How To Identify Duncan Phyfe Chairs?

How To Identify Duncan Phyfe Chairs?

Duncan Phyfe was one of the most prolific and influential furniture makers in American history. His work is characterized by its graceful lines, elegant craftsmanship, and exquisite detailing. As a result, Phyfe chairs are highly sought-after by collectors and interior designers alike.

However, authentic Phyfe chairs can be difficult to identify, as they are often copied by unscrupulous dealers. If you’re thinking of buying a Duncan Phyfe chair, it’s important to be able to tell the real thing from a fake.

In this article, we’ll discuss the key features that distinguish Duncan Phyfe chairs from other period furniture. We’ll also provide tips on how to spot fakes and reproductions.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently identify an authentic Duncan Phyfe chair. So let’s get started!

Characteristic	Description	Image
Legs	Duncan Phyfe chairs typically have cabriole legs with a pronounced curve at the knee.
Spindles	The spindles on Duncan Phyfe chairs are typically turned and often have a decorative carving.
Back splat	The back splat on Duncan Phyfe chairs is typically flat and may have a carved design.

How to Identify Duncan Phyfe Chairs?

Duncan Phyfe was a prominent American furniture maker who worked in the Federal period from about 1795 to 1847. His chairs are highly sought-after by collectors and antiques dealers alike. However, it can be difficult to identify a Duncan Phyfe chair without some knowledge of his work.

This guide will provide you with the information you need to identify a Duncan Phyfe chair. We will discuss the maker’s mark, construction, and style of Duncan Phyfe chairs. We will also provide tips on how to spot fakes and reproductions.

Identifying the Maker’s Mark

The most obvious way to identify a Duncan Phyfe chair is to look for the maker’s mark. Duncan Phyfe typically stamped his chairs on the underside of the seat. The stamp may be a raised oval with the initials “DP” or “DFP”. It may also be a paper label with the words “Duncan Phyfe” or “Duncan Phyfe, Jr.”

Not all Duncan Phyfe chairs have a maker’s mark. If you cannot find a maker’s mark, you can still try to identify the chair by its construction and style.

Examining the Construction

Duncan Phyfe chairs are typically made of mahogany, rosewood, or walnut. The wood is often finely figured and polished. The joints are typically mortise and tenon, with dovetails or other decorative joinery.

The chairs are typically well-made and sturdy. The proportions are often graceful and elegant. The details are often finely carved and detailed.

Identifying the Style

Duncan Phyfe chairs are typically in the Federal style. This style is characterized by its simple lines and elegant curves. The chairs are often decorated with carved details, such as urns, flowers, and leaves.

The Federal style was popular in the United States from about 1780 to 1820. It was a reaction against the more ornate styles of the Georgian period.

Tips for Spotting Fakes and Reproductions

There are a number of things you can look for to spot fakes and reproductions of Duncan Phyfe chairs.

• The maker’s mark. Fakes and reproductions often do not have a maker’s mark. If you see a chair with a maker’s mark, be sure to compare it to the known marks of Duncan Phyfe.
• The construction. Fakes and reproductions are often not as well-made as authentic Duncan Phyfe chairs. The joints may be sloppy or the wood may be of poor quality.
• The style. Fakes and reproductions often do not have the same graceful lines and elegant curves as authentic Duncan Phyfe chairs. The details may be crudely carved or out of proportion.

If you are not sure whether a chair is authentic, it is best to consult with an expert.

Identifying a Duncan Phyfe chair can be difficult, but it is possible with some knowledge of the maker’s mark, construction, and style. By following the tips in this guide, you can increase your chances of identifying an authentic Duncan Phyfe chair.

Additional Resources

• [Duncan Phyfe Furniture: A Comprehensive Guide](https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/duncan-phyfe-furniture-comprehensive-guide-251907769)
• [Duncan Phyfe: The Master of American Furniture](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/30395)
• [Duncan Phyfe: A Study in American Furniture](https://www.moma.org/collection/works/84201)

Studying the Details

Duncan Phyfe chairs are known for their intricate carvings and details. Some of the most common features include:

• Lyra backs. These backs are shaped like a lyre, or harp. They are often made of mahogany or rosewood, and are typically decorated with carved flowers, leaves, or other motifs.
• Scroll arms. These arms are curved and often have a scroll-like design. They are typically made of mahogany or rosewood, and are often decorated with carved flowers, leaves, or other motifs.
• Claw feet. These feet are shaped like a lion’s paw, and are often made of mahogany or rosewood. They are typically decorated with carved flowers, leaves, or other motifs.

In addition to these common features, Duncan Phyfe chairs may also have other details, such as:

• Inlaid decoration. Duncan Phyfe chairs may have inlaid decoration, such as mother-of-pearl or tortoiseshell. This decoration is typically found on the backs of the chairs, and may include floral motifs, geometric patterns, or other designs.
• Gilding. Some Duncan Phyfe chairs may be gilded, which means that they are covered in a thin layer of gold. This gilding is typically found on the legs and arms of the chairs, and may also be found on the backs.

The details of a Duncan Phyfe chair can help to identify it as a genuine piece of furniture. If you are looking to buy a Duncan Phyfe chair, it is important to carefully examine the details to make sure that it is authentic.

Dating the Chair

Duncan Phyfe chairs were produced from the early 19th century to the mid-19th century. The style of the chair can help to date it.

• Earlier chairs are typically more simple in design, with fewer carvings and details. They are often made of mahogany or rosewood, and may have a lyre back or scroll arms.
• Later chairs are more ornate, with more carvings and details. They are often made of mahogany or rosewood, and may have a lyre back or scroll arms. They may also have inlaid decoration or gilding.

The following table provides a general timeline for Duncan Phyfe chairs:

| Date | Style |
|—|—|
| Early 19th century | Simple, with few carvings and details |
| Mid-19th century | More ornate, with more carvings and details |

It is important to note that this is just a general timeline, and there may be some variation in the style of Duncan Phyfe chairs. If you are unsure about the date of a Duncan Phyfe chair, it is best to consult with an expert.

Duncan Phyfe chairs are a beautiful and valuable addition to any home. If you are looking to buy a Duncan Phyfe chair, it is important to carefully examine the details to make sure that it is authentic. You can also consult with an expert to help you date the chair and determine its value.

How can I tell if a chair is a Duncan Phyfe?

There are a few things you can look for to determine if a chair is a Duncan Phyfe.

• The style of the chair. Duncan Phyfe chairs are typically characterized by their graceful lines, elegant curves, and intricate carving. They are often made of mahogany or other fine woods, and they feature a variety of decorative details, such as finials, splats, and carved legs.
• The construction of the chair. Duncan Phyfe chairs are typically made with mortise-and-tenon joinery, which is a very strong and durable type of joinery. The joints are often hidden, which adds to the chair’s elegant appearance.
• The hardware on the chair. Duncan Phyfe chairs often feature brass or bronze hardware, such as escutcheons, pulls, and hinges. This hardware is typically of high quality and adds to the chair’s overall appearance.
• The maker’s mark. Some Duncan Phyfe chairs will have a maker’s mark, which is a stamp or engraving that identifies the maker of the chair. If you can find a maker’s mark on a chair, it is a good indication that the chair is authentic.

What are some common mistakes people make when trying to identify Duncan Phyfe chairs?

There are a few common mistakes people make when trying to identify Duncan Phyfe chairs.

• They rely too much on the style of the chair. While the style of a chair can be a helpful clue, it is not always enough to determine if a chair is authentic. There are many other factors to consider, such as the construction of the chair, the hardware, and the maker’s mark.
• They only look at one or two chairs. It is important to look at a variety of Duncan Phyfe chairs in order to get a good sense of the different styles and features that are characteristic of the period.
• They don’t know what to look for. If you are not familiar with Duncan Phyfe chairs, it can be difficult to identify them. There are a number of resources available online and in libraries that can help you learn more about Duncan Phyfe chairs and how to identify them.

Where can I find more information about Duncan Phyfe chairs?

There are a number of resources available online and in libraries that can help you learn more about Duncan Phyfe chairs and how to identify them. Some of these resources include:

• The Duncan Phyfe Society: The Duncan Phyfe Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and preservation of Duncan Phyfe furniture. The society’s website offers a wealth of information about Duncan Phyfe chairs, including articles, images, and a bibliography.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a large collection of Duncan Phyfe furniture, including chairs. The museum’s website offers a virtual tour of the collection, as well as articles and images of Duncan Phyfe chairs.
• The Library of Congress: The Library of Congress has a number of books and articles about Duncan Phyfe chairs. The library’s website offers a searchable catalog of its collection.

  Duncan Phyfe chairs are a valuable addition to any home or collection. They are known for their intricate craftsmanship, elegant design, and comfortable seating. If you are looking for a unique and stylish piece of furniture, a Duncan Phyfe chair is a great option.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember when identifying Duncan Phyfe chairs:

• Look for the signature “DP” or “Phyfe” stamp on the underside of the seat.
• The chairs are typically made of mahogany, rosewood, or walnut.
• They have a distinctively curved back and tapering legs.
• The seats are often upholstered in a luxurious fabric.

If you have a chair that you think might be a Duncan Phyfe, it is always a good idea to have it appraised by a qualified expert. This will help you to determine its authenticity and value.