| Good, Better, Best: A Beginner's Guide |
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| Gustav Stickley V-back rocker, model #311, approximate value $600-$800. |
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Gustav Stickley Rocking Chairs
By Bruce E. Johnson
While not as famous as his classic Morris chairs, Gustav
Stickley produced and sold far more rocking chairs than Morris chairs. They
ranged from the diminutive sewing rocker to a beefy rocker on par with his
Morris chairs. So many rocking chairs were produced, in fact, that the smallest
can still be purchased for just a few hundred dollars. Rocking chairs are a
great initial purchase for a beginning collector for they are both affordable
and can be used in a number of different rooms.
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| Gustav Stickley (1858-1942). founder of the Craftsman Workshops and The Craftsman magazine |
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Gustav Stickley was born in 1858 in rural Wisconsin, one
of seven children in a poor family that struggled to survive as farmers. Pulled
from school after the eighth grade to work alongside his rock mason father, who
eventually deserted his family, Gustav moved with his mother and siblings to
Pennsylvania where he learned the trade of chair making. He and his brothers
eventually formed Stickley Brothers, making and retailing fancy Victorian
furniture before Gustav broke away to pursue a career designing and making Arts
& Crafts furniture.
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| The joiner's compass was an early woodworking tool selected by Stickley as his shopmark. |
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Although he made several slight variations to his shopmark,
the critical elements can be found in each of them: the joiner’s compass around the words “Als ik kan,” Flemish
for “As best I Can.” Also included
was his signature, proof that he stood behind his work, even if he actually
never made it (Stickley’s factory remained in Eastwood, outside Syracuse, NY,
even after he moved to New York and then to New Jersey) on the red decal, black
ink stamp or branded shopmark his employees affixed to each piece of furniture.
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| Gustav Stickley sewing rocker, model #1298, 35" high, approximate value $250-$350.. |
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| "Good"
This low sewing rocker was popular during the Arts & Crafts era when women were more apt to stay home and do needlepoint projects. Standing only 35" high with a low seat, it is not a very comfortable rocker. The arms were omitted purposely so as not to hinder the women as they sewed. The ladder-back design is a classic of Craftsman Workshops and the extra board to keep the seat cushion from sliding off is a nice touch, but this is still considered only a "Good" example of a Gustav Stickley rocker. Approximate value: $250-$350.
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| Gustav Stickley sewing rocker, model #387, 41" high. |
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| "Good"
This tall-back rocker is representative of the "Good" category of Gustav Stickley rockers. The tall back makes it more desirable than the shorter versions, as do the slats beneath the seat. The low seat and the lack of arms does keep it in the "Good" category, as collectors prefer more comfortable versions. This chair is one that is more pleasing to look at than it is to actually sit in it. Approximate value in excellent condition: $450-$600
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| Gustav Stickley rocking chair, model #397, 42" high. |
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| "Better"
This tall back (42") rocker makes it into the "Better" category because of its arms and the graceful corbels supporting each arm where it is attached to the front leg. The three-slat back is another classic Gustav Stickley design that can be found in dining room chairs as well as arm chairs. What prevents it from earning a "Best" is the lack of slats under the arms and a less than 'beefy' appearance. Nevertheless, a fine example. Approximate value: $600-$800.
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| Gustav Stickley V-back rocking chair, model #311. |
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| "Better"
This low rocker shares some similarities with the previous rocker in that it does have arms which are supported by corbels. The V-back design is favored by many collectors, as it was repeated in Stickley's dining room chairs and arm chairs. The five vertical slats in the back are also desirable as they create a more substantial look. The rush seat was not as common as the leather seats and generally have been (or have to be) replaced. Many collectors like the rush seat simply as a change from the standard leather seats. Approximate value: $600-$800.
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| Gustav Stickley rocking chair, model #323, 40" high. |
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| "Best"
This particular rocking chair is among the most favored by Stickley collectors. Note that the presence of five vertical slats beneath each of the arms, combined with the five horizontal slats in the back, give it a more substantial appearance. The wide boards framing the seat, plus the drop-in spring cushion, contribute to this look and make the rocker more comfortable. This chair is often used with either a back cushion or Arts & Crafts pillows to complete the look. Approximate value: $1200-$1500.
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| Gustav Stickley rocking chair, designed by Harvey Ellis, 40" high. |
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| "Best"
In 1903 the architect and designer Harvey Ellis convinced Gustav Stickley to produce an experimental line of lighter furniture, some of which featured an inlaid design of copper, pewter and fruitwood. Ellis died in January of 1904 and the line was discontinued, making it among the rarest of Gustav Stickley furniture. At 40" high, this chair is tall and graceful. The loose cushion seat has been removed to display the cane webbing support. Note, as well, the graceful arch across the front of this rocker. While Stickley discontinued the use of inlay, the dramatic arch remained in many of his furniture designs. Approximate value: $9,000-$12,000.
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| Gustav Stickley rocking chair, model #2603, 38" high. |
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| Conclusion
With a wide variety of styles and conditions to choose from, collectors should never rush to purchase a Gustav Stickley rocker,
especially if it has condition issues. Hold out for the best example in terms
of design, construction and condition, for these are the only ones that will
continue to increase in value. Take advantage of the online auction catalogs with both their pre-sale estimates and prices realized to research any rocking chair you are considering.
Additional
reading:
Furniture of the American
Arts & Crafts Movement by David Cathers.
All of the reprint Craftsman Workshops catalogs reprinted by Turn of the
Century Editions.
Photographs
courtesy of TreadwayGallery.com.
Copyright Wood-Care, Inc. 2011
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