Gustav Stickley

Sotheby’s New York, November 19, 1981, lot 238
Louis H. Hollister, New York
Christie’s New York, June 11, 1998, lot 8
Stephen Gray, Philmont, NY
Acquired from the above by the present owner

At Home with Gustav Stickley:  American Arts & Crafts from the Stephen Gray Collection, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, CT, October 11-January 4, 2009

Stephen Gray and Robert Edwards, eds., Collected Works of Gustav Stickley, New York, 1981, pp. 14 and 22
David Cathers, Gustav Stickley, London, 2003, p. 219

Overall in very good condition. The oak surfaces throughout appear to retain their original finish, with some occasional old surface scratches, minor surface abrasions, and edge wear with some occasional small and minor edge losses consistent with age and very gentle use. The top shelf with a faint partial dark ring mark (2 inches). The drawer pull on the top proper left drawer with a very small corner loss (1/4 x 1/8 inch). The proper right side of the piece with a few tiny pinhead size paint specks. A few of the natural seam lines on the case showing exceedingly small and minor seam separations as a result of the natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time. The desk interior and lopers retain their original green stain, and the interior is in exceptional condition showing very minimal surface wear. The interior of the fall front with a few very minor transparent stains. The desk interior and upper pigeon hole dividers with a few occasional ink stains. The rear of the fall front with a few tiny traces of blue paint (could be easily removed if desired). The painted iron hardware around the key hole with light surface wear and a few small scattered pigment losses consistent with age and gentle use. With two period keys, one for the exterior fall front and a smaller key for the interior locked well. An exceptional example of this rare and early model displaying a superb wood selection with beautiful figuring and a deep rich finish. One of only three examples of the model presently known.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.