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.
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 ...
Brass
Merton Gershun - American of Martinsville Long & Short Louvered Walnut Cabinets
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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 ...
Brass, Enamel
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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...
Brass
Classic Mid-Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning walnut Modernist dresser designed by Merton Gershun ,,manufactured by American Of Martinsville. Classic aluminum x's and asymetrical pulls. Beautiful original condition. Han...
Aluminum
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Walnut Cabinets
By Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut cabinets designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, circa 1960s. These pieces showcase Gershun’s signature clean lines, warm walnut grain, and...
Brass
$6,750
H 55 in W 55.75 in D 96.25 in
Stewart MacDougall 1970s Room Divider with Desk, Birch, Walnut & Formica
By Stewart MacDougall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully conceived room divider with integrated desk from the 1970s, designed by Stewart MacDougall. Crafted in a harmonious blend of birch, warm walnut, vibrant Formica, and sl...
Metal
$2,500
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...
Brass
$2,950
H 41.25 in W 77.75 in D 13 in
Mid-Century Walnut Credenza or Bookcase with Glass Doors by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
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
$2,495
H 29.5 in W 48.25 in D 23 in
Newly Refinished - Merton Gershun “Esprit” Walnut Writing Desk for Dillingham
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, 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...
Laminate, Walnut
Merton Gershun, Dresser, Walnut, USA, 1950s
By Merton Gershun
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut dresser designed by Merton Gershun and produced by Cavalier, USA, c. 1950s. Refinished. Minimal wear to top surface. Minor to moderate imperfections on unfinished outer b...
Walnut
Vintage American of Martinsville Desk
By Merton Gershun
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Vintage 3-drawer desk in bleached mahogany with a faux bamboo front. This design features an architectural-inspired linear silhouette with open-side shelving. From the sought-after a...
Mahogany
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
Vintage 1960's American of Martinsville Desk
By American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1960's American of Martinsville desk with structural details and original pulls. Nice corner details. Marked inside drawer. Two f...
Wood
$2,800
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
Mid century American of Martinsville Dania Tall Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
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...
Brass
$750
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,...
Oak
$1,440Sale Price|40% Off
H 66.25 in W 56.5 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Bubble Glass Cabinet
By American of Martinsville
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this very nice unique Bubble Glass Cabinet made by American of Martinsville. The cabinet is one piece and can not be separated.
Glass
Sold
H 57.5 in W 50 in D 18 in
Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut / Brass Display, Cocktail Cabinet
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Merton Gershun Display / Cocktail Cabinet Late 1950's early 1960s walnut display / cocktail cabinet with 4 louvered drawers, top silverware drawer,,2 open shelves, shelf behind 2 sli...
Brass
Sold
H 77 in W 74 in D 19 in
Merton Gershun For Dillingham Walnut 2 Piece China Cabinet With Interior Lights
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This walnut two piece china cabinet by Merton Gershun for Dillingham exemplifies the clean lines and functional elegance of mid century design. The lower credenza features four doors...
Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 56 in W 73 in D 18.5 in
Seldom seen modular MeRTON Gershun mEDIA Cabinet / American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen modular Media ,storage cabinet designed by Merton Gershum for American Of Martinsville. Great design! Featuring 4 separate modular units. base with 3 drawers, brass deta...
Brass
Sold
H 26.5 in W 31.5 in D 15 in
Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun American Martinsville Chest Console Record Cab
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid-Century Modern Accord chest designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, no 3759. A rectangular form with a plinth base raised over turned and tapered legs. Made of w...
Walnut
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bar Cart by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun
Located in Wilmington, DE
Vintage Mid-Century Modern walnut bar cart by Merton Gershun on Wheels. Offered is a very cool Modern Walnut bar cart. Features two drawer, spill proof top and large bottom shelf. It is also on wheels. Designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Great for storage, serving drinks or food. It is in excellent condition, showing some age wear (minor surface wear/scratches, age wear--see pictures). It is signed. We have a complete dining room...
Teak
Sold
H 74 in W 26 in D 16 in
Designed by Merton Gershun for Dillingham Esprit Mid Century Display Cabinet
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This rare Dillingham Esprit vintage walnut display cabinet featuring clean lines with striking black accents. Adjustable glass shelves i...
Teak
Sold
H 57.75 in W 50 in D 18 in
1960’s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century China Cabinet
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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...
Brass
Sold
H 50 in W 58 in D 18 in
Mid Century Wall Unit Cabinet Bar by Merton Gershun American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Wall unit cabinet for the Dania Series by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. 2 glass sliding doors with lower cabinet and 4 Lou reed drawers on the lower right. Brass handl...
Brass
Sold
H 60.25 in W 48 in L 60.25 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Walnut and Brass Buffet Hutch
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century walnut and brass buffet with hutch The buffet and hutch measure: 48 wide x 15.75 deep x 60.25 inches high All pieces of ...
Brass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 62 in D 18.5 in
Classic Mid Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning walnut modernist dresser designed by Merton Gershun, manufactured by American Of Martinsville. Classic aluminum x's and asymetrical pulls, minor stain to (see photo). Hand d...
Aluminum
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century China Cabinet
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century china cabinet China cabinet measures: 50 wide x 18 deep x 57.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we ...
Brass
Sold
H 26 in W 30 in L 26 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut Bar Record Creden
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of martinsville mid century walnut bar record credenza Credenza measures: 30 wide x 14.5 deep x 26 inches high All piec...
Brass