Auctions and Antiques Examiner

Auctionwally's Appraisal for 2 Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Chairs

POSTED July 21, 9:26 AM

Earle asks:

Here are the pictures I have for the two items to be appraised. Both appear to be Stickley chairs. Unfortunately, I do not have photos of the underside of either chair and as the chairs reside at a cabin several hundred miles away and I took these pictures before I had seen your website. The photos labeled "chair" are simply those of the chair and those labeled "rocker" are of the rocking chair. Both have been at the cabin as long as I can remember (the mid 1960's) and were gifted to our family by some friends from Glendale, CA who had had them for some time. The fabric pads and seat cushions have been on both chairs since we received them, however I suspect the seats were recovered before we got them and the pads on the back were added for comfort. Please let me know if you have any further question or need additional information. Sincerely, Earle

AW says: (Note to readers, the rocker shown is identical to the armchair referenced, except of course the other chair is an arm chair without rockers.) Your two chairs are first: a Gustav Stickley deep seated arm chair model number 324. It's mission oak in a quarter sawn grain. It has the Gustav Stickley brand. It would measure 42" tall x 29" wide x 30" deep.

And second: Gustav a Stickley deep seated rocker model number 323. It has the branded Gustav Stickley mark and measures 40" tall x 29" wide x 30" deep.

Both are desirable chairs as Stickley furniture is very hot right now. Yours won't be in the top price range because of finish wear, but let's evaluate.

Date range: of both: 1910s Retail value: Arm Chair = $1,200-$1400 / Rocker: $1350-$1500 (You'll find these priced higher in better condition. I'd consider your chairs to be in good condition, but a premium is paid for original finish in fine condition. (top price)

Wholesale value: Arm Chair = $600-$800 / Rocker: $700-$850 (The midrange price you could expect to achieve at a well advertised live auction. The price that is most often realized)

Quick sale value: $300-$500 each. (No piece of Gustav Stickley furniture should suffer quick sale pricing at this point, unless it's ruined.) The price your likely to get if you have to sell your item immediately and your prospective customer is aware of this.

Common trade terminology: Mission Oak, Arts and Crafts, Stickely Furniture, Stickley Chairs #323 Rocker and #324 Arm Chair,

In most cases, I believe it would be beneficial for your to give the prospective buyer a link to this page, and to bookmark it via your favorite bookmarking service.

Care and storage tips: I would not refinish these but leave them as is. Keep out of direct sun for long periods as much of the finish is worn and further fading will ensue.

For more info go to: Auctionwally.com

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What's it Worth? Auctionwally's appraisal for 6 Gothic Revival Tiger Oak chairs

POSTED July 5, 11:09 AM

Doran asks:

These six chairs are in excellent condition and have never been refinished. What are they worth?

AW says: Here's what I like about your chairs:

They're a full set of 6 dining room chairs. (Dining room chair sets of less than 6 have little value)
They are unusual, I'd call them a type of Gothic, Jacobean influence.
They have the original finish, lots of points for that.
The Tiger Oak backs are beautiful

Because they're a revival set and not period chairs, we're not talking telephone #s here, but let's evaluate.

Date range: 1890s-1910s

Retail value: $450-$600, for the set.
(top price)

Wholesale value: $350
(The mid range price you could expect to achieve at a well advertised live auction. The price that is most often realized)

Quick sale value:$250-$300
The price your likely to get if you have to sell your item immediately and your prospective customer is aware of this.

Common trade terminology: Turn of the Century Chairs, Tiger Oak, Gothic Revival Chairs, Jacobean Style Chairs.

For more info on antiques values go to: Auctionwally.com

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Gustav Stickley and Brothers Furniture Values and Identifying Marks

POSTED June 23, 9:50 PM

This is the red brand mark of Gustav Stickley.

After posting the appraisal for a pair of Stickley Bros. maple chairs, I'd gotten requests for an article on some of the more valuable Stickley furniture so here is something I wrote a while back and was originally presented at my website, www.auctionwally.com

This is the red brand mark of Gustav Stickley.

The leaders in furniture of the Arts and Crafts movement, the Stickley Brothers started in Binghamton NY, then moved to Grand Rapids Michigan. There were 5 brothers in the the furniture making business they were Gustav, Albert, Leopold, Charles and John George.

They produced furniture and decorative accessories for the home.

The eldest Gustav, is regarded as the best furniture maker of the family and it is his work that commands the highest premiums. He is most famous for his "Mission Furniture". The shop marks he used for his furniture are an early red decal of a carpenter's compass and the words 'Als Ik Kan', a brand with the same, and paper labels.

The brothers Albert, George and John went to Michigan and left Charles in Binghamton, he and an uncle operated under a different name there.

After a few years John George left to join Leopold in NY and started a firm called L. and J. G. Stickley. They made Arts and Crafts furniture with an English feel. It was tagged with paper labels identifying it as Stickley Brothers, or a brass tag with the English term, 'Quaint Furniture'.

This shop first operated under the name 'Onodaga Shops.' They were in Fayetteville NY but then their pieces were obvious influences of older brother Gustav's work. Decal labels contained the words, 'Handcrafted' and 'Onodaga Shops' and the L. and J. G. initials.

As you can imagine, with most of the Stickley Brothers works being identified by labels and decals, it can be hard to identify as often those have worn or fallen off, but Gustav's brand is unmistakable once you've seen it.

There has been a huge explosion in the market in recent years for good Stickley furniture.

At auction a few years ago, I got $5500.00 plus a 10% buyers premium for a fine Gustave bookcase.

Here are some items and prices.

Gustav

China Cabinet #820, 12 pane door w/ overhang top, 63" x 36" - $8000 - 8500
Magazine Stand, Tree of Life -$900 -$1100.
Wicker Table Lamp = $2000 - 2900
Stand #642, 2 drawer over 1, $2400 - $3000

L. and J.G.

Armchair, #448, $1500 - $2000
Morris Chair, #830, open arms, 5 slat back, 40" - $1400 - $1800.
Library Table, #377, 1 drawer - $1400 - $1800

Stickley Bros.

Morris Chair, w/ hip rail, 43" - $450
Library Table, # 2896, 1 drawer, 40", $650 - $800
Umberella Stand, $225-$300.

Thanks for reading, feel free to contact me if you have any other questions about Stickley furniture

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What's it Worth? Appraisal for Stickley Brothers Maple Chairs

POSTED June 22, 10:19 PM

Theresa asks:

I have a pair of these Stickley Chairs, what are they worth? Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank You

AW says: Those are some very well made maple chairs circa 1958 made by Leopold Stickely. Although not nearly as popular or as pricey as the Arts & Crafts furniture made by his brothers in the earlier part of the century, these are of good quality and do have some value.

Date range: 1958

Retail value: $250-$350 (all prices are for the pair)
(top price)

Wholesale value: $150
(The midrange price you could expect to achieve at a well advertised live auction. The price that is most often realized)

Quick sale value: $50-75
The price your likely to get if you have to sell your item immediately and your prospective customer is aware of this.

Common trade terminology: L Stickley Chairs, Maple Chairs,

Nicknames or slang terms: Captains's chairst

Selling tips: I would put these in a good online classified venue or sell them at a local estate sale.

In most cases, I believe it would be beneficial for your to give the prospective buyer a link to this page, and to bookmark it via your favorite bookmarking service.

Care and storage tips: Keep them clean and dry, basically.

To learn about my 100% guaranteed appraisals click here

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Appraisal for Antique Parlour Set

POSTED June 21, 3:20 PM

Susan asks:
This set was bought it in Tampa in the late 1940s or early 1950s. It arrived in Port Tampa on a ship from Cuba.

AW says: That's a lovely Parlor set, I believe it's been reupholstered although it's been tastefully done. It looks to have the original finish, so points for that. Since it's such a grand set it will not be the easiest thing to sell, but when you find a buyer that appreciates it, it should bring a nice price. My prices are for the set. I'm sure it's European, most likely English and made of Mahogany. It's kind of a transitional style set coming of of the Empire era and into the Victorian era.

Date range: 1850s

Retail value: $1800-$3500 ( I have an unusually large gap in this price range due to the unusualness of this set) The range really reflects how long a seller is willing to wait to find just the right buyer for this wonderful set.
(top price)

Wholesale value:$1200-$1500
(The midrange price you could expect to achieve at a well advertised live auction. The price that is most often realized)

Quick sale value: $800
The price your likely to get if you have to sell your item immediately and your prospective customer is aware of this.

Common trade terminology: English Empire, Pawfoot Mahogany Furniture,

Nicknames or slang terms: Pawfoot Furniture, Empire Pawfoot, Empire Rocker, Empire Style.

In most cases, I believe it would be beneficial for your to give the prospective buyer a link to this page, and to bookmark it via your favorite bookmarking service.

Care and storage tips: Do not over polish. Parts of the front of the pieces are likely veneer. Veneer has seams, when the polish gets in the seams the Veneer could lift.

To find out how to have AuctionWally appraise your antiques, click here.

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Appraisal for Antique Prairie Chest

POSTED June 20, 9:57 PM

Prudence asks:
Hello, Wally.
What is this? I thought it might be a prairie bonnet chest as it is rather primitive in its pine construction. The top lifts to reveal a 9”H x 34”W x 19”D storage area. There are six drawers. The top two are 3-1/2" deep x 15” wide. The top of the lower four drawers is 1-1/2" deep x 30-1/2" wide. The other 3 lower drawers are 2-1/2" deep x 30-1/2" wide. All drawers have faceted glass knobs. Drawers are not dovetailed but joined with a series of small primitive nails. The overall chest dimensions are 34"W x 33-1/2"H x 19"D. It has not been restored.
Thank you for your prompt appraisal response to my inquiry.

AW says: It is indeed a field or "Prairie"chest. Whether it's specifically for bonnets or not is debatable. These chests were often well made and simple in design for a multitude of practical uses. The main idea of these was to be used as functional storage during travel, that is, they are not as temporary as a trunk, but not as permanent as home furniture, rather something in between. You often see them in military style, which this one is not. Usually any piece of case furniture has it's value increase if it has a lift top such as yours.
Date range: 1900s

Retail value: $375-$425(top price)

Wholesale value: $250
(The midrange price you could expect to achieve at a well advertised live auction. The price that is most often realized)

Quick sale value: $175
The price your likely to get if you have to sell your item immediately and your prospective customer is aware of this.

Common trade terminology: Field chest of drawers, lift top Prairie chest or field chest.

In most cases, I believe it would be beneficial for your to give the prospective buyer a link to this page, and to bookmark it via your favorite bookmarking service.

Care and storage tips: Of course one should not try to re-finish this.

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It IS Easy Being Green, With Antiques.

POSTED May 9, 3:43 PM

I like to think of myself as a hip guy at least for my age. Sure the music I listen to consists of a mix of classic rock, old school punk, and anything by Johnny Cash, but that alone doesn't make me an old Geezer. My kids and family think that I'm automatically in that category just by my association and my love for antiques but let me rebut that by professing that my passion for old things is actually cool from an environmental standpoint.

Today the focus of this post which is that antiques are Green, very Green, and right now being Green is "in", and arguably the most important thing to be as a consumer. Now maybe it's just that as I'm getting older I'm finding my need to have my field of work accepted by the tragically hip, as well as those who need hip replacements, but I really see a huge benefits younger generations in antiques & collectibles.

Probably the best way to win you over and convince you that antiques are the ultimate Green products, would be to jump right in prove my case, but do I do that?
Naw, not me, the big mouthed auctioneer, I gotta pick a fight with my audience first! Here are my fighting words. You guys gotta get shed your addiction to disposable material luxury, especially with the extra obnoxious items. Seriously, there's nothing wrong with a little flash, but c'mon, a Hummer?! Face Grills?!
Do you need to display the fact that you have money so bad that you have to wear it on your face? nuff said.
If your financially fortunate enough to be able to afford those things I've just mentioned let me make a couple of suggestions. First, instead of a Hummer, how about a nice vintage Rolls Royce? Something in a Phantom, or the Silver Ghost would be much more stylish, get you more attention, about the same gas mileage and which do you you think will be worth more money in 10 years? Right. Here's where the Green part comes in, "the Rolls Royce is already made". No extra production strain is put on the planet for raw materials, the same of course applies to any collectible or used item you purchase rather than a newly produced item.
Think for a minute how hard teams of scientists work to invent ways to cheapen productivity cost and lessen environmental impact of new products. Something that's already made has cuts both of those factors to 0, with no effort. The Green benefit becomes even larger when you consider the potential disposal fee of the antique, collectible or used item that's saved. What about the landfill room saved?

But what about the average person?

So, let's say you're not, and will never be in the market for a Hummer or a Rolls Royce. How can you save a bunch of cash with antiques? Aren't antiques expensive? No, this is the biggest mis-perception that haunts the antiques world. Generally speaking, good quality antiques, used furniture and collectibles are much cheaper than new items of similar quality. The key part of that sentence being of similar quality.
Let's take for example a nice Victorian solid Oak chest of drawers with a matching attached mirror. The average price range for such an item at auction is $150-$300 right now. You can go to Walmart and find something just as pretty for about $150 so were even so far. I'm sure most of you know that the pretty item at Walmart will be fake wood, what is commonly referred to as particle board or presswood. Don't put a drink on it, and DO NOT attempt to move it once you've assembled it. Spilled drinks will dissolve the finish and moving it, even once, will loosen joints and make drawers unworkable. Junk. Now you CAN go to a good quality furniture store and buy a new dresser of solid Oak, somewhat close to the quality of the antique Victorian Chest I mentioned above, but it will cost you about $1,500 to $2000 dollars. Again, which do you think will be worth more money in 10 years? Right.
The same principles apply to virtually all quality antique items. You can get knock off new junk in stores for about the same money or you can get a comparable quality new item for about 10X the price or you can just get the antique item at an affordable price and if you take care of it, it will likely appreciate in value.

For those just starting out

If you're just starting out and have little money, don't go slapping your future down on a credit card to furnish your home. Every week throughout the country there are tons of small auction houses that would love your business, and in most cases you can fill up a truck and furnish a small apartment for under $500.00, lamps and accessories included!
With the foreclosure market the way it is, many people are downsizing, as a result there is a glut of used furniture on the market at local auction houses and second hand shops. I'm watching pieces that used to auction for $150-$200 each, sell for $25 and $50! That's if the auctioneer can even get a bid on them. It seems that the dealers in the audience are all looking for small items to sell on eBay or only want the 1 or 2 outstanding pieces of furniture in the sale.

Got Skills?

If you're handy and are willing to do a little work, you can have something truly unique that will cost you nothing or very little. If you have the skill and inclination, I beg of you to go rescue one of those awesome vintage Stereo or "Hi-Fi" cabinets from the 1950s-60s.

Most people getting rid of them are willing to give them away. These can be converted into great liquor bars or buffet type pieces. Take out the record player and pop in a dry sink, take out the speakers and you have space to store things you wish to keep hidden. Keep the top down and it makes a great stand for a large fish or Iguana tank. Have you seen how neat some of those old retro Hi-Fi cabinets are? If you're a musician, they can be shelled to drop in new gear. If I was held at gunpoint, (no volunteers please) I could come up with at least a dozen other uses for this piece of furniture alone, and think of what else is out there that should be saved.

If you go to an art store for mosaic type material, expect to pay big bucks, but you can find better, more beautiful and truly unique material for next to nothing. Just go to antique shops or auctions to purchase damaged porcelain and pottery. Etsians (those who sell on Etsy.com) are onto this and have started fashioning custom jewelry and other arts & crafts, which sell for good money.

Badly torn posters and antique books are almost worthless to antique ephemera dealers, but every day people get good money for them once they're transformed into collages, altered books and other unusual items.

Jewelry making was just mentioned above and lots of people have found a niche in the market place making custom jewelry. You can go to supply centers and buy new, or you can hunt second hand stores for boxes of old findings or jewelry parts, which again will likely be very cheap when you do find them.

There are millions of antique and used items out there waiting to be rescued from the back rooms of auction houses, antique shops and second hand stores, many of them are cheap or in some cases free.

Make a statement, be unique, go Green, buy an antique.

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What's it Worth? Appraisal for 1950s Roll Top Desk

POSTED May 7, 7:45 PM

Alyssa asks:

Hey Wally,

We have a c-top rolltop 3/4 slat double pedestal desk that we were told was made in the 1950s in Alaska and is made of mahogany. It is in great shape. Few scuffs, tears or scratches. The roll top part of it works great.

It has a marble inlay writing surface 22 x 20.

It has brass drop knobs.

It is roughly 51" tall, 27" wide, and 60" long.

Thank you.

Alyssa

AW says: That's a very good quality Roll Top Desk as indicated by several features. The most prominent being, it's abundant amount of cubbyholes, the raised panel design, the marble writing surface and the brass knobs. I think I disagree on the wood though, it appears to be of Walnut with oak braces and supports. However, it could be Mahogany, pictures don't always give a 100% perspective.

Date range: 1950s

Retail value: $900-$1200
(top price)

Wholesale value: $500
(The midrange price you could expect to achieve at a well advertised live auction. The price that is most often realized)

Quick sale value: $300
The price your likely to get if you have to sell your item immediately and your prospective customer is aware of this.

Common trade terminology: Roll Top Desk, 1950s Roll Top Desk, Rolltop Desk, C Roll Top Desk,

Nicknames or slang terms: C-Roll Desk

Selling tips: The challenge with selling something this size is it's size and the fact that only a limited amount of people looking for it. Oddly enough, those are it's biggest assets as well because when you find a buyer, they're not going to see a lot of these around.

I'd try to market it on Craigslist or another good classified ad venue. Play up the paneled drawers and the marble writing surface.

In most cases, I believe it would be beneficial for your to give the prospective buyer a link to this page, and to bookmark it via your favorite bookmarking service.

Care and storage tips: The best thing to cover those scratches with is Old English scratch cover, it works like magic. Make sure you use the kind for dark woods and that you wipe off the excess.

To learn about my 100% guaranteed appraisals click here.

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