Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
FEDERAL STYLE
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.
7
to
7
7
7
7
72
42
23
23
21
20
9
8
8
8
7
5
5
5
5
2
1
1
4
2
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
7
3
3
2
2
6
6
1
Style: Federal
William Cummens Federal Mahogany Tall Clock with Moon Phase Dial circa 1820
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional Federal mahogany tall case clock with a delicate fretwork crest, adorned with three ball and spire brass finials, surmounting an arched form glass door, opening to a h...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Metal
American Walnut Tall Case Clock by Solomon Gorgas
Located in Essex, MA
By Solomon Gorgas. Lancaster Co. Pennsylvania. Works just cleaned and in good working order. With arched bonnet with pinwheel inlay in the scrolls. Glazed door opening to enameled wo...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
19th Century Tiffany & CO Oak 5 Musical 5 Gong Tall Case Grandfather Clock
By Walter Durfee
Located in Long Branch, NJ
19th Century Tiffany & CO Oak 5 Musical 5 Gong Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Dimensions : 104" Tall X 26" Wide X 15.5" Deep
This gorgeous grandfather clock was made in the late 19th ...
Category
1890s American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Oak
Antique Colonial Mfg Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Colonial Mfg. Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock. Item features a working lock and key, includes all parts pictured. Very ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Wood
American Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Tall Clock by Rufus Cole
Located in Essex, MA
A Rare and Complete American Federal Tall Case Clock. Riley Whiting Wooden Works, original. A Rufus Cole Grain-Painted and Stenciled Case. S...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Pine
American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820
By Silas Hoadley
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany one day tall case clock with the original brass ball finials resting on three carved upper capitals, decorative intertwined fret work, arched hood with bras...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Brass
Early 1900s Carved Walnut Durfee Case Elliot Movement 5 Tube Grandfather Clock
By Walter Durfee
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a spectacular clock with what I believe is a solid carved walnut Durfee case and and has an Elliot of London movement. The case has some signs of wear and is in it's original...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Walnut
Related Items
Swedish Fryksdahl Grandfather Clock with Raised Base, circa 1820s
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Fryksdahl grandfather clock, raised on feet, from the 19th century. This antique Fryksdahl clock from Sweden features a beautifully raised and carved crest, the neck and un...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Glass, Wood
French Empire Style Mantel Clock, circa 1820
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive and stylish early 19th Century gilded ormolu and green marble mantle clock, having two classical maidens either side feeding Rams, an Eagle above the circular white...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century French Comtoise Grandfather Clock
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century Country French comtoise, or grandfather clock, with pine case and embossed brass pendulum. The case is from Normandy circa 1900-1920 and the movement is from Marseille...
Category
19th Century French Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Brass, Enamel
19th Century Musical Picture Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large well-detailed musical picture clock. The oil painting on canvas depicts a village scene in Europe with manor home, mountains at sunset in...
Category
1850s European Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood
Antique Victorian Oak & Mahogany Painted Arched Dial Grandfather Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian oak & mahogany painted arched dial grandfather clock signed Anthony Binks having a carved shaped mahogany swan neck pediment with tw...
Category
19th Century English Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Other
H 89.77 in W 21.66 in D 9.85 in
Tall Case Clock, Bristol, England, circa 1830, Victorian
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The case of the grandfather clock is made of mahogany and was possibly made by the watchmaker Nathaniel Edgecombe. The clock is from Bristol England, circa 1830.
+ The ship in the d...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Nutwood, Spruce
Rare Austrian Brass Zappler Clock, circa 1820
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A small brass Austrian zappler clock dating to the early 19th Century, circa 1820.
The brass dial plate has a 2.5" enamel dial with blued steel hands,...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Brass
Comtoise Morbier Tall Case Clock
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice Comtoise Morbier tall clock in a floral paint decorated Pine case, France - late 19th century. Rings on the hour and two minutes after the hour...
Category
1870s French Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Pine
Victorian Walnut Cased Striking Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Late Victorian walnut break arch mantel clock standing on a raised plinth and resting on four outswept gilded paw feet and surmounted by four flame finials and a central finial.
H...
Category
19th Century German Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Walnut
French Painted Tall Case Morbier Clock
Located in Woodbury, CT
Faux-painted, French Morbier tall case clock with brass and enamel face, hammered brass pendulum. Posies, lily-of-the-valley and strawbe...
Category
19th Century French Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Pine
Shaker-Style Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Located in New York, NY
Shaker-Style Tall Case Grandfather Clock from the 20th century, painted red and black. Here are the details:
Style: Shaker-Style
Type: Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Period: 20th centu...
Category
20th Century American Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Wood
American Federal Tallcase Clock in Mahogany
Located in Atlanta, GA
American Federal Tallcase Clock in Mahogany with Pierced Crest, Brass Finials & Painted Face, Signed “Jere Fellows Kinsington” early 19th Century
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Brass
Previously Available Items
Bailey Banks & Biddle Mahogany Federal Style Case Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Bailey Banks & Biddle Mahogany Federal Style Case Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Dimensions : 97" Tall X 28" Wide X 18" Deep
This grandfather clock was made in the 1900-1910 era and w...
Category
1910s American Vintage Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Mahogany
H 97 in W 28 in D 18 in
Rare Old American Stennes Fed, Sty, Inlaid Mahog, Automaton 8day Longcase Clock
By Elmer O. Stennes
Located in Charleston, SC
One of the most highly collected midcentury longcase clocks, this fabulous Federal Style 8-day inlaid honey-colored, fiddle-grain, highly figured mahogany Clock with a wonderfully ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Brass
H 86.5 in W 17.75 in D 11 in
Antique Mahogany Grandfather Longcase Clock
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Mahogany grandfather longcase clock
Additional information:
Materials: Mahogany
Color: Brown
Period: 19th century
Styles: Federal
Item type: Vintage, antique or pre-...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Curly Maple and Mahogany Banded Tall Case Clock PA, Circa 1810
Located in Hallowell, US
Distinctive federal curly maple tall case clock with mahogany banding, Pennsylvania, circa 1810. IN a remarkable state of preservation and with slender 'french' feet and original urn...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Maple
Antique Federal Style Carved Oak Tall Case Clock by Ithaca, 20th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Federal style tall case clock by Ithaca offers oak case with hood having broken arch top having central eagle with flanking ball & spire finials, column with glass door ov...
Category
20th Century American Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Oak
Diminutive Timothy Chandler Federal Cherry Case Tall Clock Concord NH circa 1800
Located in Milford, NH
A fine New Hampshire Federal cherry tall case clock with 8-day weight-driven brass works by Timothy Chandler, active clockmaker in Concord, NH f...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 82 in W 18.5 in D 9.75 in
American Cherry Rocking Ship Tall Case or Grandfather Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Connecticut Federal cherry tall case clock, ca. 1800, the fretwork bonnet enclosing an eight day English works with rocking ship, the face inscr...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Cherry
Aaron Willard Mahogany Tall Case Clock with Moon Phase Dial 1793
Located in Milford, NH
A fine mahogany tall case clock with wonderful proportions by Aaron Willard (1757-1844), with a reticulated carved crest with three ball and spire finial...
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Brass
Federal Mahogany and Rosewood Tall Case Clock circa 1805
Located in Hallowell, US
Roxbury type federal type tall case clock from North Shore, Massachusetts, ca 1805-1810.
Mahogany with rosewood crossbanding finial blocks veneered in rosewood.
Vetted, clean clock...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Cherry, Mahogany
Long Case Dwarf Wood Clock
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a long case Dwarf wood clock. Its bonnet is decorated with a swan neck pediment at the top and an a bronze urn shaped finial. Below the finial, ther...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Wood
Antique Pennsylvania Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, 18th Century
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Pennsylvania Federal longcase clock offers mahogany case with broken arch hood with central finial and flanking columns, hand painted floral face with Roman numerals, 18th...
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Colonial Mfg Co Empire Style Mahogany Grandfather Clock German Movement
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Colonial Mfg Co Empire style mahogany grandfather clock German movement
Colonial manufacturing antique grandfather clock, circa 1920s. An em...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Mahogany
H 85 in W 17.5 in D 13.25 in
Federal grandfather clocks and longcase clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal grandfather clocks and longcase clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage grandfather clocks and longcase clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal grandfather clocks and longcase clocks made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original grandfather clocks and longcase clocks, popular names associated with this style include Elmer O. Stennes, and Silas Hoadley. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for grandfather clocks and longcase clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,600 and tops out at $18,500 while the average work can sell for $8,725.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Clock Chiming Wood
Wood Chime Clock
19th Century Swedish Longcase Clock
Grandfather Clocks Long Case
Longcase Mora Clock
Grandfather Clocks And Long Case Clocks
Swedish Mora Longcase Clock
Working Tall Clocks
Carrying Clock Black
Grandfather Clock England
18th Century Antique Clocks
Antique Style Grandfather Clocks
Antique Style Grandfather Clock
19th Century Tall Case Clock
Antique Mahogany Grandfather Clock
Antique Long Case Clock Grandfather Clocks
Antique Long Case Grandfather Clock Grandfather Clocks
Antique Long Case Grandfather Clock