An outstanding, textbook example of a New York City Federal mahogany breakfast or "pillar and claw" table, circa 1810-1820. Tables such as these served a variety of purposes in rooms during the first decades of the 19th century. Commonly situated in drawing rooms, they could be incorporated into numerous daily activities such as eating, card playing, or reading. When not in use, the drop-leaves could be returned to their original position and the table could be easily placed out of the way against a wall. One of the most recognizable pieces of New York Federal furniture, breakfast tables could be ordered featuring an assortment of stylistic details. The form is mentioned in the 1810 publication, New York Revised Prices for Manufacturing Cabinet and Chair Work. The following options were described including their cost:

one fly on each side, four claws ......2.0.6

rounding the corners of leaves ........0.10.0

shaping the whole top eliptic {sic} ...0.2..0

ditto leaves only .....................0.1..6

ditto double eliptic {sic} ............0.3..0

each extra fly..........................0.1..4

polishing the frame ...................0.1..0

ditto the underside of leaves .........0.0..6

Such extensive reference to this particular form attests to its popularity among consumers. While the origins in its basic design stems from English Regency variants, the form also employs motifs from the Classical vocabulary. The boldly carved acanthus details adorning the legs, waterleaf support, and animal paw feet all testify to the wild enthusiasm exhibited by American upper-classes for ancient cultures in the first half of the 19th century. Stylistically, this type of table, and in particular, its "dog like" paw feet, is often associated with the workshop of Duncan Phyfe, however, New York City directories listed 269 cabinetmakers working in 1816 (P. Kenny, Honore Lannuier, p. 45.). Therefore, without material evidence in the form of a workshop label or bill of invoice, no specific attribution can be made. Additionally, it was common for individual cabinetshops, such as that of Duncan Phyfe, to regularly sub-contract work to other competing cabinetshops as needed. This cooperation between cabinetmakers resulted in widespread similarities both in quality and style of furniture manufactured in Federal New York and may very well account for the vast amount of furniture attributed to Phyfe's workshop. Two breakfast tables, virtually identical to the example shown here, bear the labels of their makers. One, now found in the collection of The State Department, was produced by the workshop of Stephen and Moses Young (in partnership 1804-1824). The other, sold by Bernard and Dean Levy of New York and placed in a private collection, was manufactured by Michael Allison (C. Conger, Treasures of State, p. 235). Lacking these labels of authorship, the tables might easily be described as having been the work of "Duncan Phyfe or cabinetmaker of equal ranking."

Condition and Construction: The table presented here falls into a large grouping of New York City breakfast tables from the Federal Period. Based on price and account books, the vast majority of these were produced between the years 1805-1820. The top is comprised of three boards of dense mahogany. The two-drop leaves feature elliptical or sash corners. The construction allows for the drop ends top rotate on the centerboard by means of a rule joint. They are attached to the skirt with three steel hinges. Each drop leaf is supported by two flys attached with a knuckle joint and pintle on the fixed rail. The apron is constructed of white pine and is attached to the top with ten screws set in pockets. A large medial brace (ash) runs across the skirt frame secured on either end with eight steel screws. The single turned and carved support attaches to this brace with a double mortise joint. The four saber legs are dovetailed to the support. An iron brace secures the bottom. The table is remarkably well preserved. The brass casters and turned drops are original. There are no patches to the top and the legs are free of repairs. The brass pulls are contemporary replacements. The mellow color and patination are choice. New York City, circa 1805-1820.

Materials: Mahogany, mahogany veneers, white pine, poplar, ash, and brass.

Dimensions: HOA= 30" DOA= 36" WOA= 49" (extended)

CA-98-124