Federal Secretaires
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.
1870s American Antique Federal Secretaires
Walnut
Late 20th Century Federal Secretaires
Mahogany
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Secretaires
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Secretaires
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Secretaires
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Secretaires
Glass, Mahogany
1790s American Antique Federal Secretaires
Birch, Mahogany
19th Century North American Antique Federal Secretaires
Mahogany, Satin
19th Century American Antique Federal Secretaires
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Federal Secretaires
Leather, Wood, Birdseye Maple
Late 20th Century American Federal Secretaires
Brass
Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Secretaires
Mahogany
Late 19th Century English Antique Federal Secretaires
Metal, Brass
Late 20th Century American Federal Secretaires
Brass
1860s Scandinavian Antique Federal Secretaires
Mahogany
Late 18th Century British Antique Federal Secretaires
Wood
19th Century American Antique Federal Secretaires
Mahogany
19th Century British Antique Federal Secretaires
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Secretaires
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Danish Federal Secretaires
Mahogany
2010s French Federal Secretaires
Leather, Walnut
1740s English Antique Federal Secretaires
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Secretaires
Birch, Pine
20th Century American Federal Secretaires
Pearwood, Hardwood
1990s American Federal Secretaires
Cherry, Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Secretaires
Mahogany, Satinwood
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Secretaires
Metal
1810s American Antique Federal Secretaires
Maple
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Secretaires
Brass
20th Century American Federal Secretaires
Mahogany, Glass
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Secretaires
Kingwood, Mahogany, Satinwood
20th Century American Federal Secretaires
Mahogany
1810s American Antique Federal Secretaires
Brass
1810s American Antique Federal Secretaires
Brass