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Collectors Guide to Stickley Servers

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Good Server

Gustav Stickley Two-drawer Server

Stickley Two-Drawer Server, #802, 1907; 42"h x 39"w x 18"d.
Photo courtesy of California Historical Design.

The Stickley 802 Server features gracefully bowed sides and a pronounced deep arch on the front, embodying a design that traces its origins back to the skilled hand of Harvey Ellis as first documented in a 1903 Craftsman.

The earliest known iteration of this form showcased a banded iron hardware secured by three tacks in lieu of the traditional pulls featured above. Spanning Gustav Stickley's entire production, this design has endured through the years, maintaining its popularity up to the present day. The prevailing hardware configuration consists of copper V pulls, unless in very late productions, where round wooden knobs may be encountered. These details provide valuable insights for enthusiasts and collectors seeking to understand the nuances within the evolution of this iconic Stickley design.

As is customary with many forms, cost considerations led to the elimination of the arch in the front and the bowed sides in later production. Typically crafted in oak, these servers occasionally surface in mahogany, offering a distinct and captivating alternative. When acquiring an example of this design, it is prudent for buyers to be mindful of potential issues like lifted or replaced veneer on the sides—a common challenge shared by pieces featuring veneer.

Price Range: $1,200 - $5,500


Better Server

Gustav Stickley Early Server

Early Server, #962, 1902; 38"h x 59 1/2"w x 16 1/2"d.
Photo courtesy of Rago Arts & Auction Center.

The 1902 server in question represents the epitome of a design that underwent substantial dilution in subsequent iterations. The earlier rendition pictured above, marked by elongated proportions and chamfered sides—a construction detail prevalent in numerous earlier forms—stood as an exemplar of craftsmanship. However, owing to evident production cost considerations, these distinctive chamfered sides were swiftly replaced with solid wooden panels in later versions, culminating in the more widely recognized #818 server.

Available in both a common three-drawer version, as depicted above, and a rare two-drawer version. Notably, the earliest examples of this design feature pyramidal wooden knobs. The evolution of this server design serves as a testament to the shifting trends and practical considerations that shaped the landscape of furniture production during its time.

Price Range: $3,000 - $25,000


Best Server

Gustav Stickley Gothic Server

Stickley Gothic Server, 1901; 39"h x 42"w x 20"d.
Photo courtesy of Treadway Toomey Auctions.

This exceedingly early experimental server, absent from any catalog, stands as a rare and elusive piece with only three or four known examples in existence. Originating as part of experimental dining sets that infrequently surface, its distinctive design elements include notched feet reminiscent of the exceptional Morris chair.

The design is closer to a work of art than a producible factory piece: the server showcases a level of intricate carved workmanship, from the notched feet, to the shelf. The complexity of the arched draws and the overall design renders the Server impractical for mass production in a factory setting.

Limited to oak, these servers, including the showcased example above from La Hacienda, a Colorado estate, originally featured a green finish. Such green finishes can transform over time into a brown with exposure to UV light.

Price Range: $7,500 - $40,000


Exceptional Server

Gustav Stickley Early Server

Early Server, 1901; 58"h x 54"w x 14"d.
Photo courtesy of the February 1902 Craftsman.

Only two known examples of this exceptionally modern design exist, showcasing the quintessential simplicity that defines the earliest Stickley pieces. This server has been found in approximately 48-inch and 60-inch sizes, the exact measurements remain unknown. The deliberate minimalism of the form not only underscores its modern aesthetic but also epitomizes the essence of functionality and quality that can be achieved with the least possible components.

Devoid of ornamentation, this server relies solely on the quality of the wood as its decorative element. Bringing naturally occurring decorations into the home. The distinctive trapezoidal arch under the bottom shelf which is often a feature on early Stickley furnishings, further contributes to the piece's modern appeal.

The absent handles on the drawers, a deliberate design choice where functionality is maintained by pulling from the bottom. This early server clearly demonstrates how the craftsman design principles influence post-war furniture.

Price Range: N/A