The Roycrofters

Private Collection, Orchard Park, NY, ca. 1905
Thence by descent

Tod M. Volpe and Beth Cathers, Treasures of the American Arts and Crafts Movement: 1890-1920, New York, 1988, p. 133 (for a related variant of the model)
Stephen Gray, ed., A Catalog of the Roycrofters, New York, 1989, p. 4 (for a related variant of the model)
David Cathers, Stickley Style:  Arts and Crafts Homes in the Craftsman Tradition, New York, 1999, pp. 138-139, 164 and 178

Overall in very good condition. The sea horses retain their original rich black patina, and show minimal gentle wear and some occasional surface soiling. The bases, most notably the rear log supports, show more considerable wear, surface discoloration and corrosion from prior use. One of the bases has a small irregular hole (appears to be surface pitting, most likely inherent in the making) toward the front right side (1/8 inch). One base has a small light green paint drip on the back corner of the left front foot. The original bolts securing the rear log holders to the front base supports are intact and undisturbed. An exceptional example of these rare figural andirons, which display beautifully in person. The figural sea horses cleverly rotate on the base pin supports, so one can position the andirons in several different compositions.
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.

The Roycrofters produced these exceptional figural andirons in two sizes and with a few variations to the base design.  The pair offered here features the most desirable and rarest of the base variants.  The sea horses cleverly revolve on pins which extend upward from the base, allowing for a variety of compositions.