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.
$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
19th Century Stone Mortar
Located in Chireno, TX
19th century stone mortar from France. Hand-carved alabaster mortar in a conical shape with four handles. One handle notched with a channel for pouring. Beautiful as a sculptural acc...
Alabaster
French 18th-19th Century Small Marble Mortar
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful small marble mortar France, circa 1750-1850 Weathered.
Marble
19th Century French White Marble Mortar
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful large white marble mortar, France, 19th century. Weathered. H:15cm W:27cm D:27cm
Marble
$1,450
H 1.63 in Dm 9.44 in
Modern Metals Centerpiece Bowl or Catchall Designer E Cabello, 1960s, Mexico
By E. Cabello 1, Los Castillos
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Art Deco Modern style mixed metals bowl with geometric design by designer E. Cabello, circa 1960s, Mexico. Great as a standalone centerpie...
Brass, Copper, Metal
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
19th Century very large marble mortar
Located in Diest, BE
Very large white marble Italian mortar. Great proportions and patina
Marble
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
Antique Tiffany Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Centerpiece Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Chrysanthemum sterling silver centerpiece bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Round and shallow well; lobed and turned-down shoulder and scalloped rim with applied flowerheads a...
Sterling Silver
$1,695
H 4 in W 18 in D 13 in
Lorin Marsh Gun Metal Grey Gold Hammered Oval Centerpiece Metal Bowl by Marcius
By Lorin Marsh
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful Mid-Century Modern Lorin Marsh gun metal grey and gold hammered interior oval centerpiece metal bowl by Marcius in the Art Deco style.
Metal
$540Sale 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
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
Arts Pira Metal & Glass Centerpiece Bowl – Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Cardin, Philippe Starck, Paco Rabanne
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking example of mid-century craftsmanship, this vintage centerpiece bowl from the celebrated Arts Pira movement showcases the era's fascination with sculptural form and innovat...
Brass
Sold
H 12.5 in W 11.5 in D 7.25 in
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
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