Merton Gershun Style Walnut Coffee Table
By Merton Gershun
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun style walnut coffee table Table measures: 36 wide x 18.75 deep x 13 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage condition. That...
Walnut
H 12.75 in W 72.25 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Long 3-Drawer Walnut and Brass Bench
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century long 3-drawer walnut and brass bench Bench measures: 72.25 wide x 18.5 deep x 12.75 high All pieces of furniture can be had i...
Brass
H 15 in W 66 in D 19 in
Midcentury low Long Walnut Coffee Table Bench
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Midcentury long walnut coffee table bench. Beautiful design and shape. Has winged ends and a Black Formica square detail on the top of the cof...
Laminate, Walnut
H 17.75 in W 54 in D 20.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Cocktail Table by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Merton Gershun cocktail table with replaced hairpin iron legs. Walnut has been refinished and waxed for protection. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.
Iron
H 14.13 in Dm 38 in
Walnut Coffee Table by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well grained round walnut coffee table with inlaid aluminum X patterns and nice rounded conical legs manufactured by American of Martinsville model # 3757. The flamed pattern ...
Walnut
H 15.5 in W 59.75 in D 17 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Ebonized Long Coffee Table
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering a nice newly ebonized American of Martinsville coffee table by Merton Gershun. The table has two white tile ends with the centre a nice ebonized centre with "x" shaped alumi...
Walnut
H 15.13 in W 50 in D 17 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering a nice Mid-Century Modern coffee table by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. The table features nice brass inlays with two white laminate tops for durability and s...
Walnut