- 36
Harvey Ellis
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
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Description
- Harvey Ellis
- A Rare Desk
- with firm's decal
- oak with pewter, copper and fruitwood inlays and brass hardware
Provenance
William Grimes, Brookline, MA, circa 1902
Thence by descent to the present owners
Literature
Robert Judson Clark, ed., The Arts and Crafts Movement in America 1876-1916, Princeton, 1972, p. 37
Stephen Gray and Robert Edwards, eds., Collected Works of Gustav Stickley, New York, 1981, p. 54
David Cathers, Gustav Stickley, New York, 2003, p. 96 (for a detail of the inlay motif and related Mackintosh cabinet)
Kevin W. Tucker, Gustav Stickley and the American Arts and Crafts Movement, Dallas, 2010, pp. 154-155
Stephen Gray and Robert Edwards, eds., Collected Works of Gustav Stickley, New York, 1981, p. 54
David Cathers, Gustav Stickley, New York, 2003, p. 96 (for a detail of the inlay motif and related Mackintosh cabinet)
Kevin W. Tucker, Gustav Stickley and the American Arts and Crafts Movement, Dallas, 2010, pp. 154-155
Condition
Overall in very good condition. The oak surfaces throughout appear to retain their original finish, displaying exceptional dark rich color and beautiful figuring throughout. The oak surfaces with some scattered minor surface scratches, abrasions and gentle edge wear primarily reserved to the feet and bottom central stretcher consistent with age and gentle use. The top of the desk with two faint light ring marks, and with two subtle pressure marks (5 inches and 2 ½ inches long respectively) along the rear register. The center of the drawer front and adjacent lower rail with a faint concentration of surface scratches. The inlay decoration on each of the four legs is in excellent condition. All of the copper, pewter and various wood inlays appear intact, stable and undisturbed. The pewter and copper inlay elements with light rubbing and darkening due to tarnish and surface oxidation consistent with age. A superb example of the form in remarkable condition, displaying an exceptionally dark rich finish and finely articulated inlay decoration.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The shape of the intricate inlay devices depicting Viking ships on the present model was inspired from an earlier cabinet design by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.