Roycroft
Guide to Marks and Dating
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Introduction

Marks

Examples

References

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Introduction

Roycroft refers to the products produced by the reformist community located in East Aurora, New York near Buffalo. Founded in 1895 by Elbert Hubbard, the colony of artists and social reformists flourished until its founder’s death in 1915. Although continuing on for another three decades, the earliest pieces are considered among the most desirable by many collectors. Known best for the printing, copper work, and furniture, the Roycrofters were the vanguard of the American Arts and Crafts Movement and what is popularly labeled as mission style. After falling into disarray for nearly 50 years, the Roycroft Campus has seen a rebirth with a new generation of local artists.

Roycroft
c. 1906-1910 (first Mark)
c. 1910-1915 (second mark)
c. 1915-1938 (third mark)
Roycroft Renaissance (current production from 1970s?)
Notes: The distinguishing feature between the first and second marks is the serif used on the first mark (cf. top left and bottom right of the letter "R"). Elbert Hubbard and his wife Alice died on the Lusitania (07 May 1915). His son (Elbert Hubbard II or "Bert") assumed management and kept the Roycroft community open until 1938. The community in East Aurora, NY began production again in the 1970s using the "Roycroft Renaissance" mark and continues production today. Karl Kipp worked as Master Craftsman in the Roycroft Cooper Shop from 1909 until 1911 and from 1915 until the early 1930s. Karl Kipp and Walter U. Jennings briefly quit Roycroft to form their own buiness between 1911 and 1915 -- the Tookay Shop (also located in East Aurora, NY) -- and marked their products with a double "K" (the first "K" being reversed) enclosed within an orb. Recommended reference: Kevin McConnell (2008), Roycroft Art Metal (4^th edition). (Published by Schiffer Publishing, Atglen, PA)

About this Page

It seems that everybody is selling something on the Internet and few sites provide any free information about antiques and collectibles. Well, we sell things too but we also provide some free information about the items we sell and collect. This page is designed to provide a quick reference for the experienced collector in identifying and dating some items. It is not intended to be a definitive guide but only a quick reference (This information should not be used as a buying or selling guide.). The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge; however, the user should consult the standard reference sources for confirmation of this information -- we assume no liability for the information provided herein. Indeed, the references we consult often conflict in identifying and dating items.

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