Whether you're a seasoned Gustav Stickley collector looking to expand your knowledge, or you've discovered a piece of Mission oak and want to determine its value, you've come to the right place.

Stickley furniture encompasses both the work of the five Stickley brothers, who produced furniture in multiple factories during the early 20th century, and the broader American Arts & Crafts style characterized by straight lines and minimal ornamentation. The brothers—Leopold, George, Charles, Albert, and Gustav—each contributed to the Stickley legacy through various furniture companies. This site focuses on Gustav Stickley, the eldest brother and a pivotal figure in promoting the American Arts & Crafts Movement through his magazine, ‘The Craftsman.’

Gustav Stickley masterfully combined aesthetics and functionality in handmade, decorative items that emphasized quality materials and craftsmanship. While all Stickley pieces are valued as examples of American Arts & Crafts, there is a wide range in quality. Today, Gustav Stickley is recognized as an influential figure in 20th-century American design.

For years, discussions about the desirability of specific Stickley pieces have been confined to small circles of seasoned collectors and dealers. Even for the most experienced enthusiasts, understanding how individual characteristics—such as finish, form, construction techniques, accessories, dimensions and condition—influence the quality of a piece can be challenging. Here, we present a comprehensive collector's guide to help you discern what makes specific Stickley forms "good," "better," "best," or "exceptional."

My wife Robin and I have been deeply passionate about the American Arts and Crafts movement since the mid-1980s, when we frequently window shopped at Peter-Roberts Antiques and other shops that specialized in the furniture and accessories of the movement near our SoHo apartment. Our journey began in earnest with a David Rago auction at the Puck Building around 1987, where we acquired a Grueby geometric tile. That same year, we became involved with Craftsman Farms, serving as docents and immersing ourselves in the world of Gustav Stickley. Our goal has consistently been to acquire the finest pieces from this movement. We diligently pursued auctions throughout the Northeast, visited numerous flea markets and antique shows, and honed our understanding of what constitutes the finest examples of the movement. We have always sought out the exceptional.

During this period, we deepened our understanding of the Arts and Crafts movement by actively buying and selling pieces. We became major suppliers for Peter Roberts and Gallery 532, two of the leading dealers in Arts and Crafts furniture. Each year, we acquired hundreds of objects, often adding only one or none to our personal collection. Even now, we continue to buy and sell hundreds of Arts and Crafts pieces while still expanding our own collection.

We have decided to create this website to share the knowledge we've accumulated over nearly 40 years of buying, selling, and collecting. And although 40 years is a long time to hone our expertise, sometimes we miss something, so feel free and reachout.

If you have any questions about the content on this site, need assistance with identifying or pricing Stickley furniture, or are interested in selling a piece, please email me at michaellehrantiques@gmail.com. Based in Manhattan and New Jersey, I'm also available to offer in-person evaluations of fine pieces. I welcome your feedback, so please share your thoughts on the site—whether positive or constructive!

Best,
Michael