The Roycrofters

Dr. Will J. Cavanagh, Pittsburgh, PA, circa 1910
By descent to grandson Reed Cavanagh, Washington, D.C.
Acquired from the above by the present owner, circa 1990

Roycroft Furniture, New York, 1981, p. 12 (for a reprint of the firm's 1906 catalogue illustrating the model)
Leslie Greene Bowman, American Arts & Crafts: Virtue in Design, Los Angeles, 1990, p. 65 (for an example of the model in the collection of LACMA)

Overall in very good condition. The oak surfaces throughout appear to retain their original finish and appear to have been sensitively waxed in the past. The cabinet displays a particularly deep and rich dark finish with exceptional figuring. The oak surfaces throughout with minor edge wear with small associated edge losses, and with some occasional light surface scratches and abrasions, consistent with age and gentle use. As is expected with the natural expansion and contraction of wood over time, there are a few very minor seam separations to the oak boards throughout. All appear quite tight, with the exception of a small separation (less than 1/16 inch) to the rear board comprising the top, which is only detectable along the proper rear right side. The interior shelves with some gentle surface wear adjacent to the front edges from surface contact over the years. The top surface of the cabinet with a few very small and minor transparent dark stains to the proper front left corner, and what appears to be a subtle transparent abrasion mark to the proper right side. A superb example of this iconic form displaying a particularly dark and rich finish.
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.

This Magazine Pedestal was part of a large collection of Roycroft furniture owned in the period by Dr. Will J. Cavanagh, a close personal friend of Elbert Hubbard, founder of the Roycroft artisan community in East Aurora, New York.  This lot is accompanied by a copy of a personal letter written by Elbert Hubbard to Dr. Cavangah, dated March 12, 1915, just a few months before Hubbard died in the sinking of the British ocean liner, the Lusitania, on May 7, 1915.