Stickley Era, the Arts & Crafts Movement

[Stonecat]

First timer on eBay and he's trying to bluff an original Harvey Ellis..

Harvey Ellis chair

The chair is in great condition but the leather was so rotten it had to be replaced a few years ago...yah right...more like you bought a Stickley Audi repro a few years ago and have taken off the metal tag and sanded out the brand and refinished over it...

Here's the repro

http://www.stickley.com/gallery/details.cfm?id=2831&c=36&cat1=88&view=single
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Stonecat

[Jeremy]

The give away is the bottom rails. The reproductions have them at the different heights, but the past ones you can look up on Rago & Treadway show the bottom rails at the same height all the way around. The overall dimensions on the reproductions have a squatter/shorter look to them as well.

Still, the reproductions are not inexpensive (I'm guessing it sells new for more than $499). They might get interest from someone who can do local pickup in their area.

[Stonecat]

I messgaed him and asked directly "is it a reproduction or an antique?" ...he replied his mother had it before he was born and he's 64. That's pretty old for a con man.
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Stonecat

[mikeinmadison]

Actually Stonecat, that's a common misconception -- i.e. that people become more moral as they age. The individual who spends his/her life preying on others does not develop a conscience when they reach their golden years. Males often become less violent, but are still quite willing to manipulate and defraud. I suspect he's in that category...

[Stonecat]

Yes I wouldn't doubt it; age is no gauge. In this case, maybe he is 64 or maybe he isn't. Ebay is faceless, so this guy can say anything he wants. Too bad he also has no guilt using his mother as part of the game.
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Stonecat

[Ralph Jones]

Good Morning Stonect and all,

I was in an antique store not long ago and I overheard the salesman tell the couple who were looking at the chair that it was an authentic Gustav Stickley chair and they only wanted $4,500 for it,
I walked over and turned the chair over to find a mark but there was none to be found, I then asked the salesman to show us where it was. His face turned red and he stated that he as only repeating what his boss had told him and that he did not have enough experience in antiques to actually give a true answer.

I thanked him for his honesty and went on around the store looking at the overpriced pieces on the floor, when the couple came directly to me and thanked me for saving them from buying the chair.

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

[Jeremy]

[Stonecat]

"The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer available for sale."

Busted
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Stonecat

[mikeinmadison]

I sent him a message a few days ago and asked him to remove the listing and relist (if he chooses) as a reproduction. Now for the kicker!
I just received the following message from him:
"the bottom rails are not supposed to be level on an Ellis design. I was just offered $35,000. for the chair. It was authenticated by a local dealer in LA today."

[Stonecat]

You should have asked for a copy of the appraisel in writing with the contact information for the dealer. Interesting how he was playing a bit dumb with his original listing but within a few days he's an expert on Harvey Ellis design and value. I imagine he got several 'messages' on this one, but he just keeps on trying to lie his way through. Will he relist it as an original Harvey Ellis with a Buy It Now of 35 grand? For some reason I doubt it.
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Stonecat

[mrm]

This is the same style of Gustav chair that David Rago appraised on the Antiques Roadshow a few years ago at $50,000.

Could it be the same chair? What a deal that would have been!