This sofa is a rarity as very few have survived, especially with all claw and ball feet intact. The similar American examples do not have claw and ball feet in the rear, and even among English examples, this would be considered an exceptionally rare feature, which of course, would have been an extra charge. In part, the visual appeal of this sofa is enhanced by a wider curve beginning at the base of each scrolled arms, making the sofa much more open and inviting than Philadelphia examples of this type. An extra nice touch is the mahogany skirt above the legs, which is highly figured.
This sofa not only has claw and ball feet on all legs, front and rear, but fully developed acanthus carving at the knee of each. Please see the comparison image with the American form, an example at Winterthur which is almost identical, with the exception that no American sofa of its type has the additional claw and ball rear foot.
While this is an English example, one can see how closely many examples of American furniture are related to their English antecedents. This example has a complete condition report by Philip Zimmerman and eminent authority. I acquired it in New York at Doyle’s and had to compete against a very determined English dealer, but I had to have it. American examples with claw and ball feet–let it alone an English example–are almost nonexistent.
An identification and condition report by Philip Zimmerman, Ph.D. is available upon request. We are proud to offer this sofa. It is quite regal in stature with a beautifully molded form and gracefully scrolled sidearms.
Length: 6 ft. Depth: 23 in.
Height: 39 in. Seat Height:18 3/4 in.
Revised Feb 14, 2026, 10:56 AM