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 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
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
Merton Gershun, Dresser, Oak, USA, 1950s
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun
Located in High Point, NC
An oak dresser designed by Merton Gershun and produced by Dillingham Manufacturing Company, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.25"H x 52.0"W x 18.5"D All items ship fr...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Dresser American of Martinsville Accord Walnut & Cane w/ X’s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Accord Walnut & Cane Dresser w/ X’s & Asymmetric Handles, three drawers & cane doors designed by Merton Gershon. Beautif...
Metal
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
Merton Gershun Gentleman's Chest for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic highchest from the Dania series by Merton Gershun, for American of Martinsville. Features include rich walnut grain, louvered drawers, signature brass accents, and articulated...
Walnut
Classic Mid-Century Walnut Dresser by Merton Gershun / American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
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
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Merton Gershun Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Dainia Walnut Highboy
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This professionally restored tall dresser, from American of Martinsville's "Dania" line, was designed by Merton Gershun. It features three lower drawers with louvered fronts, three s...
Walnut
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
Pair of American of Martinsville Dressers Bleached Philippine Mahogany
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Pair of 3 drawer dressers made of mahogany. The drawers have a very interesting finish which gives a lot of character to the piece. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and hands-on cra...
Mahogany
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
American Martinsville High Boy Walnut Dresser Chest Mid-century Modern
By Merton Gershun
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome six drawer shingle front dresser designed by Merton Gershun. This particular line is exceedingly well crafted and heavy, a hidden treasure in American Mid-Century Modern in ...
Brass
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville "Dania" High-Boy Walnut Dresser
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic “Dania” highboy dresser designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. A standout example of Mid-Century Modern design, this piece blends clean architectural lines w...
Wood
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...
Brass
Merton Gershun Designed Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic mid-century modern dresser by American of Martinsville, designed by Merton Gershun for his 'Dania' series. Features his louvered front drawers and accenting brass hardware. R...
Brass
American of Martinsville 'Dania' Walnut High-Boy Dresser by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic mid-century modern “Dania” highboy dresser by renowned designer Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Crafted in rich walnut, this iconic piece features the clean ar...
Wood
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century American of Martinsville Highboy Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Baltimore, MD
This exceedingly well-crafted American of Martinsville highboy dresser was designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsv...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Merton Gershun Designed Dresser w/ Louvered Front
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning mid-century design by Merton Gershun for Martinsville. Long walnut dresser with louvered front drawers, brass trim, and hidden drawers in the middle. Please confirm location...
Walnut
Merton Gershun Designed Dresser for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Merton Gershun designed dresser for his 'Dania' line with American of Martinsville. Beautiful walnut wood grain throughout with inlaid flourishes around the sculpted handles. Louvere...
Brass
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X Inlay 9 Drawer Dresser
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X Inlay Walnut 9 Drawer Dresser This highboy measures: 36 wide x 17 deep x 44.5 inches high We take our photos in a controll...
Cane, Walnut
$1,995Sale Price / item|27% Off
Merton Gershun Mid Century American of Martinsville Dainia Walnut Tall dresser
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This professionally restored tall dresser, from American of Martinsville's "Dania" line, was designed by Merton Gershun. It features three lower drawers with louvered fronts, three s...
Brass
Restored American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Chest- Pair Available
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction restored in cream lacquer. Fabulous, chunky solid bra...
Brass
$22,000
H 31 in W 65 in D 20.75 in
Dramatic Restored Nine-Drawer Chest by American of Martinsville, circa 1950
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1950. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction finished in cream lacquer. Fabulous wormhole detail on...
Mahogany
Dresser from S.A.F.F.A, 1950s
By Saffa
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Set of maple and myrtle briar dressers and nightstands. Brass tips and handles. Retro-treated glass top from the Gris company of Varedo. Very interesting; under the top there are mar...
Brass
$2,600
H 52.5 in W 42.5 in D 19 in
American of Martinsville Mid Century Modern Tallboy Dresser Gentleman's Chest
By American of Martinsville
Located in Dayton, OH
1960s American of Martinsville MCM Chest of Drawers. Features a walnut frame with bifold doors that open to three dovetailed drawers over two larger lower drawers. Drawers open via...
Brass
$2,400
H 62 in W 39 in D 19 in
American of Martinsville Mid Century Modern Ash Burl Armoire Tallboy Dresser 62"
By American of Martinsville
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage American of Martinsville MCM Ash Burl Armoire, circa 1960s. A fun blend of Mid Century and Art Deco styling. Features double doors over three dovetailed lower drawers. Ope...
Brass
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
$3,195
H 31.25 in W 76 in D 19.25 in
Newly Refinished - American of Martinsville 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativi...
Walnut
1950s, Scandinavian design, seat dresser, oak wood, sheepskin.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950-60, Scandinavian design, seater dresser. Oak wood, new seat cushion of quality New Zeland genuine sheepskin. Wood renewed.
Sheepskin, Oak
$2,495
H 29.5 in W 48.25 in D 23 in
Newly Refinished - Merton Gershun “Esprit” Walnut Writing Desk for Dillingham
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 designs...
Laminate, Walnut
$3,500 / set
H 30 in W 36 in D 18.5 in
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
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...
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
Sold
H 44.5 in W 36 in D 18.75 in
Newly Refinished - Merton Gershun “Accord” Cane & Walnut Highboy Dresser
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...
Walnut
Newly Refinished - Merton Gershun Walnut Highboy Dresser
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativi...
Walnut
1960s Mid Century Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-Century Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun Designed by the renowned Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville, this 1960s walnut dresser captures the perfect balance of fo...
Walnut
Vintage Walnut Dresser by Merton L. Gershun American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A beautiful mid-century modern walnut dresser, expertly crafted by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville in the 1960s. This piece showcases a beautifully designed walnut cas...
Brass
Sold
H 31 in W 62 in D 19 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Dresser by Merton Gershun w/ Cane Doors
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...
Steel
American of Martinsville Walnut Mid Century Modern Long Dresser
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Presenting the iconic "Dania" collection walnut triple dresser designed by Merton Gershun for American Of Martinsville Co. This piece showcases remarkable details, featuring an ultra...
Brass
Sold
H 44 in W 38 in D 18.5 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy Dresser by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished Materials: Walnut, Polished Brass With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passio...
Brass
Sold
H 30.25 in W 36 in D 18.5 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 3-Drawer Dresser 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...
Brass
Sold
H 33 in W 65 in D 18.5 in
Merton L. Gershun Walnut Dresser with Brass Accents for American of Martinsvill
By Merton Gershun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Merton L. Gershun Walnut Dresser with Brass Accents for American of Martinsville ________________________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Dresser 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...
Brass
Sold
H 33 in W 65.125 in D 18.5 in
Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Dania Collection MCM Lowboy c. 1960s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Denville, NJ
"Please request a shipping quote from us directly by sending your zip code. We can ship most items between $300-$600. We photograph and list inventory in the condition it arrives a...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 54 in D 18.5 in
1960s Mid Century Dresser by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut dresser was designed by Merton L. Gershun and manufactured by American of Martinsville in the United States circa 1960s. This fantastic chest of drawers features a...
Walnut