I have always wanted an L&JG Stickley #281 settle, but couldn't pay the high price tag that always came with it. After an 11 year search, I've finally found one and I practically stole it. This is what makes our hunt worthwhile. This settle maintains its original finish and has the Handcraft decal on the back, with the #281 written inside. The original box spring is also present, however, the upholstery on it is not suitable for the average arts and crafts enthusiast. When I first saw the settle, I went running to it to look at the quadralinear posts, but came to realize that the posts are made of two pieces of wood with two splines. After further research, I have found the quadralinear period was started in 1912, which would have been The Works of Stickley, because I have not found a quadralinear settle from the Handcraft period. If anyone has other information, please let me know.

Decal View

Back View

Post View

Inside View

Side view (with Snickers peeking around the side.)

This is an unusual piece to be sure... and fantastic. I am curious to know how much you "stole" it for (if only to give me hope), but I assume the no price policy prevents that? Incidentally, you can find one on Rago's website to get an idea of the value. Great piece!

Thanks for your intrest isbutyrate. I believe Dalton's have one on there website with a nice size price tag. These settles very in price and it's all about the finish and condition.

congrats! Its fantastic, nice find. what are your plans for the seat?

Thanks for your intrest in this settle arts & crafts junkie. Well, I think Im getting the leather from Moore & Jiles and im going to go with the harness line. Im having trouble on deciding which color to get but I think Im leaning towards cureo which is like a burgandy brown color. I'll also have about six pillows made for it 4 of them being leather and 2 embroided pillows by Ann Wallace.

Very nice find. It does have the early L&JG handcraft logo. (just after Onondaga). Nice substantial settle. Need not have the quadrilineal post design if it was a fairly early settle. Two large pieces of quarersawn glued together with splines. Unusual to say the least.
I have not seen that before. But early Onondaga pieces, like Gus, heavy posts were sometimes just glued together to form one large post.
I figure the seat was at one time spring cushioned. But you can have a drop in seat with foam and nicely upholstered in leather.

Good Morning Ballzy,
It appears that you in fact do have an original and in fine shape I believe. It is a shame that the cushion didn't get the care it deserved, Are you going to re-upholster it in leather or fabric?

Respectfully,

Ralph

I do have the original box spring seat it just has a ugly baby blue cloth like material on it. It's loaded with springs in it. Maybe i'll take a pic of it and put it on here.

Thanks, Mark!

Hey Mark - Great find! I actually love the look of the splined posts. The condition looks fantastic - crisp and even.

Sounds as if you have the original spring cushion. What a great find.

Best,

Amazing piece! Can't wait to see the finished product! Please keep us posted.

D&M

I also have a 281 but needs releathering. Does anyone know an upholster in the Seattle area who works well with leather? Thanks.

Would be interested in how you encountered this piece. I am forever looking for reasonably priced pieces such as this, but generally fall back on paying full retail in the end.

Any tips would be most appreciated.