William Seuffert
William Seuffert (1858–1943) was the eldest son of Anton Seuffert. When he was just three months old the family set off on their voyage from England to Auckland, New Zealand, a journey which took 95 days by ship. William was trained in the cabinetmaking and marquetry craft by his father and developed a level of skill that was recognised within the family business.
By 1882, the Wayte Auckland Directory and advertisements for the Seuffert inlaid works refer to the firm as A. Seuffert and Son, indicating William’s formal involvement in the business. At this time William would have been 24 years old and is presumed to have been thoroughly trained by his father in the craft of specimen wood marquetry and cabinetmaking.
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