Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan

Albert Bush-Brown, Louis Sullivan, New York, 1960, fig. 64 (for a similar staircase designed by Sullivan for the Guaranty Building, Buffalo)
David Lowe, Lost Chicago, Boston, 1975, p. 140
Sarah C. Mollman, ed., Louis Sullivan in the Art Institute of Chicago: The Illustrated Catalogue of Collections, New York, 1989, cat. no. 164 (for a baluster panel from the Chicago Stock Exchange)
Mario Manieri Elia, Louis Henry Sullivan, 1856-1924, New York, 1996, p. 102 (for a rendering showing a staircase in the Chicago Stock Exchange) and pp. 120-122 (for a similar staircase designed by Sullivan for the Guaranty Building, Buffalo)
John Vinci, The Art Institute of Chicago: The Stock Exchange Trading Room, Chicago, 1977, pp. 22-23
John Szarkowski, The Idea of Louis Sullivan, Boston, 2000, p. 95 (showing the related elevator fascade from the Chicago Stock Exchange)

This assembled staircase is in overall in very good condition and can be a functional staircase or work of sculpture. Not shown in the catalogue illustration is a modern black painted steel undercarriage, which allows for the staircase to stand as a freestanding structure. Should one want to install the work as a functional staircase, this frame can be removed easily as it is attached by bolt to the original staircase elements. Please contact the department at 212-606-7170 or megan.whippen@sothebys.com for additional photographs of the staircase in the exhibition. The cast iron elements with some minor areas of discoloration (as seen in the catalogue illustration) and some minor areas of oxidation and corrosion consistent with age. The stringer, which is the portion of the stair frame along the side below the handrail and banister, with same decorative scheme to the opposite side not shown in the catalogue illustration. The interior side of the stringer adjacent to the treads is not decorated. The cast iron risers between the stairs are decorated to both the front and back and remain in excellent condition. The medallions which comprised the banister portion of the stairs in excellent original condition with some minor rubbing and spots of oxidation. When the staircase is disassembled these medallions are attached via a stretcher to the top portion, on which is the handrail is attached. The wooden handrail is original condition, with nicks, scratches, and dings, rubbing to finish and some chips as seen in the catalogue illustration. The portion of the handrail above goose neck (top bent portion at the top of the handrail) has been replaced with a stained wood element similar in color and likeness. The newell posts are in very good condition with some minor oxidation, spots of corrosion and scratches as expected. There are holes to lower portion of the posts which are for original hardware, likely used for the continuation of the stairs. The lower cap portion shown in the upper newell post is also included with the lower newell post, however not shown in the present installation. In the present installation, the first stair is 24 5/8 inches above the floor. This height is determined by the height of the joint with newell post and is higher than a standard step. The top stair of the staircase is only the vertical cast iron riser and not a marble tread as there is no additional structure to hold the tread and measures 85 1/2 inches above the ground. The total height noted in the catalogue of 133 3/8 inches includes the stringer above the last stair and the upper newell post. The proper right of the staircase is without banister and handrail as this portion was likely against a wall in its original location in the Stock Exchange building. The marble treads of the staircase have been replaced and with scratches, minor chips and some surface irregularities. With modern hardware. The staircase is a monumental work, which can be disassembled for shipment. The individual cast iron elements are heavy. A unique opportunity to acquire a work by Sullivan and Adler for the Chicago Stock exchange.
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.