There are two types of library tables: those with drawers and those without. Tables with drawers provide space for individuals to work on their daily tasks or study, offering convenient storage for pens, paper, books, and other necessities.
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Library Table, #615, 1904 - End of Production; 30.5"h x 48"w x 30"d.
Photo courtesy of Treadway Toomey Auctions.
The Model 615 library table offered a range of sizes, from 36 to 66 inches in length. Variations feature two to three drawers, and occasionally just one. These tables often boasted elongated corbels along the legs supporting the tabletop. In some instances, key tenons attached the lower shelf to the horizontal stretchers, adding to the overall structural integrity. Consistent with Gustav Stickley's commitment to quality, the drawers of these library tables exhibit dovetail joinery on both the front and the back.
For later models, veneer became a common feature on the legs, while earlier versions were constructed from solid wood. In addition to lack of veneer earlier models might showcase oval pulls instead of the later V styled pulls. The exception being the 66-inch three-drawer version, which almost always retains oval pulls.
Price Range: $600 - $5,500
Spindled Three-Drawer Library Table, #659, 1905-7; 54"h x 32"w x 29"d.
Photo courtesy of California Historical Design.
Hansen's three-drawer library table design initially featured his iconic spindles and subsequent version with slatted sides. The shift to slatted sides was driven by reduced labor requirements and better alignment with Stickley's later financial constraints. These tables are found in sizes ranging from 36 inches to 54 inches.
While variations with no drawers and only the bottom shelf exist, the overall design has remained relatively consistent throughout its production.
Price Range: $1,000 - $8,500
Library Table, #454, 1901; 54.5 " x 33" x 29".
Photo courtesy of Treadway Toomey Auctions.
The 454 library table, featuring original leather and reverse tapered legs as shown, exemplifies the dual nature of early Stickley design—simple yet intricate. Additionally, the wrought iron handles on the 454 are also found on other early library tables. The showcased piece, in impeccable condition, is the sole example in such pristine shape among the handful known. Likely produced for less than a year, it has become highly sought after.
A striking illustration of the impact of condition on value, a similar table in rough state fetched under $7,000 in NYC, while the one in top condition soared to over $300,000 at a Toomey auction featuring the La Hacienda collection. This emphasizes the critical importance of condition in appraising the value of your pieces.
Price Range: $8,000 - $200,000
Library Table, #409, 1901; 32" x 60½" x 36¾".
Photo courtesy of Sotheby's.
While not as rare as what we consider the best, this exceptional table embodies the craftsmanship and artistic vision that define the very best of Gustav Stickley's designs. Key details include elongated corbels supporting the storage space and intricately shaped, arched smaller corbels beneath the tabletop. The pronounced through tenons, carved into a half-moon shape, showcase meticulous craftsmanship. Additionally, the inverted V design on the underside of the stretchers and the horizontal board under the drawers boasts deep tapering bevels, adding to the table's visual appeal. Topping it off are a pair of star-shaped pyramidal knobs on the drawers and a striking leather top, occasionally these appear with wooden tops.
Despite being in production for less than a year, thankfully, surprisingly many of these tables have made it to today's marketplace, a testament to the enduring desirability of their unique design.
Price Range: $8,000 - $250,000