Although named for the last Stuart monarch of England, antique Queen Anne furniture, with its curvy cabriole legs and pad feet, has its origins in the earlier reign of King William III, which began in 1689 and ended with his death in 1702. Later evolving during Anne’s rule from 1702–14, the style would continue to influence design in the decades after her death.
Sometimes called late Baroque or early Georgian, Queen Anne chairs, bedroom furniture and tables are subdued yet ornate and characterized by a graceful blend of influences ranging from Asian design to classical motifs. Furnishings of this era — with their curvilinear supports and novel emphasis on comfort and versatility — are marked by a shift away from the more opulent and angular William and Mary style.
Chairs designed in the Queen Anne style are more functional and lightweight than their predecessors. They often feature a vase or fiddle-shaped splat, which refers to the central vertical back element, in order to support the spine and plush cushions. Craftsmen of the era predominantly worked in walnut, maple and pine. Any embellishments they introduced in their furnishings were frequently minimal and refined and expressed by way of modest flourishes such as shells or scrolls. Some pieces were more lavish with “japanned” finishes, or varnished interpretations of East Asian lacquer art. Almost every piece of furniture, whether a tea table or desk, included S-shaped, animalistic cabriole legs that end in a paw or claw-and-ball form.
These qualities made Queen Anne furniture popular throughout Europe and North America. Boston and Philadelphia became hubs for the production of this style of furniture, spurred by the arrival of British artisans who fostered a market for well-heeled colonists. While the showier Chippendale style later surpassed it in popularity, Queen Anne’s simple elegance still draws an enduring appreciation.
Find a collection of antique Queen Anne dining tables, seating, cabinets and other authentic period furniture on 1stDibs.
17th Century Charles II Month-going longcase clock by John Greenhill
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
An exceptionally rare and highly important month-going longcase clock by John Greenhill of Ashford, Kent, dating to circa 1680. The exceptional rarity of this longcase clock becomes...
Brass
Fine 18th Century Queen Anne Burr Walnut Eight-Day Longcase Clock
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Early 18th-Century Burr Walnut Longcase Clock, Circa 1705-1710. England This magnificent early 18th-century English longcase clock exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship and timeless...
Brass
$20,785
H 89.38 in W 28.35 in D 11.82 in
Fantastic quality Napoleon III Marquetry inlaid eight day longcase clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Fantastic quality Napoleon III Marquetry inlaid eight day longcase clock having a quality bombe shaped case finely inlaid with boulle marquetry work of cut brass arabesque and enrich...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
19th Century French Boulle Longcase Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th Century French boulle inlaid longcase clock, having wonderful scrolling gilded ormolu mounts, an ebonised case wit...
Brass
$4,142Sale Price|35% Off
H 84.65 in W 19.69 in D 10.04 in
George III Longcase Clock, Mahogany, Early 18th Century, England
Located in Opole, PL
George III Era Longcase Clock – 18th Century his elegant 18th-century George III longcase clock is a true masterpiece of period craftsmanship, dating to the first half of the 1700s....
Mahogany
$19,156
H 83.08 in W 17.33 in D 9.45 in
Outstanding quality original Henry Massy burr walnut longcase clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Outstanding quality original Henry Massy burr walnut longcase clock, having a original Henry Massy quality longcase clock, with a quality burr walnut polished case with a rectangular...
Brass
ELEGANT 18th CENTURY LONDON LONGCASE CLOCK
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A George III period fiddle back mahogany longcase clock. The eight day movement with a full brass dial signed Ed Mann, London Fully cleaned with 2 years warranty Circa 1775
Brass
Quality Antique 18th century mahogany longcase clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality Antique 18th century mahogany longcase clock, having a quality antique 18th century longcase clock, a quality mahogany case with a ...
Brass
$5,753
H 76.38 in W 19.89 in D 11.03 in
Antique George III 18th Century Quality Brass Faced 8 Day Longcase Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III 18th century quality brass faced 8 day longcase clock by John Pollard of Crediton having a superb quality mahogany case on original bracket feet, ornate square bra...
Brass
19th Century Swedish Longcase Clock, Painted
Located in San Francisco, CA
This lovely " Grandfather" clock has retained it's original painted finish. The face is in good condition, so is the case. The clock mechanism is not in working order at this time, h...
Wood
18th century oak longcase clock by James Draycot Wells
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
18th century oak longcase clock by james draycot wells, circa 1790. Excellent quality golden oak longcase clock. Second hand dial, date and baring the makers disc at the top. Hood ...
Metal, Brass
18th Century Mahogany Longcase Clock by John Wood of Grantham
Located in Martlesham, GB
18th century mahogany longcase clock by John Wood of Grantham (known to be working from 1753-1797) an imposing mahogany clock wi...
Mahogany
Fine and Elegant 18th Century Mahogany Longcase Clock
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A fine example of an eight day longcase clock with wonderful full brass dial, moon roller and date hand. The superb mahogany case has a cross banded door veneered in flame mahogany w...
Mahogany
18th Century Longcase Clock by Charles Rowbotham of Leicester
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A fine longclock from the end of the 18th century circa 1780 in oak by the watchmaker Charles Robotham of the city of Leicester Very beautiful English clock The clock has its o...
Oak
Sold
H 87.41 in W 17.72 in D 9.85 in
Fine 18th Century Queen Anne Burr Walnut Eight-Day Longcase Clock
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A superb early 18th century eight-day Queen Anne longcase clock by the famous maker Christopher Gould, circa 1705-1710. The exquisite burr walnut veneered oak case is of the high...
Brass