Arts and Antiques with Dr. Lori

Duncan Phyfe Furniture: The Real vs. the Reproduction

It may look as good as the original, but it’s no authentic Duncan Phyfe.

A question about one of the most common names in antique furniture came to my attention recently. At one of my antiques appraisal shows, I was asked about a Duncan Phyfe dining room set. First, I had to explain the difference between an actual Duncan Phyfe set and a reproduction set in the style of Duncan Phyfe. There is a big difference. You may have heard the word style used after the description of many objects — Tiffany style, Victorian style, etc. For instance, a Duncan Phyfe style dining room set (emphasis on the word style) differs from an original Duncan Phyfe dining room set. Many furniture makers worked in the manner of the late 18th-century craftsman, Duncan Phyfe. Think of it this way — It’s like contemporary singer Michael …

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