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Fine Carved Lyre Mahogany Window Seat, NY, Earnest Hagen, circa 1885

$28,000List Price

About the Item

As Peter Kenny talks about in his recent book on Duncan Phyfe: Without Hagen, we wouldn't know of Phyfe and his work. It seems Hagen bought Phyfe's tools, etc. and continued to make Phyfe style furniture for the boutique clients in New York that already had Phyfe material and wanted to add to or repair. No doubt, Hagen was a master. Take a good look at the close-up of the carving on the crest rail it doesn't get better. In fact, one has to turn it over and carefully investigate to see it's not the work of Phyfe. What makes this window seat particularly interesting is the letter from Phyfe's son discussing this chair as a potential purchase for a client of his and illustrated it with a picture. We have the original letter, which will accompany this piece. This letter, from Hagen's son, who was also a furniture maker, gives this piece historical significance, and shows its historical context. Interestingly, with this window seat, we acquired a pair of card tables by Hagen's son, with additional communication to his client. Phyfe window seats come on the market from time to time, but one with lyres is especially desirable, and one with carved crests such as these is over the top. It's the best of the best and in perfect condition. We have French polished and reupholstered the slip-in seat. The letter from Hagen's son accompanies this piece: Sunday – March 19, 1931. Mr. Lee McCanluis – 15 Broad – Dear Mr. McCanluis. Have just got on track of a Duncan Phyfe window seat but with Lyre back in place of the medallion made in our shop by my father about 45 years ago. A beautiful specimen in good condition old Phyfe pieces of this type are very rare and bring most any price, think I can sell it for about 250 not over, would not care about making a reproduction (like this for less than 550. You cannot afford to loose it, if you want it, please let me know at once by mail as I may not be in to get phone messages. Have the option on it for another day and must act quick. Mark envelope – E. L. Hagen / 213 East 26 / New York / > Store < As some times they are found in house letter boxes. Sincerely, E. L. Hagen. 213 East 26. [over] Page two contains a rough pencil sketch of the window seat surrounded by the following notes: Wheat and bow and knot carving, Upholstered seat, no cane, Seat on frame lifts out. Full length over all – 45 inches, Rest regular chair height, Same as the medallion backs and others in office. Leaved Lyre and outline as Plate V D. Phyfe book, page 15. only Lyre in place of medallion back.

Dimensions:
Height: 32.5 in (82.55 cm)Width: 45 in (114.3 cm)Depth: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)Seat Height: 19.5 in (49.53 cm)
Style:
Neoclassical (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1885
Condition:
Seller Location:
Providence, RI
Reference Number:
Seller: sw016751stDibs: LU9075889455