BASSETT manufactured two very similar lines of furniture called the Grove Park Collection and the Legend Collection that were discontinued in 2004 and 2005, respectively. According to Bassett, "There are no more pieces being manufactured until an off-shore maker that meets BASSETT's standards can be found". There are no pieces in the warehouse nor in any stores, and, the patterns have been removed from the corporate website. They may not be made again.

These designs have their roots in the 19th Century movement known as "Arts & Crafts". This design was a return to a simpler way of life against the lavish and ornate aesthetics of the Victorian Age and style of furnishings. The idea was to create a harmony between a structure, its furnishings and nature. Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the greatest proponents of the style.

Grove Park was the in-house name used by BASSETT and sold in their own stores. Their light, medium and dark finishes were called Flakey Oak, Burnished Oak or Dark Oak.  This pattern is known for the "bow ties" set into the tops and doors. The upholstered pieces usually came with one of two patterns in a Southwestern motif but the entire custom upholstery line was available for those who were willing to pay the price.

The Legend collection  is very close to Grove Park in overall construction and appearance but differs in subtle little details. Legend was sold in department stores like Macy's, MayCo and JCPenney so Bassett could expand their marketing into areas where they didn't want to build their own store. This line was only offered in the Flakey Oak finish. Flake oak is cut from quartered oak logs which emphasizes the natural white flakes and fine grain of the wood. This method of cutting results in variations in the finish of each piece allowing the natural beauty and character of the wood to show through. This line does not always have the bow ties on tops and drawer fronts nor does it have corbels under the front-side edge of tops and vertical front posts. However, unless you point this out, no one but you will notice the difference. The drawer pulls are identical.
                                                                  
Here are the names and sizes of some primary pieces.

Bedroom:

        Headboard & Footboard offered in Sleigh (with bend) or Gallery (upright)
                King                                                         84"x57" & 84"x38"
                Queen                                                      69"x57" & 69"x38"
                Twin                                                         51"x57" & 51"x30"
        Nightstand w/ 3 drawers and pull-out shelf        24"x16"x26"H
        Nightstand w/ 1 drawer and shelf                      23"x16"X25"H     
        Bureau w/ 10 drawers                                      68"x19"x46"H (highboy or "Mule")
        Bureau mirror                                                   56"x2"x26"H
        Sweater Chest w/ 6drawers                              24"x18"x56"H
        TV Door Chest                                                40"x20"x66"H
        Armoire base w/ 2 doors, 1 drawer, 1 shelf      45"x20"x32"H
        Armoire hutch w/ 2 doors, 3 shelves, outlet       48"x20"x48"H       
        Chest, upright w/ 5 drawers                              36"x19"x51"H                                       
        Single Dresser w/ 4 drawers                             42"x19"x32"H
        Single Dresser mirror                                        33"x2"x40"H
        Dresser w/ 8 drawers                                       66"x19"x36"H
        Dresser mirror                                                  56"x2"x37"H
        Dresser w/ 2 doors, 6 drawers                          70"x19"x31"H
        Dresser mirror                                                  43"x2"x42"H
        Dresser/chest w/ 7 drawers, 2 doors                 54"x19"x48"H


Living Room:

        Sofa                                                                 87"x39"x37"H
        Love Seat                                                        62"x39"x37"H
        Ottoman                                                           19"x15"x17"H
        Morris Chair                                                     33"x38"x41"H
        Chair                                                                35"x39"x37"H
        Recliner                                                            33"x39"x39"H
        Settee                                                               53"x31"x48"H
        Rocking chair                                                    28"x39"x41"H
        Rectangular cocktail table                                 50"x30"x16"H
        Round cocktail table                                         40"x18"H
        Console/sofa back table                                    48"x17"x27"H
        Square lamp table w/ no drawers                      25"x25"x20"H
        Round lamp table w/ no drawers                       30"x26"H
        Chair side table w/ 1 drawer                              27"x22"x22"H
        Commode w/ 2 doors                                       25"x25"x20"H


Entertainment Wall:

        Audio Tower w/ 3 doors                                    21"x22"x79"H (available in left or right handed)
        Library cabinet                                                 44"x22"x23"H (sits on top of desk)
        Drop Lid Desk                                                 44"x25"x33"H
        Media Credenza                                               44"x30"x24"H
        Office Tower w/ 2 doors, 3 open shelves             21"x22"x79"H

Entertainment Centers:
      
       TV/stereo cabinet w/ 4 doors                            45"x23"x78"H (holds 33" TV)
       Audio unit w/2 doors, 3 shelves                         30"x19"x74"H
       TV/stereo cabinet w/ 3 doors                            65"x24"x52"H (stereo behind glass door on L; TV behind solid doors on R)

Kitchen - Dining:

       China Base w/2 doors, 5 drawers, 2 shelves         62"X18"x34"H
       China Hutch w/ 2 doors, 1 drawer, 2 shelves         65"x18"x50"H
       China Cabinet                                                    54"x18"x83"H
       Sideboard  w/ 2 doors, 3 drawers                         60"x18"x37"H
       Rectangular Table                                              42"x60"
       Round Table                                                      48"
       Captain Chair                                                    20"x 20"x41"H
       Side Chair                                                         16"x20"x41"H

Office:

       Computer desk  w/ pull out keyboard shelf         39"x24"x30"H
       Desk w/ foldout 24" quarter-circle wings             54"x24"x30"H
       Desk w/ 2 shelves on each side (and chair)        52"x30"x30"H    
       Two-drawer file cabinet                                     16.5"x24"x30"H


Be patient. Most pieces will appear on ebay over time. Leather morris chairs have sold for as little as $45 while two brand new chairs went unsold for months in an ebay store for $800. One leather love seat sold at $100 while another went unsold at $300. Location is a significant factor in sales. Shipping is generally prohibitive because the original packing is usually gone and the re-packing does affect the overall price and quickness of sale. When dealing in used furniture, it is generally a buyer's market. Sellers are frequently disappointed in what they get for their really nice pieces of furniture. Like a car, the value drops dramatically once it leaves the dealer. In fact, furniture drops more than just about any other commodity.

A buyer's location is an important factor in the overall price. How far would you drive to make a pick-up and how much would it cost assuming you have a suitable vehicle? Winter driving conditions can make the trip less desirable perhaps untenable. And, not too many people from the coast may want to go to Phoenix or Nevada in the summertime. I'd check your local and adjacent areas of Craigslist for "Bassett" and then "mission". You may be pleasantly surprised. This also affords you the opportunity to actually see a piece first. 

Yes, I have this collection in my home and think it's great!

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. 

I am not a dealer and I do not sell.

Ralph Vaughan