Duncan Phyfe: How Old and How Much?

[ghopper1924]

Hey all:

Ms. G and I just bought this Duncan Phyfe-style sofa at a mid-Missouri auction filled with some very nice items.

I don't think this goes back to Duncan's actual lifetime in the early and mid 19th century, but I don't think it's 1940s and 1950s either.

It's 83" long, 32" deep, and 36" high at the crest. I can't find another one like it. The tufting of the fabric on the inside of the arms and the raised crest on the back seem very unusual, and the walnut trim is very highly and competently elaborated with fasces (bundled sticks), beading, flowers (bluebells?) and scrolling. The wood beading on the top of the arms is unusual too.

So based on nothing except the degree of elaboration and ornament, I'm going to throw out 1890-1910 as a date range for this. What do you think? Earlier? Later?

How much for insurance value?

Thanks!!!

[mart]

Pretty sure its been re-upholstered but certainly done with period correct fabric !!   Look at the depth of the padding !!  After being used for that many years the padding tends to compress at the back and on the seat !!  This one only shows slight use !!  I think you are about right on the years but some fine reproductions were made up to the 40`s !! Just depends on who the Mfr. was !!  Probably about $1750. retail value and $2500. for insurance !!  Would be hard to replace one of that quality for less !!
Now,, what did you give for it ??  I am guessing around $500.

[ghopper1924]

Thanks Mart!  Definitely reupholstered. I think the fabric is damask? Almost too nice to sit on....

I think the level of execution on the carving is just too good for the 20th century, unless its 1900-1910.

Since you asked......$375 for the sofa, plus $ for delivery, and we came out at EXACTLY $500. A karma point for you.

The best thing is that it's comfortable! Glad to say goodbye to our old sofa.

[mart]

Thanks Ghopper,, you made a good buy !! 

[Navaruki]

We are very pleased to be involved in any of your conversations with you, hopefully our knowledge will help you.

[Rauville]

Here's a bit of information regarding the difficulties of trying to visually determine the age of Duncan Phyfe pieces.
http://www.artemisantiques.com/article_collectingduncanphyfe.aspx

[ghopper1924]

Good article, Rauville.

From the minute I saw the sofa I never thought it was Duncan himself....too much 1870-1900 late Victorian exuberance. But that's what I like, so I had to go for it! I think Mart's valuation is pretty spot-on. Plus, it beats the crap out of our old 1940s sofa in comfort, craftsmanship, and overall quality.

It's at times like these when I'm momentarily glad that the antique market is in the dumper. 20 years ago I imagine that the sofa would have cost alot more!

[mart]

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/7595

This is what many of his sofa`s looked like !!  As time went on others elaborated on the carving !!

[KC]

What a beautiful piece.  Agree with others comments above.

Definitely reupholstered but would be this was in a formal room and rarely used due to the condition.

What a great price!  ENJOY!

[jacon4]

Well, I would guess 20th century but can't tell when. A major problem with Phyfe is, he REFUSED to sign or stamp his furniture, hard-headed about it. He thought his furniture was so well designed & crafted, no one could copy it. Naturally he was wrong on both counts, so unless one has a bill of sale or rock solid provenance the best that one can do is attributed to or in the manner of.

[ghopper1924]

Thanks for the input. Most appreciated.

Definitely NOT DP himself, no doubt about that. My feeling was late 19th based on tufting and the quality of the wood carving. The previous owner did a crazy expensive restoration job, and we're happy with the result, so it's all good!

[jacon4]

My feeling was late 19th based on tufting and the quality of the wood carving

Yes, that's possible, difficult to see those kind of details in pics alone, sounds like you got a very nice deal on it.