Anton Seuffert
Anton Seuffert (1815–1887) and his three sons William, Albert, and Carl are widely regarded as among the most important cabinetmakers working in New Zealand during the 19th century. Anton trained in Vienna within the prestigious firm of Carl Leistler & Sons, and worked on significant decorative commissions including the interiors of the Liechtenstein Stadtpalais, as well as exhibits shown at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London.
After emigrating to Auckland in 1859, Anton Seuffert established a workshop producing finely made furniture incorporating native New Zealand timbers. His work gained international recognition, most notably through a celebrated secretaire cabinet made entirely from indigenous New Zealand woods, which was presented to Queen Victoria at the 1862 International Exhibition in South Kensington. This piece is now held within the Royal Collection and is regarded as one of the finest examples of colonial furniture craftsmanship.
Antique New Zealand Specimen Wood Table by Anton Seuffert & William Seuffert
Our Research & Documentation
Recently in stock is a New Zealand specimen wood table by Anton Seuffert, bearing an interesting maker’s label. He is known to have worked with his three sons, William, Albert, and Carl, with William most notably continuing cabinetmaking with skill after the passing of his father in 1887.
It is extremely rare for William Seuffert to sign pieces; the most famous known signed example is:
The Major Baden-Powell Cabinet
There are also pieces which are identifiable and clearly attributable to William because of their distinctive style, as well as the fact that they were made after the passing of his father in 1887, as he continued working until 1943. However, only one piece is currently known to be both marked and made by William.
The label on our table is particularly interesting, as the “A” in “A. Seuffert” has been crossed out and a “W” written above it, suggesting that this table was made either by William, or in collaboration between William and Anton Seuffert. Most pieces produced in their workshop were created with contributions from multiple members of the family, as it was primarily a family firm, occasionally employing external craftsmen such as Anton Teutenberg, who undertook specialist carving work for some notable Anton Seuffert pieces.
Illustrated Maker’s Marks and Stamps
Our pieces by this maker
Sources and Further Reading
The Seuffert Legacy New Zealand Colonial Master Craftsmen: The Craft of Anton Seuffert & his sons William, Albert & Carl by Brian Peet
Furniture History Society Journal Volume XLII (2006): A New Zealand Masterpiece: A Marquetry Secretaire by Anton Seuffert written by Jonathan Marsden & Richard Thompson