Stickley furniture labels tell the story of craftsmanship, authenticity, and American design heritage. These markings—burned brands, paper stickers, and metal tags—serve as lasting proof of genuine Stickley construction. Learning to identify them helps collectors and homeowners confirm value and origin.

The Mission Motif knows how these small details connect each piece to more than a century of craftsmanship. Recognizing authentic Stickley furniture labels ensures your investment reflects the artistry, honesty, and enduring quality that define the brand.

This guide explores the evolution of Stickley labels, how to spot genuine marks, and ways to preserve them. Whether you’re verifying an antique or studying design history, these insights reveal the craftsmanship legacy behind every authentic Stickley piece.

Types of Stickley Furniture Labels

Stickley furniture can be identified by several types of labels that signal its authenticity and period of production. These labels vary in material and design depending on when the piece was made.

Recognizing the differences helps you authenticate the furniture and understand its history.

Paper Labels

Paper labels were commonly used by Stickley from the early 1900s. These labels often include company names, addresses, and sometimes dates or logos.

Paper labels might be found glued onto an inside drawer, cabinet back, or underside of a piece. Because paper can fade or peel over time, many antique Stickley labels show signs of wear.

Despite this, the graphic style and text on paper labels are key to confirming the furniture’s origin. Some early labels predate the “Stickley” name and refer to the company as “Stickley & Simonds” or “The Gustave Stickley Company.”

Brass Tags

Brass tags are metal labels attached permanently to Stickley furniture, usually with small nails or screws. These tags became common later than paper labels and are prized for their durability and clear legibility.

The tags usually feature the Stickley name engraved or embossed in a simple, easy-to-read font. They might include other details like a trademark or a serial number.

Brass tags are often found on the backs or bottoms of pieces and are especially helpful since they resist aging and damage better than paper.

Decal Transfers

Decal transfers are paper designs applied with heat or adhesive to the wood surface. Stickley used these less often, but they provide a clear method for marking furniture.

Decals usually feature logos or stylized text reading “Stickley” or “L & JG Stickley.” Because decal transfers are directly attached to the wood, they can be located in less visible spots, like inside cabinet doors or drawers.

These labels give a smooth finish and do not peel like paper. You can often spot them by their slightly shiny surface from the decal itself.

Label Type	Material	Common Location	Durability	Key Identification Features
Paper Labels	Paper	Inside drawers, backs	Fragile, may fade	Company names, dates, logos
Brass Tags	Metal (Brass)	Backs, bottoms	Very durable	Engraved with “Stickley” and marks
Decal Transfers	Paper decal	Inside doors, drawers	Durable, smooth	Printed or heat-applied logos

Identifying Authentic Stickley Furniture Labels

To recognize original Stickley pieces, understanding the unique features of their labels, where to find them, and the specific fonts and logos used is essential. Stickley labels evolved over time, and carefully checking these details helps verify the furniture’s authenticity and age.

Key Features of Original Labels

Original Stickley labels often include clear information like the company name, manufacturing location, and sometimes the date. Early labels may be simple paper stickers, while later ones could be metal plates or burned-in brands.

Look for:

• Precise printing without smudges or blurry text
• Words like “Gustav Stickley” or “Stickley Brothers” clearly stated
• High-quality material, whether paper, metal, or burned marks
• Serial or model numbers may appear, usually hand-written or stamped

Labels that are missing, faded, or printed on low-quality paper might indicate a reproduction or later repair. Authentic labels reflect Stickley’s commitment to craftsmanship and durability.

Common Placement Locations

Stickley labels were placed where they would stay protected but remain accessible to identify the piece. Common spots include:

• Underneath the seats of chairs or stools
• On the bottom or back edges of tables and cabinets
• Inside drawers, sometimes on the back panel
• On a hidden part of the furniture frame

These locations keep labels out of sight during normal use, but are easy to find when authenticating. If you cannot find a label where it’s typically placed, the furniture may still be Stickley if it shows other quality signs, but the absence of a label requires extra proof.

Typical Stickley Fonts and Logos

The fonts Stickley used were consistent and straightforward, reflecting the Arts and Crafts style they championed. You’ll often see:

• Bold serif fonts for the company name
• Clean, simple lettering, avoiding decorative flourishes
• Logos or stamps sometimes include a “Stickley” script or block letters
• Early marks may show the full company name; later labels might say “Stickley” alone

The fonts convey a sense of solidity and craftsmanship. When you study the typeface and logo carefully, differences in style or quality can reveal if a label is original or a modern reproduction. Comparing your piece to verified online images of labels helps confirm authenticity.

How Historical Context Shaped Stickley’s Label Design

During the early 20th century, furniture makers used branding not only to mark authenticity but to promote American craftsmanship. According to Architectural Digest, Stickley’s dedication to clear, honest design paralleled the movement toward simplicity and utility in domestic interiors. 

This broader cultural shift influenced the fonts, placement, and materials used for Stickley’s iconic labels across the decades.

Evolution of Stickley Furniture Labels

Stickley furniture labels have changed significantly over time, reflecting shifts in design and manufacturing. These labels help you identify the age and authenticity of your piece. They range from hidden burned marks to detailed brass tags and paper labels.

Early Gustav Stickley Labels

At the start of the 1900s, Gustav Stickley used brands that were burned into the wood. These marks were often placed on hidden areas like the underside or back of pieces. The burned-in marks assured the piece was by Stickley and met high standards. Around 1900, paper labels began to appear.

These labels sometimes included the company name, logo, and sometimes a date or location. The earliest labels were rare and helped you confirm a piece’s origin from Stickley’s Arts and Crafts period.

L. & J.G. Stickley Variations

The L. & J.G. Stickley company introduced a wider variety of labels. They blended burned-in marks with metal plates or paper labels. Their brass tags became a signature feature, often designed with an Art Nouveau-style logo called the “Quaint” mark. 

These labels help collectors date furniture precisely to the era of production. Knowing which label style was used can tell you if your furniture is an original or a later reproduction. You can look for marks on less visible parts to confirm authenticity.

Modern Era Label Styles

Today’s Stickley furniture continues the tradition of quality but uses more modern labels. Paper labels, metal plates, and medallions carry clear company branding and are often easier to spot. While the designs honor past versions, they reflect the brand’s current identity.

Dating Stickley Furniture Using Labels

You can learn a lot about your Stickley furniture’s age by looking closely at its labels. Different label styles, materials, and markings were used in specific time periods. Serial numbers and stamps also help pinpoint when your piece was made.

Changes Across Decades

Stickley's labels changed style and materials over time. Early pieces from around 1900 often have paper or metal stickers with simple fonts. By the 1910s and 1920s, labels became more detailed with logos or the full company name. 

Later labels might have printed decals or metal plates with stylized Stickley branding. For example, Gustav Stickley’s early Arts and Crafts work often used burnt-in marks or paper labels, while the Stickley Brothers used metal plates after 1910. 

Knowing these shifts helps you identify the decade your furniture is from. Keep an eye on the label’s condition, font style, and placement—all clues to its era.

Interpreting Serial Numbers

Some Stickley pieces have serial numbers written or stamped on hidden parts. These numbers can give clues about when and where the piece was made. You might find numbers written in pencil or white crayon. These marks often match factory records that collectors use to date and verify authenticity. 

However, not all pieces have serial numbers, so absence doesn’t mean it’s not genuine. If you find a number, compare it to known Stickley serial number charts or consult a specialist. Serial numbers combined with label style make dating more accurate.

Common Label Reproductions and Forgeries

Fake Stickley labels are common because of the brand’s value and history. Knowing how to spot false labels and understanding common reproduction methods can protect your investment and confirm authenticity.

How to Spot a Fake Label

Examine the paper and printing closely. Genuine Stickley labels from the early 1900s use thick, high-quality paper with crisp, clear text and logos. Fakes often have fuzzy printing or cheap paper that easily tears. Look for placement and wear.

Authentic labels are usually found inside drawers, under tables, or behind panels. Labels on visible surfaces or placed unevenly may signal forgery. 

Check the logo details.  Genuine labels include precise logos, model numbers, and sometimes handwritten catalog numbers. Incorrect fonts, misspellings, or missing numbers often indicate reproduction.

Known Reproduction Methods

Reproducers often print labels on thin, smooth paper that lacks the original texture or patina. Some use sticker backs instead of glue, making labels easy to peel or reposition. A common method is pasting printed copies of old labels onto counterfeit furniture. 

These labels may show exaggerated aging effects or ink spot flaws inconsistent with real wear. Burned-in brands are sometimes faked by lightly scorching the wood, which lacks the depth and sharpness of true branding. 

Metal tags and medallions might be cast from inexpensive metals with poor detail. Beware of reproduced labels that miss common features like serial numbers or detailed joiner’s compasses, which authentic Stickley pieces usually display.

Conservation and Care for Stickley Furniture Labels

Protecting the labels on your Stickley furniture helps preserve its history and value. Proper care keeps these marks legible and intact, ensuring the story of craftsmanship remains clear over time.

Preservation Techniques

To preserve your Stickley labels, avoid direct sunlight, which can fade paper or ink. Keep the furniture in a stable environment with moderate humidity—ideally between 40% and 55%—to prevent drying or moisture damage.

When cleaning, never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners near the labels. Instead, gently dust the area with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, use a barely damp cloth around—but not directly on—the label to avoid peeling or staining. 

Consider placing clear, acid-free protective covers over paper labels if they are fragile. This shields them from dirt and physical wear without altering the furniture's appearance.

Restoration Considerations

If a label is torn or worn, consult a professional before attempting any repairs. Do not use tape or glue yourself, as this can further damage the label or reduce its value.

Restoration experts can stabilize fragile paper or reinforce weak spots using archival materials. They may also document the label's condition for future reference. Avoid over-restoring labels to retain their original character. Authentic signs of age are part of their history and appeal.

Documenting and Cataloging Stickley Labels

When you collect or study Stickley furniture, documenting the labels is important. Stickley used several kinds of marks over the years, including burned-in brands, metal tags, paper labels, and decals.

Each type helps date and verify your piece. You should note the label design, wording, and material. For example, early Gustav Stickley furniture from around 1900 often has a simple paper sticker. Later pieces might feature a metal tag or a burned-in compass logo.

Create a list or table to organize the information you find:

Label Type	Date Range	Key Features
Paper sticker	~1900-1901	Small, simple, with the company name
Burned brand	Early 1900s onward	Compass logo or initials burned in
Metal tag	Later period (1900s)	Durable, often with company details
Decal	Various	Printed labels, sometimes colorful

Photograph each label clearly, ensuring you capture any numbers or signatures. Include where the label is located on the furniture piece. This helps with future reference and sharing with experts. You will also want to compare your labels with verified examples to confirm authenticity.

Genuine Stickley labels often show consistent quality and craftsmanship, matching the high standards of the brand. Keeping detailed records will improve your understanding and appreciation of Stickley furniture's history and value.

Recognizing the Story Behind Every Stickley Label

Each Stickley label represents a chapter in American furniture history — a symbol of craftsmanship, authenticity, and pride. From burned brands to brass tags, these small details embody the honesty and artistry that define the Stickley legacy.

At The Mission Motif, we believe understanding these marks helps preserve more than value — it preserves heritage. Authentic labels remind us that craftsmanship is both a tradition and a promise, carried forward through materials, design, and time.

Recognizing genuine Stickley labels connects you directly to the artisans who built America’s furniture story — one handcrafted piece at a time. Discover Stickley craftsmanship with pieces that carry forward the same artistry and integrity found in every original label.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I identify a genuine Stickley furniture label?

You can find Stickley labels burned into the wood, printed on paper, or etched on metal plates. Genuine labels often include "Stickley," "L & JG Stickley," or similar signatures. Look for clear, precise marks placed in hidden spots like drawer sides or undersides.

What is the significance of different label types on Stickley furniture?

Different types of labels—brands, paper tags, metal plates—reflect various periods and companies in Stickley’s history. Early pieces might bear vinyl or paper stickers from around 1900, while later ones feature metal tags or printed labels that indicate production dates and authenticity.

Where can I find a catalog of Stickley furniture to determine the age of my piece?

Authorized dealers or the Stickley company showroom provide catalogs and resources. These include images of marks and labels connected to production years. Online archives or collector guides also offer reference materials to match your furniture’s details.

How does the authenticity of Stickley furniture impact its value?

Authentic Stickley furniture usually commands higher prices due to its American craftsmanship and heritage. Verified labels prove originality, which collectors and buyers trust. Without labels or proper marks, value may decrease, and provenance becomes harder to confirm.

What are the characteristics of Stickley furniture labels from various eras?

Labels from the early 1900s often show paper stickers or burned-in brands with "Gustave Stickley" or "Stickley & Simonds." Metal medallions and printed tags became common after 1910. Later items typically display simple "Stickley" markings, reflecting evolving branding over time.

How do I properly preserve the labels on antique Stickley furniture?

Avoid harsh cleaning near labels; use gentle dusting to protect paper or metal elements. Keep furniture in a stable humidity and temperature to prevent label deterioration. When moving pieces, handle gently to avoid peeling or scratching labels.