California Historical Design - Alameda, California

Amanda B.

I purchased a Stickley (I should put this in quotes because at this point I don't know if what I purchased was Stickley or not) on an auction from Gus. I loved the daybed and I loved that Gus was offering free shipping. The photos of the daybed included 3 pillows. I ended up winning the auction. I made payment. A few weeks later I received a call from Gus indicating that he would be in my area on a certain date and time. I told him we would be home. I receive a follow up call from Gus indicating that he was in the area and it would actually really help him out if he could deliver the daybed that night around midnight. This sounded weird to me but I thought - everything was smooth until this point, I was excited for the daybed, and why not help someone out, right? WRONG! He arrived around midnight. Alone. Anyone who has purchased Stickley knows how heavy it is. He disassembled the entire daybed, brought it inside, and reassembled it. All by himself. He also provided 2 pillows. He told me he didn't pack the third one but would ship it. A day or two later I called Gus and let him know that the pillows he provided were not correct - one was considerably larger than the other and the auction showed 3 identical pillows. He stated that he shipped the third one. Ok third pillow arrives. It is the right size. I once again reach out and explain that now I have 2 pillows but the 3rd is incorrect. He stated that he can't find the third one but he will make a third one for me. I expressed frustration and stated that I didn't want a third made pillow. I wanted the Stickley pillow I was promised. He began laughing it off - almost in a "how dumb can you be" way - stating that I should have known none of the pillows were Stickley and that the leather on the daybed wasn't Stickley due to the age of the piece. I have purchased items from many auctions. The auction company always states if something is not authentic, or refurbished, or reupholstered. This was not listed on any of the Auction terms, conditions, description, etc. He represented the daybed to be an authentic 100% Stickley daybed with pillows. That was the last of Gus' involvement. He never offered any solution. I want a refund. I never would have purchased this piece, for this price, if I had known. BUYER BEWARE - you might not be getting what you think you are getting.

Michael L.

I have been buying expensive objects from Gus at AC Stickley for over 30 years. Day or night he will take my phone calls answering my unlimited questions. The pieces have always been exactly as described. Shipping has always been free and as close to white glove as possible. I can't recommend him enough.

J N.

Items not as described. Perfect condition listings were actually heavily restored. after spending almost 70 k in one sale 4 items had issues. One not able to locate post purchase , one heavily restored one damaged pins snapped on an original finish morris chair poorly packed to ship cross country. Disappointing to knowyou were taken or items misrepresented after purchasing I would never purchase damaged items Items in auction. He used a stock photo and even mirror images that photo to post a pair of slatted magazine stands. He sold a pair of items he didn’t even possess. One of my stands is not as photographed and one missing and he can’t locate Post auction ?. Items shipped were damaged and waited months to resolve. Still ongoing. Communication is not a strong suit of gus. Watch this guy. Get everything in writing and his free delivery is not worth the savings. Hire a professional mover or shipper and save on the damage and ongoing nonsense. In 20 years of buying one of the most shady dealers I have encountered.

Charles W.

I bought 4 Van Briggle vases from California Historical Design. The first two were as described. More recently I purchased one with an "invisible' repair. I had no trouble finding the repair. The sheen of the glaze did not match and the repair location was obvious to me. Gus did offer to take the piece back.

The other vase was described as "perfect" but the description neglected to mention that the glaze on one side had sagging and was uneven as result. That is not what I would call perfect. These pieces were all bought on-line and not seen in person. I am sure Gus would offer to take back the second piece on as well. But who needs the hassle of packing and shipping poorly described goods, when a better description would avoid these misunderstandings.

Jeff N.

I purchased a Stickley table and hired the owner, Gus Bostrom, to deliver it. He never delivered the table and now refuses to take my calls or answer my emails. I am out $1,400. Stay far away from this business.

Pam T.

The furniture sold here is extraordinary; truly, pieces of art. The prices are high, and is to be expected; as these pieces come from the early 1900's and are built solid by famous artisans in that time period. The owner/buyer has a keen eye for detail, and carries pieces in the showroom that bring out emotions. Even if your not looking for something to purchase, it's a "must see" for persons that have affinity for works of art in that era.

Gerald

I discussed a painting I wanted to purchase with Gus in a telephone conversation. He described the painting and I purchased it. It arrived at my home in a well packed box and I am delighted with the purchase.

Timothy I.

We swung by here on our way to Carmel and it was like visiting a museum. If you love historical treasures that are truly beautiful and some are one-of-a-kind, then spend some time here on a Saturday.