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Gustav Stickley Seating

American, 1858-1942

Gustav Stickley was one of the principal figures in the American Arts and Crafts movement and the creator of the Craftsman style. As a furniture designer and publisher of the magazine The Craftsman, he adopted many of the ideals of the British design reform movement and popularized both its philosophy and its aesthetics in the United States.

Born in Wisconsin, Stickley moved with his family to Pennsylvania when he was a teenager and began working in his uncle’s chair factory in the town of Brandt. There, he learned the techniques of late-19th-century furniture making at a time when the vogue was for Victorian revival furniture, which was characterized by extensive ornamentation.

In 1883, Stickley established a furniture company called Stickley Brothers with two of his brothers, Albert and Charles (Gustav’s other siblings, Leopold and John George, would later form L & J.G. Stickley Inc.). When Stickley Brothers foundered, he partnered five years later with salesman Elgin Simonds to form a new firm, Stickley & Simonds, which produced traditional furniture that appealed to the burgeoning American middle class. The success of this venture enabled Stickley to travel to Europe, where he discovered the writings of John Ruskin and William Morris, the two preeminent thinkers of the British Arts and Crafts movement. Stickley also traveled to France, where the Art Nouveau movement impressed him with its imaginative designs and skilled craftsmanship.

Stickley parted ways with Simonds at the turn of the 20th century and decided to focus his creative energies on producing furniture in what became known as the Craftsman style, incorporating some of the elements of the designs and movements he had encountered in Europe.

The pieces Stickley created, which he stamped with the logo of a joiner’s compass, were rectilinear, largely free of ornament, made of oak, and built in such a way that the nature of their construction was plainly visible — all reflections of the tenets of the Arts and Crafts movement. While some people referred to Stickley’s furniture as Mission furniture — a term that references the furnishings of the Spanish missions in California — Gustav commonly called his work “Craftsman” owing to the inspiration he found in the British Arts and Crafts movement.

Stickley benches and rocking chairs were popular, and his leather-upholstered armchairs combine practicality, comfort and an understated silhouette. He also made side tables — an unusual example designed during the early 20th century was adorned with an octagonal Grueby Pottery tile in a cool shade of green, which made it an ideal piece for an art pottery collector.

In 1901, Stickley launched The Craftsman magazine, which contained articles on all manner of domestic topics, from gardening and cooking to art and design, as well as poetry and fiction. In addition to popularizing Stickely’s own designs, the magazine acquainted Americans with the Arts and Crafts style in all its forms through its graphic design and the bungalows, art pottery, and hammered-copper lamps pictured in its pages. It also encouraged readers to practice craft themselves, promoting an early form of the do-it-yourself ethos. 

In 1904, Stickley founded the Craftsman Home Builders' Club, which allowed subscribers to his magazine to order architectural plans for the Arts and Crafts–style structures that were featured in its pages; eventually, this became one of its most popular features.

An ill-timed attempt to set up a New York showroom led to Stickley’s filing for bankruptcy in 1915. The outbreak of World War I, waning interest in the Arts and Crafts style, and increased competition all conspired to thwart Stickley's efforts. The Craftsman ceased publication a year later. When he died, in 1942, Arts and Crafts had been replaced by modernism as the favored aesthetic. It enjoyed a resurgence, however, in the 1970s, and Stickley is now regarded as one of the most important American designers in the first half of the 20th century.

Find antique Gustav Stickley tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Gustav Stickley
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Dining Chairs
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six of Mission or Arts & Crafts dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak, with rush seats. Measures: 17"W x 18"D x 36...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Rush, Oak

Arts and Crafts Settee Bench signed Gustav Stickley c 1905 -1912
By Gustav Stickley
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional, rare signed Mission, Arts and Crafts, Gustav Stickley settee, bench in original condition. The bench features a slatted back, and drop in, inner spring cushion ( needs reupholstery ). The wood frame is in original finish, and is fully and correctly marked with an early red clamp mark, please see images. We have had many pieces of Stickley furniture, this is the first time we have seen this rare form. Similar to Model 219...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Early ANTIQUE GUSTAV STICKLEY Model 208 Settle - W7805
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a SUPERB Early Antique Gustav Stickley Model 208 Settle in excellent condition. Made circa 1903, both the front left and front right corners have real through tenon construct...
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Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Cotton, Upholstery, Oak

Antique Gustav Stickley Morris Chair Model # 332 circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley Morris Chair Model #332. It was made in the early 1900s and is in very good shape. It has the origin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

SUPERB Antique Gustav Stickley "Monk" Footstool - W8113
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a SUPERB Gustav Stickley "Monk" Footstool, made in the early 1900s. The original leather is in good shape, The oak finish is in excellent condition. There is a Gustav Stickle...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Burlap, Oak

Great & Rare ANTIQUE GUSTAV STICKLEY Large Arm Rocker Circa 1904 - W6058
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a special Gustav Stickley Are Rocker made in the early 1900s in excellent condition. Both the original finish and the wood color are fabulous. There is an exceptional select...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

ANTIQUE EARLY GUSTAV STICKLEY Lounge day bed c1902-04 - W7327 SALE
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an extremely nice Gustav Stickley Lounge Model #216, made c 1902-04. The Lounge is in pristine condition with a cane seat as pictured. It shows real through tenon constructi...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Cane, Oak

Gustav Stickley Daybed Model #220, United States, c.1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Early Gustav Stickley Knock Down Slatted Daybed Model #220, United States, c.1910. Beautiful quarter sawn oak frame. Updated upholstery.
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Antique GUSTAV STICKLEY spindle Morris Chair, recliner - W7811
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley Spindle Morris Chair in excellent condition. This chair has been reupholstered with the finest quality hand spun leather. This chair is STURDY & S...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Cotton, Upholstery, Oak

Antique Gustav Stickley MORRIS Chair (#332) and Matching Footstool (#300) w 7559
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an excellent Antique Gustav Stickley Morris Chair (Model 332) and Matching Footstool (Model 300). Made in the early 1900s, the ch...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Oak, Upholstery, Cotton, Leather

Early Gustav Stickley Settle - SIGNED! - from the home of top collector W7733
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Superb Early Gustav Stickley Settle - SIGNED! - W7733 SALE 20% OFF SALE This is an important early (1901) Settle, one of the first settles h...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Cotton, Upholstery, Oak

Antique Charles Stickley Large Chair with Slats. Marked! - W8106 SALE SALE
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a nice, large Charles Stickley mission chair in good condition. It is marked with the maker's mark on the back stretcher. Reupholstere...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Antique Superb Gustav Stickley V-Back Dining Chairs - W7810
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique GUSTAV STICKLEY set of 5 chairs from the early 1907 Mission / Arts & Crafts period. It is in very good condition with sharp edges. The chairs had been made of quar...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Oak

Beautiful PAIR of 1901 Gustav Stickley Lounge Arm Chairs - W7450
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Beautiful PAIR of EARLY 1901 Gustav Stickley Lounge Arm Chairs - W7450 These are some of the nicest early Gustav Stickley armchairs we've ever sold with paddle arms. They are larger...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Cotton, Upholstery, Oak

Set of Eight Stickley Mission Oak Arts and Crafts Dining Chairs
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Eight Stickley Mission Oak Arts and Crafts Dining Chairs, American, circa 2000s, including two arm chairs and six side chairs. Orig...
Category

Early 2000s American Mission Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sewing Rocking Chair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts sewing rocker By Gustav Stickley (model #2627) USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with brown leather seat. Measures: 18.25"W x 24...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Antique Set of Eight (8) Gustav Stickley Dining Chairs - W7468 SALE SALE
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a set of eight (8) Gustav Stickley Dining Chairs from the early 1900s in very good condition. They are marked with the original Gustav Stickley red decal, as pictured.  All c...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Oak

SUPERB Antique GUSTAV STICKLEY Arm Settle circa 1909 - W7539 SALE SALE
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great looking Gustav Stickley even arm settle (Model #222) in great condition. The settle is tall tapered post and 22 slats to back with 6 sl...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Cotton, Upholstery, Oak

SUPERB Gustav Stickley Model 300 Footstool - W8111
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a Superb Gustav Stickley Model 300 Footstool with eight (8) instances of thru-tenon construction. The item has the original burlap backing on the bo...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Burlap, Oak

Rare SUPERB Early Gustav Stickley Hall Bench SALE SALE SALE
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Rare SUPERB early Gustav Stickley hall bench with original leather and tacks . This is a rare early Gustav Stickley Hall Bench with the original leather back. This model is from the...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Massive Mission Oak c. 1920's Sofa Large Bench Sette Loveseat Couch
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Massive tall back and sides Arts & Crafts mission oak bench settee signed Stickley. Even arm early 1900s design.
Category

20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Oak

Antique GUSTAV STICKLEY swivel Office Chair on wheel - W7619
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley Office Chair made in the early 1900s. The chair is in good condition. Gustav Stickley was a great artist. A...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Oak

Early ANTIQUE larger GUSTAV STICKLEY Side Chair from 1902 w
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley large chair. It is a heavy, bulky chair in very good condition. The seat leather has been replaced with the finest quality hand-split leather with...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Cotton, Oak

Set of Four (4) GUSTAV STICKLEY Dining Chairs Model #306 1/2 - W7540
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique set of four (4) Gustav Stickley Dining Chairs, Model #306 1/2. These chairs are all in good condition. The leather has been recovered with leather. STURDY & STR...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Oak

Set Of (6) Gustav Stickley “RABBIT EAR” Dining Chairs, Circa 1901 - W7180
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Set Of Six (6) GUSTAV STICKLEY “Rabbit Chairs” Dining Chairs Circa 1901 - SIZE H 38 in H 18 in from floor to seat. W 18.75 D15 in Add a touch of vintage charm to your dining tabl...
Category

Early 19th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Oak

ANTIQUE nice GUSTAV STICKLEY Footstool with Spindles W7573
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great looking antique Gustav Stickley footstool with fume black finish and spindles. The piece is in excellent condition. The leather on ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Oak

Pair of Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Side Chairs by Gustav Stickley C1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous simple and elegant pair of side chairs with rush seats by Gustav Stickley # 370 in the catalog. Ladderback and curved for comfort. Chairs were most likely rewoven with fresh...
Category

1910s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Rush, Oak

Arts & Crafts Fumed Oak Rocking Chair by Gustave Stickley, no. 311 1/2
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shippensburg, PA
MISSION EBONIZED OAK ROCKING CHAIR NO. 311 1/2 Gustave Stickley ca. 1904-7, red ink maker's mark to the reverse Item # 309VAX24P Described in their 1904 catalogue as being "Craftsma...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Faux Leather, Oak

Antique GUSTAV STICKLEY H-Back DESK CHAIR - W5777
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a good looking antique Gustav Stickley H-Back Desk Chair. It is in good condition. The leather seat has been replaced with top quality, new, black hand-spun leather. Genera...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Important Antique Gustav Stickley "Chalet" Desk Chair - W5050
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
We offering here an early circa 1900-01 Gustav Stickley Chalet Chair in good condition with some wear to the finish. We purchase most of our Stickley and Limbert furniture from well...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Rush, Oak

Antique Gustav Stickley High Back Spindle Dining Chair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley High Back Spindle Dining Chair from the early 1900s. It is in excellent condition and has a Stickley paper label. We have a full set of these cha...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Goat Hair, Cotton, Oak

SUPERB Antique Gustav Stickley Bent Arm Morris Chair Model 369 - W8067
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique Gustav Stickley Bent Arm Morris Chair Model 369 - W8067 This is a SUPERB Gustav Stickley Bent Arm Morris Chair Model 369 from the early 1900s (1907?) in excellent condition....
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Wool, Upholstery, Oak

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Side Chairs, Pair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mission or Arts & Crafts dining chairs or side chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak, with rush seats. Measures: 16"W x ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Rush, Oak

Antique PAIR of Gustav Stickley High Back Chairs (Model 384) - W4352
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a beautiful pair of Gustav Stickley High Back Chairs, Model 384, made circa 1908. These chairs are in excellent condition and are marked with the Stickley signature. Made fr...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Cotton, Oak

Gustav Stickley Oak Ladder Back Desk / Dining Chair, c.1916
By Gustav Stickley
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Gustav Stickley Oak Ladder Back Desk / Dining Chair, c.1916.
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Oak

Gustav Stickley Arts & Crafts Mission Rocker with New Leather Seat
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Arts & Crafts rocking chair by Gustav Stickley, circa 1910. Quarter sawn oak with a new leather seat and padding. Mortise and tenon construction all pegged joints. Very comf...
Category

1910s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Brass

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sewing Rocking Chair, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission oak Arts & Crafts sewing rocker By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quartersawn oak, with black leather seat. Measures: 18"W x 29"D x 33.5"H. Seat height:...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sewing Rocking Chair, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission oak Arts & Crafts sewing rocker By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with tan leather seat. Measures: 17.25"W x 24.75"D x 31.25"H. Seat h...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Antique Gustav Stickley Model 300 Footstool - W8111
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley Model 300 Footstool in very good condition. It has a great selection of quarter sawn oak and the original finish. The Item comes with original Gus...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Oak

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sewing Rocking Chair, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission oak Arts & Crafts sewing rocker By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with upholstered seat. Measures: 17"W x 24.25"D x 34"H. Seat height:...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Antique Rare Set Of Seven (7) Gustav Stickley Bungalow Chairs circa 1901 - W7218
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique Rare Set Of SEVEN Gustav Stickley Bungalow Chairs circa 1900-01 - W7218 This is an extremely rare set of Gustav Stickley chairs from Circa 1901. The set of 7 are all in good ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather

Signed Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sewing Rocking Chair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts sewing or nursing rocker By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with brown leather se...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Set of Three (3) Early, Rare Gustav Stickley Chairs - W7440
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a set of Three (3) Rare, Early Gustav Stickley chairs in excellent condition! The chairs have their original finish. The seats have been recovered with top quality, hand spu...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Oak

ANTIQUE Early Gustav Stickley Curly Maple Rocking Chair W/ Inlay H.Ellis W7932
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an Antique good Early GUSTAV STICKLEY nice CURLY MAPLE Rocking Chair with Inlay. Designed by Harvey Elise. In good condition including the inlay ( w/minor loss as shown in pi...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Rush

Antique GUSTAV STICKLEY Footstool - W7900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Gustav Stickley footstool made in the early 1900s. It's in good condition. The upholstery is period leather, but we're not sure i...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

1900 Gustav Stickely Early Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Youth Rocking Chair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Monrovia, CA
GUSTAV STICKLEY Early American Craftsman Mission Quarter Sawn Oak Youth Rocker 1900s. Early American Antique Piece Of Furniture and History. This Early Antique Craftsman Mission Quarter Sawn Oak Rocker Is Also Known As A Sewing Rocker. This Early American Arts and Crafts Rocker...
Category

Late 19th Century American American Craftsman Antique Gustav Stickley Seating

Materials

Wood, Oak

Gustav Stickley seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Gustav Stickley seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Gustav Stickley seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Gustav Stickley were created in the Arts and Crafts style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by L. & J.G. Stickley Inc., and Stickley Brothers. Prices for Gustav Stickley seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $395 and can go as high as $12,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,895.

Creators Similar to Gustav Stickley

Questions About Gustav Stickley Seating
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    The difference between a Morris chair and a Stickley chair comes down to origins and characteristics. A Morris chair gets its name from William Morris, one of the founders of the British company Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. During the late 1860s, the company began producing the Morris chair, which has a reclining seat back and an intricately carved wood frame. This design spread to the U.S., where it was seen by Gustav Stickley. Drawing inspiration from it, Stickley produced the Stickley chair in 1904. Like the Morris chair, the piece has a reclining back but a simpler slatted frame that aligns with the American Arts and Crafts design style. Due to its origins, some people call the Stickley chair the Stickley Morris chair or the Mission Morris chair. Explore a collection of Stickley chairs and Morris chairs on 1stDibs.

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