Inspired by the Arts & Crafts style in England, which rebelled against the mechanization of the Industrial Revolution with a proud emphasis on handcrafted design, American Craftsman style similarly pushed against the lavishness of the Victorian era. Coined by Wisconsin-born Gustav Stickley, a furniture designer and publisher of The Craftsman magazine, American Craftsman furniture would influence homegrown styles that followed, such as Mission and the Prairie School.
Like the popular early 20th-century Craftsman houses — which feature meticulous woodwork on everything from built-in bookcases in the living room and cabinetry in the kitchen to earth-toned exteriors with exposed rafters — American Craftsman furniture was all about handmade storage cabinets, bedroom furniture, chairs and other pieces built with organic materials. “Simplicity and straightforwardness of construction has always been the leading characteristic of Craftsman furniture,” Stickley stated. And while he is often credited with most of the designs at the Craftsman Workshops in Eastwood, New York, others such as Harvey Ellis were influential in shaping the straight-backed chairs, beds with vertical slats and tables with exposed joinery that came to define the style.
Highly utilitarian with no unnecessary flair, American Craftsman furniture was designed to emphasize the essence of its modest construction and promote the natural beauty of the wood. Solid oak, cherry, walnut and mahogany were all favored by the movement’s principal figures. Another attribute commonly associated with the style is the integration of subtle details like tooled leather, inlaid metal and hammered iron handles.
Owing to the outbreak of World War I, the popularity of American Craftsman style waned as consumer spending dropped and furniture companies shifted to the production of wartime materials and goods specified in government contracts. Yet, by the 1960s, there was a renewed appreciation for this foundational modern American style, with Stickley and his contemporaries in demand for the clean, simple lines and sturdy construction of American Craftsman furniture.
Find a collection of antique American Craftsman chests, nightstands, seating, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.
WmL.Gilbert Clock Company Hand Painted Porcelain Mantel Clock
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a WmL.Gilbert Clock Company Porcelain Mantel Clock No.433. It depicts an almost square porcelain case hand painted green and adorned with branches of flowers and leaves in t...
Porcelain
Battle of Lake Erie Banjo Clock
Located in East Aurora, NY
A very attractive Willard style Battle of Lake Erie timepiece or Banjo clock that looks to be made around the early 1900’s. Very nice rope molded gilt wood case with the reverse pai...
Mahogany
Nautical Clock by Chelsea Clock Co for Bigelow, Kennard & Co
By Chelsea Clock, Bigelow Kennard & Co.
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A finely crafted bronze clock in the form of yacht steering wheel made by Chelsea Clock Company, Boston, Massachusetts, having a hinged bezel, si...
Bronze
Seiko Ship's Nautical Analog Clock, 1980s
Located in Nantucket, MA
From a decommissioned Japanese ship, black Seiko analog clocks with brushed nickel faces. Battery mechanism updated and an easy opening on the back side. ...
Metal
Antique Edwardian Quality Hand Painted Porcelain Mantle Clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Antique Edwardian quality hand painted porcelain mantle clock having a quality hand painted decorated porcelain clock case with flowers, leaves an...
Porcelain, Glass
19th Century German Meissen Porcelain Mantel Clock, Hand-Painted
Located in Queens, NY
German Meissen (19th Century) porcelain group of men and women with floral and bronze branches around mantel clock (not working)
Bronze
Tiffany & Co. Bronze Clock
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage Tiffany & Co. French bronze clock dates from the late 19th century (1896). It is elaborately designed in the style of Louis XV & exhibits a m...
Bronze, Enamel
Crystal Face and Pendulum Clock Made by Ansonia Clock of New York
Located in Stamford, CT
Crystal face and pendulum clock made by Ansonia Clock of New York. Bronze case in all beveled glass surround. Height: 11.5 inches Width: 7 inches Depth: 5...
Brass
$3,950
H 40 in W 10.25 in D 3.88 in
Waltham 8 Day Banjo Clock for Shreve Crump and Low, Simon Willard Patent
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of the Waltham “Willard” presentation model weight driven banjo clock. Waltham banjo clocks of Willard Design are faithful reproduc...
Brass
Large Rococo Style Porcelain Mantel Clock by Meissen
Located in London, GB
Large Rococo style porcelain mantel clock by Meissen German, 19th century Measures: Height 66cm, width 33cm, depth 25cm This superb mantel clock is a truly wonderful example of ...
Porcelain
New Haven Clock Co. Art Nouveau Style Table Clock
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Art Nouveau Style Table Clock. It depicts a small balloon shape clock mounted in copper color metal. A standing young nymph is adorning the front of the case while holding its face. The white enamel round dial of the clock has Arabic numbers and is also decorated with a garland of roses and leaves around the center. The gold color metal hours and minutes hands are made of scrolls of leaves. At the bottom of the dial face is hallmarked New Haven Clock...
Bronze
$5,200Sale Price|35% Off
H 29 in W 12 in D 3.75 in
American Mahogany and Églomisé Banjo Clock, E. Howard, Boston # 5, Circa 1860
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany and églomisé banjo clock with original signed and numeral paper dial under glass, decorative painted and gilt throat panel, with a hinged painted and gilt door concealing the brass pendulum. Clock is in working condition with no issues. Signed by E. Howard and Co...
Brass
$525
H 39.5 in W 13 in D 4 in
New Haven Clock Co Banjo Clock With Reverse Painted Glass and Mahogany Case
Located in San Francisco, CA
New Haven Clock Co Banjo Clock With Reverse Painted Glass and Mahogany Case 13"W x 4"D x 39.5"H
Glass, Mahogany
$1,200
H 33.25 in W 10.25 in D 4 in
Federal Mahogany Banjo Clock With 2 Eglomise Panels & Eagle Finial C1860
Located in Big Flats, NY
An American Federal style banjo clock, crafted from mahogany circa 1860. The clock features the classic form with a circular head, a tapered throat, and a rectangular pendulum box. I...
Mahogany
$3,200
H 14.3 in W 5.5 in D 14.3 in
Antique Hand-Painted Porcelain “La Layon” Mantel Clock by Royal Bonn for Ansonia
By Royal Bonn
Located in Tarry Town, NY
A beautifully executed mid-19th century mantel clock by the esteemed Ansonia Clock Company, featuring the “La Layon” model in collaboration with Royal Bonn, one of Germany’s most cel...
Brass
Thomas Moser Cherry Wood Mantle Clock
By Thomas Moser
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Thomas Moser Cherry Wood mantle Clock. In original working condition! Nice wood! Signed and dated on backside. This model is no longer in production.
Cherry
Howard Miller Glen Ellyn Grandfather Clock
Located in Omaha, NE
The Howard Miller Wind-Up Grandfather Clock is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship and timeless elegance. This stunning clock does more than just tell time; it brings a sense ...
Wood
Sold
H 32.6 in W 12.5 in D 6.5 in
American Craft, Hand Wall Clock , Scandinavian Modern Design by George Gordon
Located in Buffalo, NY
Truly stunning be-spoke handcrafted hanging grandfather pendulum wall clock by George Gordon circa 1980. Made in the manner of high end Scandinavian / Danish design and construction....
Brass
World War One Swiss Made Army Engineer Compass
Located in Ferndale, MI
WW1 U.S. Army engineer compass made in Switzerland. Round brass flip open case. Fine original condition and working order.
Brass
Robert McKeown Table Clock
By Robert McKeown
Located in New York, NY
Seldom-seen table clock by San Francisco Bay artisan Robert McKeown (1931-1989). A graduate of the California College of Arts and Crafts, McKeown was a ...
Sterling Silver
David N Ebner Sassafras and Beech Wall Clock
Located in Bellport, NY
A David N Ebner sassafras and beech wood wall clock/standing. Preened and blued steel base.Only one ever crafted.
Steel