Mission Oak Settee / Double Morris Chair
Seating (Settee, Bench, Loveseat) · Arts and Crafts / Mission Revival (circa 1900-1915) · Likely Gustav Stickley, L. & J.G. Stickley, or a contemporary Mission-style maker inspired by Roycroft workshops
Type
Seating (Settee, Bench, Loveseat)
Style Period
Arts and Crafts / Mission Revival (circa 1900-1915)
Material
Quartersawn white oak primary wood, heavy black leather or faux leather upholstery, brass decorative clavos/tacks
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1920 (early 20th century antique or a high-quality mid-century reproduction in the same historic style)
Dimensions
Estimated height 36 inches, width 52 inches, depth 32 inches; typical proportions for a double-seat settle providing a deep, comfortable lounge experience
Origin
American (crafted in the United States, likely Midwest or Upstate New York region during the height of the Mission revival)
Designer/Maker
Likely Gustav Stickley, L. & J.G. Stickley, or a contemporary Mission-style maker inspired by Roycroft workshops
Value Estimate
Estimated retail/auction value ranges from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on definitive maker authentication (such as a Stickley brand or paper label), condition, and provenance.
Description
A sturdy and handsome Mission oak settee featuring a double-back design with two distinct upholstered panels. Built from heavy quartersawn white oak, the piece emphasizes straight lines, exposed joinery, and functional simplicity. The wide flat armrests feature pegged construction, while the black upholstered back and seat cushions are trimmed with decorative brass nailheads. This piece captures the enduring aesthetic of the American Arts and Crafts movement, combining structural integrity with understated elegance.
Key Features
Quartersawn white oak with pronounced medullary rays, double-back design, wide flat arms with pegged tenons, black leather upholstery with brass clavos, and exposed joinery
Color & Finish
Medium-dark brown fumed or stained oak finish showcasing a warm patina, highlighting the natural wood rays and grain texture
Construction Method
Handcrafted and machine-assisted joinery typical of early 20th-century American furniture factories; robust post-and-beam construction with exposed tenons and pegged joints
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Exposed mortise and tenon joinery secured with pinned wooden dowels, showcasing structural honesty and high-level craftsmanship characteristic of the American Arts and Crafts movement
Wood Grain & Species
Quartersawn white oak featuring prominent medullary rays (flakes/tiger striping), characteristic of premium Arts and Crafts furniture
Surface Treatment
Satin varnish or lacquer finish over a dark stain, highlighting the distinctive medullary rays of quartersawn oak with minimal distressing beyond natural aging wear
Upholstery Details
Black heavy-grain leather (or high-grade imitation leather) tight upholstery with padded back and seat cushions, finished cleanly around the borders with antique brass decorative nailheads (clavos)
Hardware & Fittings
Antique brass decorative upholstery tacks (clavos) outlining the backrest cushions and structural wooden pegs (pins) visible on the top of the arms
Origin & Provenance
American (crafted in the United States, likely Midwest or Upstate New York region during the height of the Mission revival)
Condition Notes
Very good overall condition. Structural integrity appears sound with tight joints. Minor surface wear and rubbing on the wooden armrests commensurate with age and normal use, but the upholstery remains intact and clean.
Interesting Facts
The Mission style was heavily promoted by Gustav Stickley through his magazine 'The Craftsman'. The aesthetic was a direct rebellion against the ornate, machine-made excess of Victorian furniture, favoring handcraftsmanship, utility, and honest construction.
Cultural Significance
Represented a philosophical shift during the Industrial Revolution toward simplicity, utilitarian honesty, and the value of manual labor, closely tied to the broader British and American Arts and Crafts movements.
Similar Pieces
Stickley settle, Limbert double-chair settle, Roycroft davenport; distinguished primarily by maker's marks, exact proportions, and the specific profile of the arm supports and corbels.
Care & Maintenance
Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Clean the wood periodically with a quality paste wax or furniture polish formulated for antique oak. Condition the leather upholstery annually with a specialized leather cleaner and conditioner. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail/auction value ranges from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on definitive maker authentication (such as a Stickley brand or paper label), condition, and provenance.
Sustainability Notes
Built from durable solid hardwoods designed to last for generations, embodying sustainable principles of longevity, repairability, and timeless design that resists disposable furniture trends.