Gustav Stickley

Collection of Stephen Gray, Philmont, NY

At Home with Gustav Stickley:  American Arts & Crafts from the Stephen Gray Collection, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, CT, October 11, 2008-January 4, 2009

Stephen Gray and Robert Edwards, eds., Collected Works of Gustav Stickley, New York, 1981, p. 24
Stephen Gray, The Early Work of Gustav Stickley, New York, 1987, p. 54
David Cathers, Furniture of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, Philmont, NY, 1996, p. 107
Thomas K. Maher, The Kaufmann Collection:  The Early Furniture of Gustav Stickley, Cincinnati, OH, 1996, p. 29
Edward R. Bosley and Anne E. Mallek, eds., A New and Native Beauty:  The Art and Craft of Greene & Greene, London, 2008, p. 31 (for the model shown in situ in the James Culbertson House, Pasadena, CA, designed by architects Greene & Greene)

Overall in very good condition. The oak surfaces throughout appear to retain their original finish, with some occasional light surface scratches, abrasions, edge wear, and traces of surface soiling consistent with age and gentle use. The very bottom surfaces (1/2 inch) of the four bracket feet with losses to the finish, possibly from prior water damage. The edges of the feet brackets with a few small edge losses. The proper left top corner of the case with what appears to be an old small surface chip which has been re-attached. The rear through-tenon on the bottom proper right side of the case has stress fractures flanking the pin which extends through it, and shows minor movement. With some minor warping and lifting to the back boards. The glass all appears original, undisturbed and in very good condition. The interior shelf surfaces with some minor surface soiling, a small area of minor stains to the interior back of the case, some old abrasion marks with minor losses to the finish on the front edges of the interior bottom shelf, and a small area of tiny paint drips on the exterior bottom shelf. With period key. A strong example of this rare model displaying exceptional figuring and deep rich color.
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.