This display case was custom made for a customer with a large collection of Swaroski (sp?) crystal pieces. The customer also has a collection of Stickley antiques so I had to make this display case fit in with the style of other Stickley pieces. It's a rather tall unit - over 6 feet high, and about 3 foot wide.

The wood is Oak, but not quartersawn as is the Stickley tradition. The doors are on the front of the unit as opposed to side doors which are common on many display cases. They are attached with Soss hinges that are morticed into the door and the case so they are not seen until the doors are opend. Quite a challenge to use ! One door was made twice because of a slight "miscalculation" of the hinges in the door in relation to those in the case. The bottom and middle shelves are fixed and are mirrors as well as the entire inside back of the case. There are also several adjustable glass shelves and a halogen light system to bring attention to the collection inside.

Choosing a finish was the toughest part. Not knowing the Stickley secret formula, I went thru dozens of combinations of finishes and colors until I was able to match the finish with other pieces in the customers house to their approval. It ended up being a combination of stains and orange shellac, all protected by several coats of a tungoil/poly finish. Not too bad actually. I wish my photography were much better than it is because this is my favorite, most challenging, and most expensive piece I've built and these photos don't do it justice.