Stickley Metropolitan Sideboard (Buffet)
Storage: Buffet / Sideboard / Credenza · Modern Transitional / Contemporary Stickley Metropolitan Collection. A fusion of Art Deco simplicity and Mid-Century Modern clean lines with traditional craftsmanship. · L. & J.G. Stickley (Manlius, NY). Part of the Metropolitan Collection.
Type
Storage: Buffet / Sideboard / Credenza
Style Period
Modern Transitional / Contemporary Stickley Metropolitan Collection. A fusion of Art Deco simplicity and Mid-Century Modern clean lines with traditional craftsmanship.
Material
Primary Wood: Solid Wild Black Cherry. Secondary Materials: Cedar-lined drawer bottoms (likely), solid wood internal framing, and brushed metal (likely pewter or satin nickel) hardware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2015 based on the hardware style and the peak production period of the Metropolitan dining suite.
Dimensions
Approximately 36 inches high, 66 inches wide, and 19 inches deep. This is standard for modern large-scale formal dining buffets.
Origin
Manlius, New York, United States. This collection was introduced in the late 20th century to modernize the brand's Mission-style reputation.
Designer/Maker
L. & J.G. Stickley (Manlius, NY). Part of the Metropolitan Collection.
Value Estimate
Estimated Fair Market Value: $1,800 - $2,800. Retail replacement value for new Stickley cherry buffets typically exceeds $5,000.
Description
The Stickley Metropolitan Buffet is a masterclass in modern elegance, utilizing the warmth of solid cherry wood to ground its sleek, urban design. Characterized by recessed geometric panels and understated metal hardware, this four-door, two-drawer piece offers a sophisticated storage solution that bridges the gap between traditional Arts and Crafts values and contemporary urban aesthetics. The long, seamless top allows for significant display space, while the architectural framing of the lower cabinets provides a sense of structural permanence.
Key Features
Four architectural beveled cabinet doors, two flush-mount upper drawers, linear metal hardware, and the characteristic warm cherry 'glow' synonymous with high-end Stickley production.
Color & Finish
Stickley's 'Madison' or 'Manhattan' cherry finish. A warm, translucent amber-red tone designed to showcase the cherry's natural darkening over time, finished with a high-quality hand-rubbed sheen.
Construction Method
Artisan-level factory production. Features solid wood construction throughout with high-grade hand-finishing and structural integrity designed for longevity.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Exceptional American craftsmanship using English dovetail drawers, mortise and tenon joinery for the frame, and tongue-and-groove paneling for the cabinet doors.
Wood Grain & Species
Wild Black Cherry displaying a mix of cathedral grain on the top surface and tight, straight-grain panels on the doors. Cherry is known for its smooth texture and small pitch marks.
Surface Treatment
Satin lacquer or oil-catalyzed finish. Features bevel-edged door panels and recessed mitered frames that create a geometric, tiered architectural depth on the facade.
Upholstery Details
N/A (Non-upholstered storage piece).
Hardware & Fittings
Linear, minimalist brushed metal bar pulls on the cabinets and small rectangular block pulls on the drawers. Knife-style hinges that are low-profile and integrated into the frame.
Origin & Provenance
Manlius, New York, United States. This collection was introduced in the late 20th century to modernize the brand's Mission-style reputation.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Very Good to Excellent condition. The top surface shows a consistent luster with no visible water rings or deep scratches. Joints appear tight and alignment is square.
Interesting Facts
While Stickley is famous for the Mission style (1900-1916), the Metropolitan collection was a critical pivot for the company to remain relevant in modern interior design, proving that their 'Road to Honor' construction methods could apply to non-Mission aesthetics.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'New Traditionalism' in American furniture history—a movement that valued heirloom-quality construction but rejected the heavy ornamentation of 18th-century reproductions.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with the Stickley 'Modern Loft' or 'High Line' collections. The Metropolitan is distinguished by its specific mitered, multi-stepped door panels which are simpler than Mission but more formal than Loft furniture.
Care & Maintenance
Dust frequently with a damp, soft cloth. Avoid spray waxes containing silicone. Cherry wood is photosensitive; rotate decorative objects on the top regularly to prevent 'ghosting' or uneven darkening from UV light.
Value Estimate
Estimated Fair Market Value: $1,800 - $2,800. Retail replacement value for new Stickley cherry buffets typically exceeds $5,000.
Sustainability Notes
Highly sustainable due to its 'buy-it-for-life' durability. Stickley uses FSC-certified management practices and domestic hardwoods which significantly reduce the carbon footprint compared to imported veneers.
Notes
Stickley metropolitan buffet