Gus Rocker 346

575

Here is one of those very rare and valuable antiques. If you like arts and crafts and rare, this is for you. Was in the same family for 70 years where dolls were displayed on it. Child's / salesman's rocker by Gustav Stickley. A century old and in excellent original condition, even has the original leather. Signed with the red Gus compass, divider, and has the paper on the bottom of the seat, says rocker style 346, cover 47, finish light with a number 2 under. Has the furniture tag where it was originally sold in Detroit. Everything is as correct as it could be. I am told this rare beauty in this condition may be valued at $1000 to $1200. I am asking $575.

Gustav Stickley was born March 9, 1858 in Osceola, Wisconsin and died April 21, 1942 in Syracuse, New York.

First trained as a stone mason, Stickley preferred to work in wood and dreamed of building fine tables and chairs. He learned furniture making at his uncle's chair factory in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania. Traveling to Europe in 1896, he met notable Arts and Crafts designers. The following year he returned to the United States and founded the United Crafts of Eastwood, New York. In 1904, he founded the Craftsman Workshops. The furniture he designed and made was mostly of native American oak. It was of a sturdy-plain design in contrast to the highly decorated late Victorian pieces. Joinery was exposed and upholstery was carried out in canvas and leather (natural materials). It became known as Mission Style. Stickley's designs were exhibited at the prestigious Grand Rapids and Pan American furniture expositions. This sturdy furniture has endured thru the decades and very collectable and rare, now fetches big money.