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 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
Merton Gershun for Dillingham Mid-Century Modern Esprit Walnut Gentleman’s Chest
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A clean-lined and versatile mid-century modern walnut gentlemen’s chest, perfect for use as a bedroom storage piece or a stylish bar cabinet. The upper section features a pair of pan...
Walnut
Thomasville Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Cane Gentleman’s Chest / Highboy Dresser
By Thomasville
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Thomasville Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Cane Gentleman’s Chest / Highboy Dresser A beautifully crafted Mid-Century Modern gentleman’s chest by Thomasville, showcasing warm walnut ton...
Cane, Wood
John Kapel Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser Glenn of California
By John Kapel
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This distinguished by John Kapel for Glenn of California dresser features a streamlined design with exceptional craftsmanship and premium materials. Notable elements include elegantl...
Walnut
Kroehler Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza Dresser with Rosewood accents
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Kroehler Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza Dresser with Rosewood Handles United States, 1960s A beautifully crafted 9-drawer walnut credenza dresser by Kroehler, exemplifying the e...
Walnut
Stunning Vintage Two-Tone Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Upgrade your space with this gorgeous Mid-Century Modern walnut dresser! With sleek lines, a striking two-tone wood accent, and elegant brass handles, this dresser is the perfect sta...
Walnut
Mid-Century Merton Gershun Designed Walnut Highboy Dresser by Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, Carlton House Fine Furniture, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Similar to Merton Gershun's designs for the "Dania" collection by American of Martinsville, this walnut highboy dresser by Carlton House exemplifies classic American Mid-Century Mode...
Brass
American of Martinsville 'Dania' Walnut High-Boy Dresser by Merton Gershun
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
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
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 Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
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 Modern Walnut Highboy Dresser By Young MFG.
By Young Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A timeless example of American mid-century modern design, this Young Manufacturing walnut highboy dresser combines exceptional craftsmanship, clean architectural lines, and practical...
Wood
Arne Vodder Style West Michigan Furniture Mid Century Walnut Highboy Dresser
By West Michigan Furniture Co., Arne Vodder
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arne Vodder Style West Michigan Furniture Mid Century Walnut Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 40 wide x 17 deep x 42.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what...
Walnut
