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.
Antique Federal American Brass Eagle Door Knocker, circa 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine large antique American Federal eagle brass door knocker, circa 1900. This regal door knocker is nicely cast and heavy, weighing over 2.5 lbs, in the form of a stately eagle wi...
Brass
Pair of Federal Cannonball Iron and Brass Andirons, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair Early 19th Century Federal iron and Brass Large Cannon Ball Andirons. Measures 13.5" in width, 21.5" in depth and 21" in height.
Brass, Iron
Waldorf Astoria Morgan Suite Federal White Wood Mantel
Located in New York, NY
Federal style mantel in a contemporary production of white painted wood and decorated with floral bouquets and swags. This mantel was acquired from the Morgan Suite of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. This mantel is one of the available matching pairs. The matching mantel was acquired from the Carnegie Suite of the Waldorf Astoria NYC...
Wood
$9,713Sale Price|24% Off
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, ...
Wood
Pair Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Low Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Andirons Please inquire about the Matching Fireplace Fender and fire place tools set available in our inventory in...
Brass
Early 20th Century Federal Style Iron and Brass Fireplace Insert
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Federal Style Iron and Brass Fireplace Insert. Measures 22.5" in width, 11.5" in depth and 20.75" in height.
Brass, Iron
$675 / set
Pair Of Federal Style Brass Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Ball top with cylindrical support. Curved legs and ball feet. Fire dogs with brass ball finials. Newly polished.
Brass, Iron
Antique American Double Lemon Top Federal Style Brass Andirons
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a classic and classy pair of antique brass andirons in the Federal double lemon style. They are in good condition with only the expected wear from age and use and would be a ...
Brass
Antique English Federal Brass Branch Leg Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Federal Brass Branch Leg Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 19.5" H x 9" W x 18" D.
Brass
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....
Brass, Steel
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.
Brass, Iron
Quality Pair Antique Brass Cannonball Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
With cannonball tops on ring shaped supports mounted on scrolled legs with ball feet. The curved back long iron stand with ball finials. Dimensions: H. 21", W. 12 3/4", Depth 19" C...
Brass, Iron
$2,950 / set
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...
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...
Brass
19th C. American Federal Brass Cannonball Andirons with Aged Patina - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th C. American Federal Brass Cannonball Andirons with Aged Patina - a Pair. Item features desirable aged patina to brass, large cannonball ...
Brass
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
Wood
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...
Blown Glass, Wood
$875 / set
Pair Of Federal Brass Ball Top Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Ball top with scrolled legs and brass ball feet. Newly polished.
Brass, Iron
Large American Wire Fireplace Screen
Located in Essex, MA
Hard to find size removed from an early American house with walk in fireplace north of Boston. Curved back to cover fireplace .
Iron
Antique English Federal Brass Cannonball Fireplace Andirons With Patina - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Federal Brass Cannonball Fireplace Andirons With Patina - a Pair. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 20" H x 11" W x 32" D.
Brass, Iron
$750Sale Price|21% Off
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.
Plaster
$750Sale Price|21% Off
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.
Plaster
$1,650 / set
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...
Brass
A Pair of Federal Knife Blade Andirons with Brass Details
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of early 19th century American knife blade andirons with cast brass urn finials and desirable brass collar below the shaft, standing on arched legs and penny feet. Circa 1800
Brass, Iron
$3,480 / set
Rare Pair of Federal Bell Metal Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine and rare pair of Philadelphia bell metal classical andirons, the urn finials over Doric column shafts standing on socle plinths with scalloped bases and standing on cabriole leg...
Bronze
American Brass Lemon Top Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of American Federal period andirons with lemon finials on ring turned column base and standing on spurred legs ending in hoof feet. American circa 1820.
Brass, Iron
Etched Brass Federal Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of federal andirons in polished brass with decorative urn and leaf etching to front faces, having turned finials and spurred knees to legs with well-formed ball and eagle talo...
Brass
$11,500 / set
Rare Engraved Federal Bell Metal Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very rare American classical bell metal andirons having flaming urn finials over column shafts and standing on square plinths over arched spurred legs ending in ball and claw feet, a...
Metal
Pair Louis XV Style Antique Brass and Iron Andirons, Circa 1880s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Louis XV Style Antique Brass and Iron Andirons, Circa 1880s. Measures 10" in width, 21" in depth and 16.5" in height.
Brass, Iron
$1,950 / set
American Classical Brass Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Nicely detailed pair of American classical brass andirons with ringed shaft, balustrade turnings and standing on arched spurred legs and standing on ball feet. Circa 1825.
Brass
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...
Brass
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...
Brass, Iron
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Federal Brass & Wire Fireplace Fender & Three Piece Tool Set C1810
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Federal Brass & Wire Fireplace Fender & Three Piece Tool Set C1810 Measures- Hook: 26.75"L x 1.5"W x 1.5"D; Poker - 29.75"L x 1.5"W x 1.5"D Tongs: 27.75"L x 3.75"W x 1.5"D; G...
Brass, Wire
Pair of American Federal Brass Urn Finial Shield Engraved Andirons. Phil. C 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American Federal brass andirons with shield engraved urn finials, shield engraved plinths, incised checkering lines, engraved swags on s...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair Of 18th Century Boston Federal Bell Metal Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Lemon top with ball and claw feet and brass urn form log stops.
Brass
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
Brass, Iron
$2,900 / set
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...
Iron, Brass
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...
Brass
Brass Urn & Wrought Iron Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Add a touch of classic American elegance to your hearth with this striking pair of 20th-century Federal-style fireplace andirons. Each andiron features a beautifully detailed engrave...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Brass Urn / Wrought Iron Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Add a touch of classic American elegance to your hearth with this striking pair of 20th-century Federal-style fireplace andirons. Each andiron features a beautifully detailed eagle s...
Brass, Wrought 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.
Brass, Iron
Federal Style Oversized Architectural Elements as Garden Trellises - One of Four
Located in Nashua, NH
One of a set of four matching over sized glassless window frames originally holding 25 glass panes that were acquired from a 1790 Federal home. Someone with Yankee ingenuity took the...
Wood, Hardwood, Paint
$4,750Sale Price / set|50% Off
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 ...
Brass
$960Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Antique Federal Brass & Wrought Iron Lemon Top Andirons C1810
Located in Big Flats, NY
Pair Antique Federal Brass & Wrought Iron Lemon Top Andirons C1810 Measures- 24"H x 10.5"W x 24.75"D
Brass, Wrought Iron
The Harvin Co Brass Federal Branch Leg Ball and Claw Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Harvin Co Brass Federal Style Branch Leg Ball and Claw Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Item features branch legs, ball and claw feet, original stamp, quality American craftsmanship,...
Brass, Iron
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.
Alabaster
Antique Federal Brass Spiral Twist Finial Branch Leg Ball & Claw Andirons - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Brass Spiral Twist Finial Branch Leg Ball & Claw Andirons - a Pair. Item features remarkable authentic patina, spiral twist finial and co...
Brass, Iron
American Serpentine Brass Finial & Artistic Wire Work Fire Fender, Boston C 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
American serpentine brass ball finial and artistic wire work fire place fender, Boston, MA. Early 19th Century.
Brass, Wire
American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Fire Place Fender, New York, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass and artistic wire work fire place fender, New York. Early 19th century.
Brass, Wire
Pair 19th Century American Federal Brass and Iron Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair 19th Century American Federal polished Cast Brass and forged Iron Andirons. Measure 8.5" in width, 15" in depth and 15" in Height
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.
Marble, Brass
Antique American Federal Pointed Finial Brass Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal Pointed Finial Brass Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Item features solid brass and cast iron construction, and remarkable patina. Circa 19th Century. Measuremen...
Brass
$1,450 / set
Pair Of American Brass Steeple Top Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Steeple top newly polished. Ball feet.
Brass, Wrought Iron
American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Fire Place Fender, New York, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass and artistic wire work fire place fender, New York. Early 19th century.
Brass, Wire
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.
Brass, Iron
Pair of American Federal Brass Flanking Urn Finial Engraved Andirons Phil C 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American Federal brass andirons with flanking urn finials, matching urn finial log stops, engraved swags on skirt, and resting on banded...
Brass, Wrought 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...
Composition
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...
Brass
$2,250
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...
Brass, Iron
Antique Federal Faceted Brass Cannonball Branch Foot Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Faceted Brass Cannonball Branch Foot Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair. Item features a large impressive size, ball and claw branch feet, great original patina, faceted can...
Brass