Gustav Stickley Tray

675

Here for your consideration is a rare and nice heavy hammered Gustav Stickley tray. Measures 12.5" x 8.5" has great original Aurora Brown patina "has a spot or two" and has that good old Gus hammering and has two hammered handels. The monogram initial "S" could stand for Stickley, or perhaps someone with the last name that starts with an "S". The typical Gus compass signature has wear however is easy to see and read. Makes a great card tray and is a really great conversation piece.

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. Stickley's craftsmen also had a line of hammered copper works, lamps, bowls, trays and other useable and practical goods.