With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this exceptional and rare antique breakfast table. In our pursuits of the finest American antique furniture still attainable outside of institutions and exclusive private collections we are continually awe struck by the opportunities we find to claim historically important pieces. Our present offering is no exception as it is truly among the finest breakfast tables we have ever encountered and without question a product of the finest moment of furniture production in American history. We attribute this table to the workshop of the famous Duncan Phyfe, a Scottish - American cabinetmaker and furniture carver who established New York's preeminent furniture studio in the first quarter of the 19th century. Our use of the verbiage "attribute" is a formality as there is no question among scholars of this workshops production line as to who could have created a table with such masterful carving work during this period in time. Most of the works recognized as having been associated with the Duncan Phyfe workshop are unsigned as the carving work itself is the true signature and authenticating factor.
Access to the finest grades of exotic mahogany lumber was restricted to major port cities two centuries ago when this table was made. Since mahogany was left to grow in rainforests for centuries undisturbed up until the 18th century the qualities and attributes of particular selections of this lumber imported to America at this time are entirely unique to anything the world has known since then. The top of this table is comprised of some of the finest mahogany to ever be harvested and imported to this country. The full depth of character is not readily apparent from our photos as this table has remained in the original finish and the darker finish does not fully accentuate the warm and rich tones of the natural wood underneath. The dropleaf ends are made to hinge upward by the original support mechanism allowing the user of the table to significantly expand the surface area of the top when hosting a larger party. The apron of the table features brilliant crotched mahogany grain as well as a thin band of brass inlay which spans the length of both sides.
The top of the table rests over a masterfully carved pedestal styled after a Grecian urn and made to come to life with lavishly designed acanthus leaves adorned around and through the pedestal surface. Most spectacularly, four hairy paw carved legs are executed by the original carver in stunning life like detail. Scholars of classical furniture are quite familiar with these style legs as they appear on a multitude of tables made before the second part of the 19th century. The four legs which grace this table are carved in such a way as to be unsurpassed in style or quality by any element of another carver working in this period. Simply put, the carving work which appears upon this table is as fine or superior to any notable example available for examination in any institute or collection of any variety. We could not be prouder to offer this masterpiece of American furniture for the consideration of collectors nationwide and it is our sincere hope that the next steward of this table should fully recognize the unique opportunity and immense value provided by this offering. This table measures 38 1/2" long x 25 1/2" wide x 28 3/4" tall and expands to 49 1/2" wide when the leaves are folded upright.
