Federal Decorative Boxes
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.
20th Century Federal Decorative Boxes
Brass
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Gold, Steel
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Hardwood
Mid-19th Century North American Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Wood
1810s American Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Cypress
1880s American Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Tin
1780s American Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Satinwood, Walnut
2010s Unknown Federal Decorative Boxes
Malachite
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Hardwood, Paint
2010s Federal Decorative Boxes
Wood
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Pine
Late 20th Century Italian Federal Decorative Boxes
Ceramic
20th Century Indian Federal Decorative Boxes
Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Federal Decorative Boxes
Wood, Giltwood
Late 20th Century Italian Federal Decorative Boxes
Metal
Mid-20th Century Federal Decorative Boxes
Mahogany
19th Century French Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Mahogany, Satinwood
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Wood
19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Boxes
Brass, Steel