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American Makers R-Ste

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 Ramsey-Alton Mfg. Co. - see Oak Craft Shops

John D. Raab Chair Co.

·         Grand Rapids, MI, 1903 - 1921

·         chairs, tables

 

Shop Marks:

 

 

 

Frank Reider & Sons

·         Philadelphia, PA, early 1900s?

·         café chairs and table combinations, “Seatmore” line

 

Shop Marks:

 

 

Two color variants or lighting effect?

Richardson Chair Co.

·         Sheboygan Falls, WI, early 1900s

·         rocking chairs

 

Shop Mark:

 

Richmond Chair Co.

·         Richmond, IN, at least 1907

·         Mission cane style parlor set; advertised in the Michigan Artisan (1907)

Ridenour Shops

·         Ludlow, VT, 1908 - ?

·         book stands

·         founded by Louis Ridenour after split from H.C. Dexter

 

Shop Mark:

 

J.K. Rishel Furniture Co.

·         Hughesville & Williamsport, PA, 1867 – ca. 1932

·         roll top desks (? see shop mark below), matching bedroom and dining room suites, other styles, “Mission, Modern Mission, and Swiss Austrian” with a lighter look introduced ca. 1915 for the ‘Modern Mission’; used stenciling

 

Shop Marks:

 

  

Brass tag from a roll top desk “RISHEL”; not confirmed if this is the same company, and celluloid tag (similar brass version also known)

 

Rittercraft

·         desks, book stands, parlour sets similar to Lifetime

 

Shop Mark:

 

Wm. Ritter & Bro. (also Ritter Bros.)

·         Philadelphia, PA, ca. 1911

·         dining room sets, Morris chairs, rocking chairs, arm chairs, library tables; sold by John Wannamaker ca. 1910

 

Shop Marks:

 

 

H.P. Robertson Co.

·         Jamestown, NY, early 1900s

·         general line, book stands

 

Shop Marks:

 

 

Roberts Sash & Door Co.

·         Chicago, Il, ca. 1920

·         millwork supplier including buffets, sideboards, kitchen cabinets, hall trees, window seats, breakfast nooks, mantels, garden furniture, plus all other home millwork

 

Catalog: 1920

 

Rochester Furniture Co.

·         Rochester, NY, early 1900s

·         magazine/bookstands

Rockford Cabinet Co.

·         Rockford, IL, early 1900s

·         stacking bookcases

 

Shop Mark:

 

Rockford Desk Co.

·         Rockford, IL, early 1900s

·         desks, bookcases

 

Shop Mark:

 

Rockford National Co. (?)

·         servers

Charles Rohlfs

·         Buffalo, NY, 1890 - 1925

·         produced a range of pieces with a small workforce (less than ten employees is assumed for most of the production years), from small wares such as candle holders and stamp boxes, to chairs, to large commissioned desks and bureaus; Art Nouveau inspiration in some pieces and prolific use of exposed decoration and carving, both functional, e.g. tenons and pegs, and artistic

·         large pieces are rare and special study is required to determine value

·         http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Rohlfs

 

Shop Marks: First picture with date “1904”, second mark from a picture frame, third and fourth highlighted with red paint (fourth picture from a tie rack, questionable pristine condition), fifth from a carved oak box, sixth and seventh pictures from a rare one of a kind desk showing inscribed and red paint highlighted date and paper label; last is paper label on wood card, attached to a candle stick; paper label also known for one of a kind office chair, “This Desk Chair / is Guaranteed to be / made by / Charles Rohlfs / Record No. 2407.”

 

  

(first from gustavstickley.com)

 

  

(1901 from Craftsman Auctions Catalog, September 17, 2005)

 

 

Combined carved mark and rare paper label on wood tag (Craftsman Auctions Catalog, January 15, 2005)

 

Rose Valley Association

·         Rose Valley, PA, 1901 - 1909

·         ‘utopian’ arts & crafts community making furniture, pottery, and other fine arts, founded by architect Will Price, employing four to six craftsman and produced roughly 500 pieces to 1906, incorporating hand carving

·         rarity of pieces requires special study to determine value

·         http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Valley,_Pennsylvania#Arts_and_crafts_project

 

Shop Mark:

 

 

Two authentic confirmed marks

 

  

Forged mark followed by unconfirmed version, and for comparison, printer’s mark used on community literature

 

Catalog/Magazine: 1906

 

Ross Chair Mfg. Co.

·         Jamestown, NY, early 1900s

·         general line

 

Shop Mark: rectangular paper label

Royal Chair Co. (later Royal Easy Chair Co.)

·         Sturgis, WI, 1899 – ca. 1934

·         reclining Morris chairs, easy chairs, rockers w/foot rest extensions operated by push button or lever, several styles including Mission

 

Shop Marks:

 

 

 

 

Two versions of the same metal tag with different patent numbers; the line above the patent numbers states “NOTICE – IF METAL PARTS EVER BREAK WRITE US FOR FREE REPAIRS”

 

 

 

Catalog:

 

1912-1913; “Push the Button and Rest” above shield

Royal Furniture Co.

·         Grand Rapids, MI, 1892 – 1931 (combined with Phoenix in 1919 and became Robert W. Irwin Co.)

·         advertised in the January 1903 edition of the “Grand Rapids Furniture Record” as one of the earliest active companies making Mission furniture; more research required; also active in many other styles

 

Shop Marks: 1895 to 1914 a floral cartouche with the name inside; then metal tag with Washington symbol as shown below; for Mission style?

 

Roycroft Shops (The Roycrofters)

·         East Aurora, NY, 1895 - 1938

·         very significant and well documented contributor to the Arts & Crafts movement producing a wide range of quality furniture, also metalwork, books, and leatherwork

·         founded by the well-known figure Elbert Hubbard, the design of furniture was however left to a variety of craftsmen

·         pieces are generally void of ornamentation and have a bulky massive look; originally made to furnish the Roycroft buildings, the furniture was sought by visitors to the Roycroft Inn and eventually sold as a commercial product (and commissions such as the Grove Park Inn) however production numbers were not significantly large, with small tables, chairs, and rockers more common than large case pieces; original finishes are rare

·         published periodicals called “The FRA” which promoted Roycroft furniture but also advertised Berkey & Gay, Come-Packt, Cadillac Cabinet/Wolverine, Globe Wernicke, and “The Philistine” which advertised Tobey (in 1902)

·         http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roycroft

·         http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elbert_Hubbard

 

Shop Marks: The Roycrofters used a range of marks including inscribed script “Roycroft”, sometimes the script name or initials of the owner/consignor, and several pattern variations of the ‘cross & orb’, apparently with no chronological patterns and seemingly carved individually. Variations of brass tags were also used explicitly on bookstands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inscribed name marks were commonly used on case pieces, chairs, and commissioned pieces (2^nd pic above from Craftsman Auctions Catalog, Sale #11, May 15, 1999)

 

Possible fake script mark; not as crisp as other examples, capital ‘R’ tail is too exaggerated

 

 

Impressed mark from a mahogany stained gift box followed by “THE ROYCROFTERS / Roycroft Town: East Aurora, N.Y.” branded mark found on small oak gift and cigarette box, alleged to be fake

 

 

From a Hubbard family sideboard (Craftsman Auctions Catalog, October 11, 2006), followed by the mark found on a rare cellarette, being the highest value piece of Roycroft furniture sold at auction (Sotheby’s, Dec. 2007)

 

  

 

 

Inscribed initials and cross and orb used on side chairs (top of three) and arm chairs (bottom two of three) commissioned for the Grove Park Inn, Asheville NC, 1912; the arm chairs were actually side chairs with arms added in the 1920’s made locally by Biltmore Industries

 

  

Cross and orb found on a Grove Park Inn serving tray stand / drop front desk mark / magazine pedestal/stand (Craftsman Auctions Catalog, September 27, 2003)

 

 

Mark and leaf carving found on a “tree of life” stand (similar to above)

 

  

 

  

 

The following marks are from pieces made for the Roycroft Campus which were given letter codes for the respective building where they were used. The letter is followed by the catalog model number used for the retail version of the piece. Known letter codes are:

 

B – Bindery                                PB – Pamphlet Bindery

C – Chapel                                PH – Power House

E – Emerson Hall                      R – Roycroft Inn

OF - Office

 

Roycroft Inn - chair, model 027

 

Roycroft Inn - rocking chair, model 039

 

Unknown building - arm chair, model 028

 

   

 

Five examples, above, of brass tags used on what is commonly called the Little Journey’s bookstand as designed for the two 14 book series “Little Journeys” and “Selected Writings”. These bookstands were produced from 1922 on; the two versions of the cross and orb shown, with curly tails and without, are known in copper pieces to respectively represent the early 1909 –  ca. 1920 and middle ca. 1920 - 1928 periods but curiously the early period version is seen on Little Journeys stands that were not made until after 1922, as noted.

 

Near perfect condition Little Journey’s bookstand brass tag; authenticity unconfirmed

 

Stenciling on the end of the shipping box for the Little Journey’s book set

 

  

Three examples from mahogany pieces

 

Unusual circle with an R and small cross, attributed possibly to the Roycrofters ca. 1920, found on an octagonal table (Craftsman Auctions Catalog, September 27, 2003)

 

Cross and orb mark on a hammered drawer handle, found on a dressing table

 

Cross and orb mark on a hammered drawer handle, found on a dressing table made by the White Furniture Co. for the Grove Park Inn

 

 

Two similar looking marks, on a paperweight followed by a picture frame; authenticity unconfirmed

 

 

Similar branded style marks found on a lamp and settle, both unknown pieces, and suspicious proportions and off centre ‘R’ suggesting forged marks

 

 

Two examples of fraudulent branded marks found on a stool and rocking chair 

 

Catalogs and Promotional Flyers that include furniture: (reference: roycroftbooks.org)

 

Interesting 1905 catalog title because clearly the contents have nothing to do with “Colonial” style furniture; this catalog was also advertised in Gustav Stickley’s Craftsman magazine so the name may have been a ploy to avoid looking like a competitor’s product line

 

   

1904, 1906, 1908

 

 

1909, 1912

 

   

1914, 1916, 1916

 

 

1916, 1922

Jas. H. Russell & Co.

·         West, TX

·         reading stands

 

Shop Mark:

 

Rustic Hickory Furniture Co.

·         LaPorte, IN, ca.1904 – ca. 1932

·         general line of rustic style

 

Shop Mark: paper label

 

Catalog: 1932 (with logo from cover page)

 

 

 

S

Saginaw Furniture Shops Inc.

·         Chicago, IL, ? - 1930s?

·         folding chairs and tables

 

Shop Mark:

 

St. Paul Table Co.

·         St. Paul, MN, early1900s

·         tables, desks

 

Shop Mark:

 

Salmon River Table Co.

·         Pulaski, NY

Salter Mfg. Co.

·         Chicago, IL, at least 1905 – at least 1915

·         mirrors, tabourets, shelf units, medicine cabinets, shoe shine boxes

 

Catalog: 1915

 

Sargent Mfg. Co.

·         Muskegon, MI, & New York, NY, late 1800s? - 1905

·         revolving bookcases, desks, drop front desks, shaving stands, wardrobes, chiffonniers

 

Shop Mark:

 

Shaw Walker Co.

·         Muskegon, MI, 1899 – 1990 (Chicago, London, New York, Washington)

·         office furniture, filing cabinets; by mid 1900s one of the biggest manufacturers of office furniture

·         the second listed furniture company to advertise in Gustav Stickley’s Craftsman magazine in December 1902

 

Shop Marks:

 

 

 

 

Catalog:

1916 “FILING CABINETS / STEEL AND WOOD”

Shearman Brothers Lounge Co.

·         Jamestown, NY, 1880 - 1940s

·         suites, davenports, chairs, couches, universal sofa beds, adjustables (?), wardrobe couches, bed couches and lounges, coverings

 

Catalog: 1910

 

Sheboygan Chair Co.

·         Sheboygan, WI, at least 1906 - ?

·         chairs

 

Shop Marks: square decal containing name and location, plus intertwined S/C/C in red square, and (?) diamond shape label w/”Sheboygan Chair. Co.”, and:

 

 

Sheboygan Couch Co.

·         Sheboygan, WI, early 1900s

·         davenport beds

 

Shop Marks:

 

“SHEBOYGAN COUCH CO. / Sheboygan, Wis.”

 

“SENG ROTARY DAVENPORT BED….PATENTED…”

Sheboygan Fibre Furniture Co.

·         Sheboygan, WI, at least early 1900’s - 1930’s

·         Mission style wicker

 

Catalog: no date

 

Sheboygan Furniture Co.

·         Sheboygan, WI, ca. 1910

·         line of small pieces, plant stands, wastebaskets, smoking stands, bookracks

 

Shop Mark: paper label

Shelbyville Wardrobe Mfg. Co.

·         Shelbyville, IN, at least ca. 1905 - 1914

·         sideboards, wardrobes ?

 

Shop Mark:

 

F. H. Sheldon & Co.

·         Muskegon, MI, early 1900s

·         library tables

 

Shop Mark:

 

Shelley & Ahl Co.

·         Binghamton, NY

Shop of the Crafters (Oscar Onken Co.)

·         Cincinnati, OH, ca. 1896 - 1931, Oscar Onken was in business late 1800s but incorporated ca. 1896 with Shop of the Crafters being a purchased trade name subsequently used  from 1904-1919, reverting back to just Oscar Onken Co. 1920 - 1931

·         chief designer was Paul Horti of Budapest who previously worked for Charles Limbert

·        general good to high quality diverse line known for inlays, cutouts, and German/Austro-Hungarian style, referred to as “Furniture of Austrian Design”, also Art Nouveau inspired stained glass in doors; also lamps from 1905/1906

·        Oscar Onken Co. ran parallel to Shop of the Crafters, using ‘Younits’ brand name, producing clocks, display cases and store fixtures, mirrors, small painted cabinets, and other novelty pieces, some with Mission style  

 

Shop Marks:

 

 

 

Three variants above, showing slightly different color tones and/or possible fading; based on comparison to below there appears to be two confirmed variants with slightly darker inner or outer shading of background or frame border

 

 

Two examples above of tags with stenciled model number

 

  

Branded mark typically found on lamps and clock cases, but sometimes furniture

 

Shop mark on a tall case clock and large instruction tag for clock operation

 

 

“Shop of the Crafters” visible at bottom on each of the above two information tags

 

 

Oscar Onken Co. shop mark and information tag on painted piece

 

Button tag from multi shelf tree style stand; another similar known tag is a brass plate reading “Oscar Onken & Co. / Manufacturer of patented triplicate mirrors / & store fixtures / Cincinnati, O.”

 

Catalogs:

 

 

Possibly pre 1906 due to having fewer pieces displayed compared to known 1906 catalog with more pieces; could also be a brochure or condensed catalog from another year; plain cover, and first page shown

 

Facsimile of lamp catalog (date? 1906 or later)

Sikes Chair Co. (The Sikes Company Inc.?)

·         Buffalo, NY (and Philadelphia, PA, ‘branch’, also New York?, Grand Rapids?), 1859 -1930 (moved from Buffalo to Philadelphia ca. 1904 - 1916 then back to Buffalo)

·         office furniture and Mission style chairs, Morris chairs, umbrella stands, hall trees

·         chairs with the Sikes Chair Co. shop mark have been found co-marked with Quaker Mission Craft, which is assumed to be a brand or line name from Sikes

 

Shop Marks:

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simmons Co.

·         Kenosha, WI, 1870 - present

·         sofa beds

 

Shop Mark: metal tag attached to wire springs

 

F.A. Sinclaire

·         Mottville, NY

Skandia Furniture Co.

·         Rockford, IL, ca. 1906 – ca. 1912 (fire)

·         general line, desks, drop front desks, bookcases, stacking bookcases, “Viking” trade name

 

Shop Marks:

 

 

Stacking bookcase label and shipping label

 

Bookcase label

Skinner & Steenman Furniture Co. (Skinner & Steenman Co.)

·         Howard City, MI,1889, then Greenville and Grand Rapids MI, ca. 1898 - 1907

·         ‘Dutch Mission’ sideboards, buffets, cellarettes, with inset Delft tiles depicting Dutch boys and girls in peasant costume, china cabinets

 

Shop Mark:

 

Sligh Furniture Co.

·         Grand Rapids, MI, 1880 - 1931

·         major Grand Rapids firm, general line in other styles but thin representation of Arts & Crafts; one notable Arts & Crafts/Art Nouveau line ca.1907

 

Shop Mark: paper label with name in triangle with red, white, and blue ink, also paper shipping label tacked on; unknown if these represent Arts & Crafts pieces or not?

Smith, Day & Co.

·         Indianapolis, IN, early 1900s?

·         rockers

 

Shop Marks:

 

 

Smith & Ellis Co. (Smith, Ellis & Joyce)

·         Canastota, NY

Snider Mfg. Co.

·         Logan, OH, early 1900s – ca. 1930

·         dining room and bedroom furniture

 

Shop Mark:

 

Snyder Furniture Co.

·         Grand Rapids, MI, 1910 - 1919

·         dining room suites, china cabinets

 

Shop Mark:

 

B. Souto & Co.

·         New York, NY, early 1900s

·         parlour sets with woven splint/cane panels

 

Shop Mark:

 

Sparks-Withington Company

·         Jackson, MI, 1900 (incorporated 1916) – at least 1995

·         foot stools; primarily a maker of early auto products, and later, diverse line of electronics and other products; Mission furniture assumed to be minor part of the company

 

Shop Mark:

 

Spencer & Barnes Co.

·         Benton Harbour, MI, at least 1874 – 1914

·         bedroom suites

 

Shop Mark:

 

ca. 1913 (facsimile from Carron et. al. 1998)

E. H. Stafford Mfg. Co.

·         Chicago, IL, early 1900s

·         long institutional benches (e.g. for train stations), school desks, lecterns, tables, chairs, bookcases 

 

Shop Marks:

 

 

 

Catalog: 1921-22

 

Standard Chair Co.

·         Union City, PA, at least 1908 to at least 1914

·         rockers, side chairs; limited Mission style representation compared to numerous models in typical ‘golden oak’

 

Catalog: 1914 (larger catalog known for 1908)

 

Standard Furniture Co.

·         Herkimer, NY, 1886 - 1978

·         desks, roll top desks, library cabinets, chairs, tables

·         sub-assemblies sent to London, Paris, Berlin for the European market

 

Shop Marks:

 

 

Sterling Furniture Co.

·         Toledo, OH, at least 1914

·         love seats, and desks, bureaus, fitted, with “thief-proof” steel boxes

Steuben Lumber & Furniture Co.

·         Canisteo, NY, ca. 1916

·         extension dining tables

George S. Stewart Company

·         Norwalk, OH, early 1900s; shop mark also notes New York (possible retail shop?)

·         pyrographic designs on Mission oak book/magazine stands, chairs, and accessories, also cedar chests, screens, and wholesale lumber

·         largest period employer in Norwalk

 

Shop Mark:

 

 

Catalog:

 

 

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