Original Duncan Phyfe Sofa

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

Duncan Phyfe 1768-1854 New York City became extremely important after the Revolution as an arbiter of American taste. Several cabinetmakerswho had emigrated from Europe settled in New York and had a considerable impact. Most prominent of all was Duncan Phyfe (1768-1854), one of the most famous names in Americancabinetmaking. Born in Scotland, Phyfe came to New York City in about 1794 and established a cabinet shop. His firm continued under the name Duncan Phyfe & Sons until 1847,when Phyfe retired, having accumulated a sizable fortune. Phyfe's shop was located at 35 Partition (now Fulton) Street. Phyfe's work at the turn of the 19th century reflected the designs of Sheraton , although slightly after 1800, he came under the influence of French Directoire design. He preferred the rich mahogany from Cuba and Santo Domingo and combined these with carefully cut veneered panels for dramatic effects. After 1830, though, Phyfe tended to favor the more fashionable rosewood . Factory method: Phyfe was one of the first American cabinetmakers to successfully incorporate the factory method into the cabinet workshop. At one time he employed up to one hundred men. He employed master craftsmen, journeymen, andapprentices, as well as carvers, turners , and upholsterers; each craftsman performed the operation for which he was best trained. Because read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.