posted on October 20, 2002 04:26:42 PM new
I need to know how one would describe this table. Is it a Duncan Phyfe or whatever?
Thanks, Jack (another different one)
[http://members.aol.com/rivrctyjac/mah1.jpg]
Most Duncan Phyfe is mahogany and has the claw feet. My mother used to have a duncan phyfe table that looked similar to that one but I don't know enough about them to say for sure...I just added the link for you.
posted on October 20, 2002 05:16:22 PM new
I have a duncan Fyfe or how ever you spell it. It belonged to my grandmother. All pure and very heavy mahogony. I also have alot of mission furniture from the same person.
look at the base and the legs..... They dont look at all like the mission I have. Totally different style. could be that old mahongony veneer (They made VERY thick veneer in those days) or it could be a copy or reproduction circa 1940's - 60's, I have some of that too that belonged to a family member on the other side of the family.
If the table is VERY heavy, then I would guess to say it is mahogony. If not, it could be veneered or just stained with a mahogany stain. (They did that too) I learned that trick from an old antique dealer I knew who used to repair old pieces.
One more thing, ducan fyfe's have drop leaves. This one doesnt seem to have that feature and is actually one solid piece on the top.
[ edited by paloma91 on Oct 20, 2002 05:17 PM ]
posted on October 20, 2002 07:20:34 PM new
It's NOT Duncan Phyfe. What is the wood used in the construction? Is it veneer or is it solid mahogany? Also, are there any marks anywhere that could give a clue? They may be faded to the point of having to use a magnifying glass to detect, so carefully examine every square inch of the underside.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on October 20, 2002 07:54:18 PM new
Your table is Empire style. Early Empire was before Victorian and frequently had hairy paw feet like lion's feet. This type is from around 1900. They made lots of heavy buffets, dressers, tables, and all had the turned under feet and were fairly plain otherwise. I feel sure your table is mahogany veneer but they also made oak pieces in that style. They are always veneer because of the curved under feet, the round pedistle and the apron under the top. Without veneer the cut end grain would show and that is ugly!
Duncan Phyfe had much more delicate lines, usually three or four curved legs from the pedistle but like a 'C'tiped over backward, not turned under.
Mission style is very plain with straight lines.
