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Federal Building and Garden Elements

FEDERAL STYLE

Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.

Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.

Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.

The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.

Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

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Style: Federal
Virginia Metal Crafters Federal Style Polished Brass Dolphin Fireplace Tool Set
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Federal Style Polished Brass Dolphin Fireplace Tool Set by Virginia Metal Crafters. Excellent vintage condition. Vir...
Category

20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Pair American Federal Cannonball Andirons
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming small pair of period Federal Cannonball Andirons. The andirons are in overall very good condition, with restoration to the iron log supports. These andirons, with ...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Regency Brass Andirons
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a classic pair of American Federal c. 1800 Solid Brass Andirons. The andiron are of classical form but are detailed with an unusual Corinthian Column capitol located just bel...
Category

1790s American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Early 20th Century American Cast Iron & Brass Federal Eagle Door Knocker
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine antique early 20th Century American Federal eagle black cast iron and brass door knocker. This regal door knocker is nicely cast, solid and heavy, with a lovely patina. It wou...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage American Brass Federal Eagle Door Knocker
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine vintage American Federal eagle brass door knocker, circa 1950. This regal door knocker is nicely cast, solid and heavy, in the form of a stately eagle with a center shield des...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Brass and Iron Hand Made Fireplace Tool Set With Stand
Located in Sheridan, CO
Exquisite set of hand made brass fireplace tools from England (late 1800s) along with hand forged iron brush from France (mid 1800s). Set includes shovel, fork, tongs, brush and stan...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

1800 Federal Style Brass and Wire Steeple Top Fire Fender
Located in Sheridan, CO
Fireplace surround in the Federal Style. American brass rail top and wire fire fender with brass ball faceted steeple top finials and wire work, New Y...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Architectural Wooden Fan Form Element in Old White Paint
Located in Milford, NH
A nice example of an architectural wooden radial fan form element in old white paint, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, in very good overall condition, with some minor p...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Pair of Early 20th Century Federal Brass and Iron Andirrons
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair Early 20th Century Federal Brass and Iron Andirrons. Measuring 8" in width, 18" in width and 21.5" in height. Recently repolished
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Brass Federal Branch Leg Urn Finial Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Brass Federal Branch Leg Urn Finial Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 24" H x 12" W x 19" D.
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

American Federal Brass Lemon Top Andirons with Cabriole Legs and Slipper Feet
Located in Wells, ME
American Federal cast brass seamed 20 inch high lemon top andirons with slipper feet and iron log holders. This pair of quite substantial andirons retain their original lemon top l...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Federal Style Turned Brass & Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Style Turned Brass & Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 18" H x 13" W x 18.25" D.
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools Set of 6
Located in Germantown, MD
Six piece set Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools, include a 46.5' Blo Poke tool. Stand is 32" tall.
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 25.25" H x 12.5" W x 8.75" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Brass

Rare Antique late 18th C. Federal Period Brass & Wirework Bowfront Nursery Guard
Located in Charleston, SC
This is a marvelous period, late 18th century "Adam" style wirework and brass trim bowfront Fireplace Fender with original blackened wire work hand woven in Adam swags. The wirework...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Steel, Wire

Virginia MetalCrafters Federal Style Polished Brass and Steel Fire Tool Set
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Federal Style Polished Brass and polished stee Fireplace Tool Set by Virginia MetalCrafters. Excellent vintage condition. Cast brass polished and polished steel....
Category

20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique Federal Style Wooden Fireplace Mantel
Located in Sheffield, MA
A handsome example of an unusually large American Federal Period wooden fireplace mantel. The wood does show aged wear. Use it as is for added charact...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Pair Antique Brass Cannonball Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Bold form distinguish this pair of Antique Andirons. Large heavy andirons with cannonball tops mounted on thick square supports. The angled legs with flat feet, the back brass bars a...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Antique Harvin 1019 Cast Iron Hessian Soldier Fireplace Andiron Firedogs & Poker
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Harvin Company cast iron firedogs / andirons, design number 1019 in the shape of 18th century style Hessian soldiers with removable supports. Also includes a fire poker and m...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Federal Cast Brass Hearth Bench Fireplace Trivet / Stool, circa 1840s
Located in Germantown, MD
Federal Style cast and polished brass hearth bench or trivet with a pierced floral top, pierced floral border skirt, and terminating on cabriole leg...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Vintage Polished Brass Mail Slot and Door Knocker
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add a touch of vintage antique charm to your entry front door with this "Two-in-One" brass mail slot and door knocker. Ready to mount. Screws not inclu...
Category

20th Century North American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Pair of Alabaster End Tables or Plant or Display Collums
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Alabaster end tables or plant or display collums. Hand carved highly figured Alabaster made in Italy.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Alabaster

Antique Federal Brass Cannonball Cast Iron Fireplace Hearth Andirons, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal brass cannonball cast iron fireplace Hearth Andirons - a Pair. Item features solid brass construction, shapely legs, cast iron support...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Corinithian Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of a corinthian column. Marked in pencil “American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.” Rough unsealed plaster patina.
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Plaster

Ionic Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of an ionic column. Marked in pencil “American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.” Rough unsealed plaster patina.
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Plaster

Federal Style Wood Fireplace Mantel
Located in Sheffield, MA
19th Century American white painted fireplace mantle with strong molding and handsome detailing. Dimensions of opening: 32.45" w x 29.13" h
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Antique Brass Fireplace Finial Andirons Classical Federal
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Ornate brass fireplace finial Andirons classical Federal Elegance Set of brass andirons. Oversize. No label. Measures: 26.5 tall x 13 width x...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Federal Style Brass Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Federal style brass andirons in the colonial taste with urn-shaped finials above a turned shaft on two cabriole legs terminating in stylized lions' feet....
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Mid 20th Century Harvin Company Federal Style Brass Andirons with Claw Feet
Located in Middleburg, VA
Mid 20th century harvin company federal style brass andirons with claw feet. Heavy duty brass and iron fireplace dogs. United States, 1950s. Measures: 23" H, 13" W, 20" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Federal Style Brass C1955 Heavy Duty Fireplace Tools 4 Pieces with Holder
Located in Port Jervis, NY
High quality set of fireplace tools with Holder. Brush, shovel, poker and log clamp all in solid brass. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. This item can be parcel posted.
Category

1950s American Vintage Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Large Cast New England Bank Patriotic Eagle and Clipper Ship Plaque
Located in Nantucket, MA
Cast and Gilded Patriotic Eagle with Clipper Ship Plaque, with a Clutch of Arrows and an Olive Branch in it's Talons, mid 20th Century, from a Boston Bank...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Composition

18th c Large Federal Style American Wooden Fireplace Mantel
Located in Savannah, GA
Large size wooden fireplace mantel from "keeping Room" of a 18th century New England home. Nice subtle details including dental molding and flu...
Category

1790s American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Poplar

Pair of 18th Century American Federal Period Carved Fan Shaped Lintels
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful pair of fan shaped late 18th century American Federal period lintels or over doors with exquisitely detailed carving. The distressed painted surface adds a lot of character...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Pair of Tall Solid Brass Harvin Co. Federal Style Andirons
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Federal style andirons made from high quality cast brass pieces assembled. Tall and elegant in excellent vintage condition with...
Category

1950s American Vintage Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

American Federal Philadelphia Brass Andirons Faceted Acorn Top
Located in Wells, ME
American Federal Philadelphia cast brass faceted acorn top large andirons. The motif of faceting is repeated in the stepped faceted column as well as on the acorns. The columns rest ...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Harvin Co Brass Federal Style Branch Leg Ball and Claw Andirons, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Harvin Co brass federal style branch leg ball and claw andirons - a pair. Item features branch legs, ball and claw feet, original stamp, quality Amer...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

American Federal Brass Ball and Steeple Top New York Andirons
Located in Wells, ME
American Federal period brass ball and steeple top andirons. The belted balls are surmounted by a spire that adds height and elegance to these ear...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of Large American Federal Style Brass Ornate Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
Amazingly decorated pair of large American Federal style brass ornate andirons. This is very heavy and in polished brass ornate with carved brass flowers...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of Federal Style Solid Cast Brass by Puritan Co. C1955
By Puritan Ironworks Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of sand cast brass andirons by the Puritan Ironworks co. Canon all style with a pierced fleur de LIS. In excellent vintage condition with mi...
Category

1950s Vintage Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

J&R Furniture Federal Walnut Hexagon Candle Stand Pedestal Table Kettle Plant
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century Federal inspired candle Stand by J&R Furniture Mfg Co of Salt Lake City Utah. Made from walnut with an inset hexagon top over turned column and tripod bade. Meas...
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Classical Federal Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine pair of American classical Federal andirons, having urn finials over Doric column shafts standing on square plinths with scalloped base, over shaped legs having spurred knees an...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Arch Top Transom Window
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rescued from an estate outside of Boston, MA this antique arch top transom window adds an architectural feast to your space. The window has its original...
Category

18th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Blown Glass, Wood

Antique Federal Brass Iron Spiral Twist Finial Branch Legs Ball Claw Andirons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Federal brass and cast iron spiral twist finial branch legs ball & claw andirons. Item features remarkable authentic patina, spiral twist...
Category

Early 20th Century English Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Brass George Washington Andirons
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage pair of brass George Washington Andirons, likely mid 20th century, cast brass shallow full length figure of George Washington standi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Antique Federal Faceted Brass Cannonball Branch Feet Cast Iron Andirons, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Federal Faceted Brass Cannonball Branch Feet Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair. Item features large impressive size, ball and claw branch feet, great original patina, facet...
Category

20th Century English Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

American Serpentine Brass Finial & Artistic Wire Work Fire Fender, Boston C 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
American serpentine brass ball finial and artistic wire work fire place fender, Boston, MA. Early 19th Century.
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wire

Pair of American Classical Style Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of American Classical style andirons having double knob urn finials over Doric column shafts, standing on plinth support over pair o...
Category

20th Century American Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Fire Place Fender, New York, Circa 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American brass and artistic wire work fire place fender, New York. Early 19th century.
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wire

Pair of American Federal Brass Flanking Urn Finial Engraved Andirons Phil C 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of American Federal brass andirons with flanking urn finials, matching urn finial log stops, engraved swags on skirt, and resting on banded...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Fire Place Fender, New York, Circa 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American brass and artistic wire work fire place fender, New York. Early 19th century.
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wire

Federal Style Hand Painted Tole Tinder Wood Box
Located in Nashville, TN
A handsome Federal style hand painted tole tinder wood box. Ebonized lacquer paint overpainted with a federal eagle holding olive branches and arrows and crested with a Union shield. The Eagle is surrounded with nautical stars above and below. The sides are hand painted with a border of vines and berries...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Pair of American Federal Brass Urn Finial Shield Engraved Andirons. Phil. C 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of American Federal brass andirons with shield engraved urn finials, shield engraved plinths, incised checkering lines, engraved swags on s...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of American Double Lemon Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of American double lemon andirons, having beaded bands around both lemon finials, with turned collars over octagonal shafts, standing on arche...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Brass

Carved and Painted Wooden Eagle with Shield Attributed to John Haley Bellamy
Located in Savannah, GA
In all original untouched condition including weathered paint, this wonderful Folk Art wall plaque speaks for itself. Substantial size. It looks to be made to be mounted on a ledge, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Pair of Philadelphia Brass Andirons with Roman Columns and Ball Finials
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A GORGEOUS Pair of Early 19C Philadelphia Brass Andirons with Roman Columns and Ball Finials. Made in Philadelphia, circa 1800 ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Antique Brass Hunneman Andirons with Tapered Bodies and Ball Finials, Circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
AFP0561 A pair of andirons in their original aged brass and blackened iron finish, after a pattern by the Boston maker William Hunneman having tapered bodies topped with ball finials...
Category

1880s American Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Blackened Wrought Iron Knife Blade Andirons with Brass Urn Finials, Circa 1900s
Located in New York, NY
AFP0535 A pair of antique 18th century style wrought iron andirons with full round brass urn form finials and brass details atop blackened iron knife blade...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Brass Andirons with Urn Finials and Pad Feet, Circa 1920s
Located in New York, NY
AFP0547 A pair of antique brass andirons topped with urn finials and having pad feet in their original soft polished finish. Circa 1920s. Dimensions: Overall: 24-1/2" H. x 11" W....
Category

1920s Vintage Federal Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Brass

Federal building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Federal building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Harvin Company, Puritan Ironworks Company, and Virginia Metalcrafters. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $9,800 while the average work can sell for $2,298.

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