Duncan Phyfe Lyre

To know if your sofa is a Duncan Phyfe, start by examining the materials. Normally, Phyfe used solid mahogany wood. If you see any evidence of veneers or engineered wood, you likely have a reproduction. Also, look closely at the studs and nail-head trim. An original will have securely fastened hardware, and the hardware should appear naturally aged. Find a range of expertly vetted Duncan Phyfe sofas on 1stDibs.

Duncan Phyfe furniture was founded in 1837. It was one of the first American cabinet-making companies to successfully use the factory method of manufacturing. Shop a collection of Duncan Phyfe furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Duncan Phyfe tables can be worth anywhere between $50,000 and $150,000. To tell if your table is an original Duncan Phyfe, look for carved reeds, urn posts and pedestals, and lion-paw feet among others.

To tell if something is Duncan Phyfe, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Although he produced many pieces between when he started his career in the 1790s and his retirement in the 1840s, Phyfe signed very few of his furnishings. What's more, there were hundreds of other furniture makers in his day who drew inspiration from his work and manufactured similar furniture. Reproductions of Phyfe pieces continue to this day, and the sheer volume of similar items can make identifying an original Duncan Phyfe extremely difficult without training and experience. Shop a variety of Duncan Phyfe furniture on 1stDibs.

In an antique market today, an original Duncan Phyfe dining table would be worth between $50,000 to $150,000.