By Terry and Kim Kovel

Some designers become so popular that their name becomes synonymous with their style. This can make matters confusing for collectors. Duncan Phyfe furniture is one of the most famous examples. Cabinetmaker Duncan Phyfe (1768-1854) came to America in 1784, served in an apprenticeship in Albany, New York, and had his own workshop by 1792. He made furniture in many styles popular in the late 18th to early 19th centuries, including Sheraton, Empire, Regency, and Rococo Revival. By the 20th century, however, “Duncan Phyfe” referred to a reproduction of Empire style. The name was, and still is, frequently attached to the style of drum table with sweeping legs, and to a type of drop-leaf table popular in the 1930s.

The best way to recognize an authentic piece of Duncan Phyfe furniture is by its label. Phyfe was one of the first American cabinetmakers to mark his pieces with a paper label. Unfortunately, paper labels tend to deteriorate over time. This classical recamier sofa, which sold for $4,305 at Brunk Auctions, did not have a label or identifying marks. However, it was attributed to Duncan Phyfe and dated to about 1840 because of how closely its design, including proportions, matches confirmed Phyfe pieces.

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Q: I purchased this larger size hourglass (about 15-minute timer) from the gift shop of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Magic Kingdom at Disney World in April 1976. Unfortunately, it has no marking or labels anywhere. It has no damage whatsoever. Do you know of any collectors who might be interested in this piece? Other than a Disney collector, I believe it would have limited interest.

A: You are right that a Disney collector would be the best buyer for your hourglass. Fortunately, there are plenty of Disney collectors out there! While Disney memorabilia, including theme park souvenirs, can be found at many auctions, particularly toy auctions, and antique stores, there are some auction houses that specialize in it. You may want to contact an auction house like Van Eaton Galleries (vegalleries.com) or Hake’s Auctions (hakes.com), both of which hold auctions dedicated to Disney memorabilia. Your hourglass could be worth hundreds of dollars to the right buyer. A souvenir hourglass from the Haunted Mansion ride sold for $130 at an auction in 2024. A Pirates of the Caribbean souvenir mug from about 1990 sold for $380 at another auction.

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TIP: When replacing old upholstery, look at the marks left by the tacks. Round tack holes indicate a date after 1880.

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Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

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CURRENT PRICES

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Advertising, tip tray, Wolverine Supply & Mfg. Co., scenic graphic, factory, yellow ground, red rim, tin lithograph, 5 x 6 1/2 inches, $55.

Lampshade, gold iridescent glass, painted scene, trees, water, c. 1900, 12 1/2 inches, $75.

Opaline glass, cologne bottle, blue, stopper, enamel, flowers, leaves, berries, gilt trim, silver plate holder, pierced leafy vine, dome foot, repousse flowers, Meriden, Victorian, 9 inches, $145.

Sports, baseball, figure, Willie Mays, San Francisco Giants, holding glove, Major League Baseball Stars, box, Hartland, 1950s, $195.

Enamel, vase, multicolor, birds perching on leafy branches, cherries, tapered base, dome foot, cobalt blue trim, art nouveau, France, c. 1900, 5 1/2 inches, $225.