Gustav Stickley

with original winding key

Acquired directly from the Craftsman Workshops of Gustav Stickley by Arthur H. Sagendorph, circa 1902
Thence by descent
Christie's New York, December 9, 1989, lot 24

David Cathers, Furniture of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, New York, 1981, p. 238
Stephen Gray, The Early Work of Gustav Stickley, New York, 1987, p. 95
Linda H. Roth and Elizabeth Mankin Kornhauser, eds., At Home with Gustav Stickley: American Arts & Crafts from the Stephen Gray Collection, London, 2008, p. 68
Judith A. Barter, Apostles of Beauty: Arts and Crafts from Britain to Chicago, Chicago, 2009, p. 100
Kevin W. Tucker, Gustav Stickley and the American Arts & Crafts Movement, exh. cat., Seattle, 2010, p. 123

Overall very good condition. This rare example of the model displays impressive sculptural and architectural presence when viewed in person. The wood surfaces appear to retain their original finish, which appear to have been lightly overcoated as a result of common general maintenance and cleaning. The wood surfaces throughout present with scattered minor surface scratches, abrasions, dents, areas of wear, and some occasional extremely minor age cracks consistent with age and gentle use. The upper cornice with a very slight seam separation to the proper left side, stable. The proper right rear corner of the cornice with a small chip measuring approximately 1/4 x 1/8 inch. The proper right vertical post with a small surface irregularity at approximately mid-height that is associated with a burl within the wood, inherent in the material and not visually detractive. The same vertical post with some wear next to the door handle and with some wear to the door itself around the handle. The interior edge of the door frame with a small dent on the bottom edge measuring approximately 1/2 inch wide, not visible when the door is closed. The top of the proper left rear foot with a small chip measuring approximately 1 inch high, not visually detractive. The clock face and numbers with scattered extremely minor surface scratches. The weights and pendulum all appear original and present with minor surface scratches and wear consistent with age and use. The movement is not guaranteed to run at the time of cataloguing and was not tested for accuracy of time. It may need service at the buyer's discretion. An incredible masterwork by Gustav Stickley.
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.