Arts&craft period locking gun cabinet

Description

This is an early 20th-century long gun locking cabinet display with an integrated ammo box. The piece features:

• Material: Mission Oak (potentially mahogany in the ammo box) with copper handles and brass hinges.
• Glass: Beveled glass door with a decorative slag glass insert.
• Locking Mechanism: Original Sargent & Greenleaf locking mechanisms with original keys.
• Design Influence: Possibly created by Stickley or Charles Limbert, both prominent figures in the American Arts & Crafts movement.
• Condition: Mint condition, suggesting it has been well-preserved or restored to a high standard.

Historical Significance

The Arts & Crafts movement was prominent between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It emphasized handcrafted furniture with clean lines, functional design, and high-quality natural materials. Prominent names like Gustav Stickley and Charles Limbert were known for their simple yet artistic designs, often featuring strong joinery and geometric patterns. The use of slag glass — a textured, colored glass — was common in decorative arts of this period.

The presence of an original Sargent & Greenleaf locking mechanism indicates authenticity, as this manufacturer has been renowned for high-security locks since the mid-19th century.

Estimated Value

• Retail Value (in mint condition): $1,500 - $3,000 USD
• Auction Value: $800 - $1,500 USD depending on interest
• Insurance Value (for replacement): $3,000 USD or higher due to its rare features and high condition rating

Factors Affecting Value

• Positive Factors:
  • Mint condition
  • Original locking mechanism with keys
  • Authentic Arts & Crafts design
  • Possible Stickley or Limbert origin
• Negative Factors:
  • Limited buyer pool for specialized furniture like gun cabinets
  • Identifying the maker (Stickley or Limbert) would increase value significantly

Recommendations

• Authentication: A professional appraisal by an expert in Arts & Crafts furniture or Stickley/Limbert designs is strongly recommended. If proven to be an original Stickley or Limbert piece, the value could increase by 30-50%.
• Restoration Advice: Since the item is already in mint condition, only minimal cleaning and preservation should be conducted. Avoid modern repairs that could compromise originality.
• Sales Strategy: For optimal value, consider selling through:
  • Specialty antique dealers
  • Arts & Crafts furniture collectors
  • High-end online marketplaces like 1stdibs or Chairish
  • Specialty auction houses that focus on early 20th-century design

If you have additional provenance or documentation on its maker, this could significantly enhance its appraisal value.