Stickley Metropolitan Buffet (Credenza/Sideboard)
Storage: Dining Room Buffet or Sideboard · Modern Craftsman / Metropolitan Collection. This represents a late 20th to early 21st-century evolution of the Arts and Crafts movement, blending Mission-style functionalism with Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern aesthetic influences. · L. & J.G. Stickley Furniture (Manlius, NY). Part of the 'Metropolitan' collection introduced in the 1990s.
Type
Storage: Dining Room Buffet or Sideboard
Style Period
Modern Craftsman / Metropolitan Collection. This represents a late 20th to early 21st-century evolution of the Arts and Crafts movement, blending Mission-style functionalism with Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern aesthetic influences.
Material
Primary Wood: Solid American Black Cherry. Hardware: Patinated dark bronze or copper-toned metal pulls. Secondary Materials: Cedar or poplar for drawer interiors.
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2015 based on the style of the Metropolitan line and the patina of the cherry wood.
Dimensions
Estimated H: 36 inches, W: 70-74 inches, D: 19-20 inches. This is slightly wider than a standard apartment sideboard, fitting a formal dining room scale.
Origin
United States; Manlius, New York. Stickley is one of the most prestigious American furniture makers still in operation today.
Designer/Maker
L. & J.G. Stickley Furniture (Manlius, NY). Part of the 'Metropolitan' collection introduced in the 1990s.
Value Estimate
Retail Replacement: $4,000 - $5,500. Secondary Market (Auction/Resale): $1,200 - $2,200 depending on region and buyer demand.
Description
This Stickley Metropolitan Buffet is a masterclass in modern woodworking, bridging the gap between historical Mission design and contemporary urban sophistication. The piece is defined by its clean, architectural lines, three top drawers over four cabinet doors, and a contrasting dark base that gives the substantial cherry body a sense of weightlessness. Its minimalist aesthetic allows the natural beauty of the cherry grain to take center stage, while the darkened bronze hardware adds a touch of industrial elegance.
Key Features
Signature dark-stained 'plinth' base; breadboard-style top construction; architectural bar hardware; flush-mounted floating door panels; Stickley branded shop mark (typically found inside drawers).
Color & Finish
Natural Cherry finish (Stickley #07 Finish) which darkens over time into a deep reddish-amber hue. The surface appears to have a low-luster satin lacquer or hand-rubbed oil-based finish. The base is finished in a darker contrasting 'Madison' or 'Manhattan' stain.
Construction Method
Artisan-manufactured to high benchmarks. It features a solid wood top with breadboard ends, a floating panel cabinet door construction, and a dark-stained base frame that creates a distinctive visual separation from the main body.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Superior precision joinery including side-hung and bottom-guided drawers, dovetail drawer boxes, and flush-mounted panels. The top shows evidence of tongue-and-groove or spline reinforcement for expansion control.
Wood Grain & Species
Solid Black Cherry showing fine, straight grain with occasional cathedrals on the side panels. The wood displays the characteristic light-sensitive patina progression unique to cherry species.
Surface Treatment
Smooth planed and sanded to a high grit for a silky touch. Minimal ornamentation beyond the geometric paneling and the slight overhang of the top surface.
Upholstery Details
None; fully wooden construction.
Hardware & Fittings
Linear, architectural hardware. The drawers feature rectangular bar pulls, and the cabinets feature vertical rectangular handles. The hinges are exposed barrel hinges in a matching dark bronze finish.
Origin & Provenance
United States; Manlius, New York. Stickley is one of the most prestigious American furniture makers still in operation today.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The cherry has developed a consistent, rich patina. There are no visible water rings or deep structural gouges; minor surface micro-scratches typical of light domestic use.
Interesting Facts
The Metropolitan collection was designed to prove that the Stickley brand could move beyond 'heavy' Mission furniture into sleek, modern interior design without losing the integrity of their legendary joinery.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'New American Craftsman' movement, which adapted the ideals of William Morris and Gustav Stickley for the modern, high-end homeowner of the late 20th century.
Similar Pieces
Distinguishable from the 'Stickley Mission' line by the lack of through-tenons and slats. Often confused with Ethan Allen's contemporary lines, but Stickley is distinguished by heavier solid wood construction and bronze-brass hardware rather than plated zinc.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid direct sunlight as cherry wood is photosensitive and will darken unevenly. Clean with a damp microfiber cloth followed by a dry cloth. Use high-quality paste wax or Stickley-specific furniture polish once a year.
Value Estimate
Retail Replacement: $4,000 - $5,500. Secondary Market (Auction/Resale): $1,200 - $2,200 depending on region and buyer demand.
Sustainability Notes
Highly sustainable. Stickley uses FSC-certified woods and build-quality intended to span generations, reducing the carbon footprint compared to 'fast furniture.' The cherry is domestic to the US Appalachian forests.
Notes
Stickley metropolitan buffet