Stickley furniture isn’t just beautiful—it holds a story in every stamp, label, or burned mark. Learning to identify those antique Stickley labels is a key step in distinguishing genuine pieces from reproductions.

At The Mission Motif, we believe that craftsmanship and provenance go hand in hand. Knowing where to look—inside drawers, beneath tabletops, or behind panels—and what to look for can unlock your furniture’s history. 

You’ll learn how to spot burned-in signatures, paper tags, metal plaques, or decals—and how label changes over time hint at age and authenticity. By the end, you’ll feel more confident distinguishing a true Stickley treasure from a clever imitation.

Overview of Stickley Furniture Labels

Stickley furniture labels offer clues about a piece’s age, origin, and authenticity. Spotting the right details can help you identify real antiques and get a sense of their value. Labels have changed over the years and show up in different forms and spots on the furniture.

Purpose and Importance of Labels

Labels are like a certificate of authenticity for Stickley furniture. They prove the piece was made by the original craftsman or company. These marks separate real Stickley from copies or later reproductions.

You’ll usually see the maker’s name, factory location, and sometimes a date or model number. This info is crucial if you want to verify a piece’s history or figure out what it’s worth. Collectors and appraisers look to these labels to confirm a piece is genuine Stickley.

Evolution of Stickley Label Designs

Stickley labels changed as the company grew and shifted its manufacturing. Early pieces might have a burned-in mark or a plain paper tag. Later furniture tends to use metal or paper labels with printed names and more factory details.

The design of the label can help you date your furniture. Some older labels are just stamped or branded logos, while newer ones might have more detailed printed info.

Stickley introduced different label styles as ownership and factory locations changed. Knowing these changes helps you figure out exactly when your piece was made.

Materials and Placement

Stickley labels come in a mix of materials:

• Burned-in or stamped wood marks
• Paper labels
• Metal plaques

Labels usually hide out in less visible spots, keeping the look clean and protecting them from wear. You’ll often find them inside drawers, under tables, or on the back.

Since they’re tucked away, you might need to poke around inside or behind parts to find the label. Taking the time to look closely is worth it if you want to authenticate your Stickley furniture and appreciate its craftsmanship.

Types of Antique Stickley Labels

When you’re hunting for authentic Stickley furniture, labels tell a big part of the story. Some are paper, some metal, and others are burned or stamped right into the wood. Dates, maker names, and locations show up on these labels. Knowing what sets them apart helps you spot the real deal.

Gustav Stickley Labels

Gustav Stickley’s name appears on many of the earliest and most collectible labels. Sometimes you’ll see his full name or a signature, in either a handwritten or printed style.

His labels could be paper tags glued inside drawers, or metal plaques fixed to the furniture. There’s also the classic burned-in stamp on the wood, often with his name and words like “Craftsman” or “Mission Furniture.”

Look for details like “Eastwood, New York,” which was his workshop. Sometimes you’ll spot dates or patent numbers—those are good signs you’ve got a genuine early piece.

L. & J.G. Stickley Marks

This label belongs to the company that Gustav’s brothers, Leopold and John George, ran. Their marks matter if you want to identify furniture from before or after Gustav’s own era.

Labels from L. & J.G. Stickley Company are usually simple—metal or paper, with the full company name. You might see stamped marks burned into the wood, reading “L. & J.G. Stickley” or “Stickley Bros.”

These often include a model number, sometimes a date, and show off solid joinery and good wood. Furniture with these marks is usually early Mission style or Arts & Crafts, from the late 1800s into the early 1900s.

Stickley Brothers Company Labels

The Stickley Brothers Company was the family’s joint venture before Gustav and his brothers started their own brands. These labels aren’t as common but are important for tracking really early Stickley work.

You’ll find metal tags or paper labels with “Stickley Brothers Company” printed on them, sometimes with a workshop address or factory location.

There might also be a stamp in the wood near a drawer or under a table apron. These marks help confirm authenticity and give clues about the age and origin, usually dating from the 1890s to the early 1900s.

If you spot these labels, check the construction for Mission style traits like pegged joinery or quarter-sawn oak. These features are as telling as the label itself.

Evolution of Stickley Shop Marks Over Time

Stickley’s shop marks changed considerably across eras, offering clues to help date a piece. Early in his career, Gustav Stickley used a joiner’s compass motif paired with the Dutch motto “Als ik kan” (“to the best of my ability”), often in red decals or burn-in marks.

Later, L. & J.G. Stickley adopted a wood clamp logo with the name “Handcraft,” and still later brands simplified to just “Stickley, Fayetteville, Syracuse”.

Because the same workshop used multiple marks over overlapping periods, shop marks are a useful guide—but not a definitive dating method by themselves. 

How to Identify Authentic Stickley Furniture Labels

Stickley furniture labels are crucial for confirming where and when your piece was made. Labels come in a few forms, each with its own quirks. Paying attention to fonts, symbols, and signs of wear can help you spot the real thing.

Examining Typography and Fonts

Take a close look at the label’s lettering. Authentic Stickley labels usually have bold, clear letters in simple, classic fonts that feel early 20th century. The text might be burned into the wood or printed on a tag.

You’ll notice even spacing and crisp lines. Blurry, uneven, or oddly modern fonts should raise a red flag. Watch for the shape of letters like "S" and "C"—they’re usually sharp and balanced.

Some labels have dates or model numbers near the text. These are small but sharply printed or burned in, helping you check the piece’s authenticity and when it was made.

Common Symbols and Motifs

Stickley labels often show off symbols tied to the company’s history. Look for the Stickley name in bold, sometimes with the full title "L. & J. G. Stickley." A burned-in medallion or shop mark pops up now and then.

You might also see Arts & Crafts motifs—simple geometric shapes or Mission-style touches. These aren’t just for show; they connect the label to Stickley’s craftsmanship.

Metal or paper tags may carry factory marks or registration numbers next to the branding. These little details help you tell genuine pieces from fakes.

Checking for Age-Related Wear

Old Stickley labels show their age. Paper ones might fade, discolor, or peel a bit. Burned-in marks get worn but usually stay readable. Look at the edges and corners for fraying or cracks. If a label looks too fresh compared to the rest of the piece, it might be a replacement.

Check how the label’s attached. Originals are usually nailed or glued down well, though they may have loosened a bit over the years. A loose or sloppy label could mean someone messed with it. By weighing wear and other clues, you’ll get a better sense of your furniture’s story.

Dating Stickley Labels By Era

Getting familiar with Stickley labels lets you date your piece and check its authenticity. Labels and marks changed as the company evolved. Spotting these differences is essential for figuring out when your furniture was made.

Early 1900s Labels

In the early 1900s, Stickley used paper or metal labels with plain text, often saying "Gustav Stickley" and the factory location. You’ll find these glued inside drawers or on the back. The real ones usually have faded lettering or a worn look, just from age.

You might also see burned-in or stamped wood marks, sometimes with a date or factory number. The joinery and finish from this era are worth a look too—Stickley was all about handcrafting.

Mission Oak Period Labels

During the Mission Oak period (about 1905-1920), Stickley started using more distinctive branding. Paper or metal labels got fancier, with “Mission” and a model or serial number. Some pieces show off a fleur-de-lis or other decorative touches.

Labels from this time are still tucked inside drawers or hidden spots, but they’re clearer and often easier to read than earlier versions. The furniture itself is sturdy oak with visible joinery, and the labels usually sit near those features.

Mid-Century and Later Labels

After the 1920s, Stickley’s labels changed again as the company grew. Mid-century labels might mix printed and stamped marks, sometimes showing a "Stickley" logo in a new font. Paper tags became more common, but weren’t as detailed.

Metal badges or plaques started showing up as styles shifted. These later labels usually include a model number, signaling the company’s move to modern production but still keeping up the quality.

Era	Label Type	Common Features	Placement
Early 1900s	Paper/metal, burn-in	Simple text, factory info	Inside drawers, backs
Mission Oak Period	Paper/metal	"Mission" text, model/serial #	Hidden spots inside
Mid-Century+	Paper, metal badges	Logos, model numbers, modern fonts	Visible tags, plaques

Common Mistakes and Misidentifications

When you’re looking for real Stickley labels, it’s easy to get tripped up by fakes or honest mistakes. Knowing where labels usually show up and what genuine ones look like helps you avoid headaches and make sure you’re dealing with the real thing.

Recognizing Reproductions

Reproductions try to copy Stickley labels, but they usually miss the finer details. Original Stickley labels have specific fonts, neat spacing, and often include a date or location like “Eastwood, NY.” The printing is sharp on good paper or metal.

Fake labels might look blurry, off-center, or use odd wording. Watch for misspellings or uneven ink. And fakes rarely have that aged look that originals do. It helps to keep a few photos of real labels for comparison. Trust your gut—real labels fit well and don’t peel off easily.

Differences in Label Positioning

Label placement varies by time and piece. Early Stickley furniture often has labels on the back, inside drawers, or under seats. Later or special collections might put labels under tabletops or inside cabinets. 

If you find a label slapped on in a weird spot or looking freshly added, be cautious. If a label’s in an unusual place, look up that model or period to check. Knowing the usual label locations helps you decide if the label and piece match up.

Common label spots include:

Furniture Type	Typical Label Location
Chairs	Back or under the seat
Tables	Bottom of the tabletop
Cabinets	Inside panels or drawers

Always check the placement before calling it authentic.

Resources for Further Verification

When you’re trying to ID antique Stickley furniture labels, having good resources at hand makes a big difference. Books with clear images and expert tips give you something solid to compare to, and talking to professionals can help confirm you’ve got the real thing.

Reference Books and Catalogs

There are quite a few books dedicated to Stickley furniture and its markings. Look for ones with plenty of photos of original labels, stamps, and brands, plus dates and factory info. Updated editions are best—they cover everything from early Mission style to later pieces.

Original catalogs or those from trusted dealers are also handy. They show the range of products and how labels changed over time. Comparing your label to these guides can help you spot authentic marks and steer clear of fakes.

A quick checklist helps:

• Label type (paper, metal, burned-in)
• Factory or maker’s stamp
• Date or model numbers
  These details matter for confirming authenticity.

Consulting with Antique Experts

Talking to antique furniture experts is a smart move. Appraisers or dealers who know Mission furniture can examine labels up close. Their experience lets them spot signs of reproduction or tampering you might miss.

Experts can also look at the craftsmanship and joinery, giving you a fuller read on authenticity. Many have access to archives or dealer networks with deep Stickley knowledge.

You’ll find experts at antiques shows, auction houses, or authorized Stickley dealers. A consultation usually means a hands-on inspection and a written report—good for insurance or resale. Their know-how adds real value to your search.

Honoring Stickley’s Craftsmanship Through Knowledge

Antique Stickley furniture holds a tangible link to America’s Arts & Crafts legacy. Learning to identify authentic labels and shop marks not only safeguards your investment but also preserves the story of skilled craftsmanship behind each piece.

The Mission Motif shares this passion for authenticity and preservation. Understanding these details helps keep the artistry and integrity of true Stickley furniture alive for generations to come.

Visit our Atlanta showroom to explore heirloom-quality Mission and Arts & Crafts furniture in person. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Spotting the right labels and marks on Stickley furniture helps you understand its backstory and value. Learning to recognize authentic features is key to telling originals from copies.

What are the identifying marks of authentic Stickley furniture pieces?

Genuine Stickley furniture usually has labels, stamps, or tags showing the company name or logo. Look for the original “L. & J. G. Stickley” signature or the modern “Stickley” script.

You’ll also see details like pinned mortise-and-tenon joints and quartersawn white oak—classic signs of good craftsmanship.

How can one tell the age of a Stickley piece by examining its label?

Labels changed as the years went by. Early ones often show the full company name and patent dates. Later labels might just say "Stickley" or use a logo on a green or brown background. The label’s material, print style, and wording all help you figure out when the piece was made.

What are the characteristics of early Stickley furniture labels?

Early Stickley labels came in paper or metal, usually showing both Gustav and Leopold Stickley’s full names. You’ll spot patent years and sometimes the “Mission Style” phrase. The fonts? They’re pretty intricate—lots of old-school charm from the early 1900s.

How does one differentiate Stickley furniture from replicas?

Look for handcrafted joinery and solid hardwood, especially quartersawn oak. Stickley used pinned mortise-and-tenon joinery, not nails or staples. That’s a big giveaway. Real labels and stamps should look crisp and be in the right spot. 

Fakes tend to slap on glue-on or printed stickers, missing that genuine touch.

Are there specific serial numbers that denote authenticity in Stickley furniture?

Some pieces have stamped or engraved serial numbers on labels or tucked inside the frame. If you can check those numbers with company records, you’ll know where the piece came from. Not every Stickley item has a serial number, though—they show up more on limited editions and reissues. So, don’t stress if you don’t find one on an older piece.

What are the tips for finding and understanding Stickley furniture catalogs?

Original Stickley catalogs offer a glimpse into design details, model numbers, and finish options. If you've got a piece and you're not sure about its background, try lining it up with catalog photos—sometimes that's the only way to pin down its style or era.

Finding these vintage catalogs isn't always straightforward. They're floating around online or sometimes tucked away with dealers who know their stuff. When you do get your hands on one, it's surprisingly handy for matching up labels or numbers, or even figuring out which finish matches which production year. It's a bit like detective work.