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.
1970's American Heirloom Hand Stained Top Grain Hide Leather Waste Can
By Heirloom
Located in San Diego, CA
1970's American Leather wrapped over removable tin waste can . by Heirloom , nice worn patina with the inside tine shows marks due to normal wear and tear can be resprayed if desired.
Tin
$870Sale Price / set|40% Off
19th Century Mortar & Pestle with Original Surface
Located in New York, NY
American, late 18th century/early 19th century wooden mortar and pestle. The urn shaped mortar with rich patina has a wonderful ...
Maple, Wood
Antique Federal American Repousse Gilt Metal Centerpiece Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary antique (18th to early 19th century) American federal period gilt copper centerpiece bowl with elaborate repousse designs and openwork, with prominent eagles supporting...
Copper
Vintage leather paper waste bin
Located in TILBURG, NL
Mid Century Modern full leather paper waste bucket. In used condition with nice 'Rock & Roll' patina. Oval shaped top, round bottom. Not sure about the country of origin but possibly...
Leather
Jacques Adnet Style Leather Waste Basket, 1960s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant leather wastebasket in the style of Jacques Adnet. Black leather rim with contrasting brown center. Brass loop hardware adds a subtle adornment to each side. Great age and pa...
Leather
Small 19th Century French Bronze Mortar with Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
This small bronze mortar and pestle are from 19th century France. The outside of the mortar has been adorned with mascarons and geometric patterns that rise from chased sides. The pe...
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Mortar with Pestle Apothecary Set
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An antique bronze mortar with original pestle which has two side handles and incised detail. This set, found in Denmark, would be a great addition to an existing collection of these ...
Metal, Bronze
$532Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.96 in Dm 4.34 in
A cast iron mortar with its original pestle - France - Early XXth
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A cast iron mortar with its original pestle, used in pharmacies in the early 20th century. This utensil, designed for grinding medicinal substances, features a beautiful patina, a te...
Cast Stone
Leather Waste Basket by Merit Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful leather waste bin in the style of Jacques Adnet produced by Merit Los Angeles. Made entirely of a thick cowhide leather in a distressed sad...
Leather
Spanish 18th Century Mortar and Pestle
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome 18th century mortar and pestle hand carved from a solid block of wood. Sensational patina. A wonderful object for table top, bookca...
Wood
1850s Antique Marble Mortar with Turned Wooden Pestle
Located in Marbella, ES
Traditional mortar and pestle carved from a single piece of white marble with natural veining and wear reflecting its use and age. It features four sturdy side handles and a deep, ta...
Marble
19th Century Antique French marble mortar
Located in Diest, BE
A stunning French white marble mortar dating from the nineteenth century with unique linear striation marks creating a grated texture on the outside. This would make an excellent scu...
Marble
French 18th-19th Century Small Marble Mortar
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful small marble mortar France, circa 1750-1850 Weathered.
Marble
Italian Hand-Crafted Willow Plant Holder/Waste Basket, 1960s Design
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-989 Italian hand grafted willow plant holder/waste basket.
Willow
$5,500
H 8.5 in W 12 in D 7.25 in
Antique Repoussé Sterling Silver Pedestal Bowl Fruit and Flower Motif
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This exquisite early 20th century Loring Andrews sterling silver footed bowl features hand chased repoussé decoration consisting of multiple flowers, strawberries and grape clusters ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.88 in W 4.75 in D 4.88 in
Federal Design Blue Gold White Porcelain Jewelry or Trinket Dish with Eagle Bird
Located in New York, NY
A white porcelain jewelry or trinket dish with blue and gold bird design in the Federal style, circa early to mid-20th century, Europe. A beautiful gold Eagle bird with a halo of sta...
Porcelain