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Federal 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.

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Style: Federal
Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with white enamel dial and reverse painted waist and pendulum door. With key and pendulum.
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Clocks

Materials

Brass

Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock
Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock

Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock

American Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Mantel Clock, Eli Terry, Circa 1825
By Eli Terry & Sons
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany pillar and scroll mantel clock with a broken arch pediment, three urn wood finials, flanking ringed columns, hinged glass d...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Clocks

Materials

Brass

American Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Mantel Clock, Eli Terry, Circa 1825
American Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Mantel Clock, Eli Terry, Circa 1825

American Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Mantel Clock, Eli Terry, Circa 1825

Elmer O. Stennes Weymouth MA Eglomise Girandole Banjo Clock
By Elmer O. Stennes
Located in Milford, NH
A beautiful example of a hand made girandole banjo clock by well known Weymouth, Massachusetts clockmaker Elmer O. Stennes (1911-1975), with a signed circular face with brass ball s...
Category

20th Century American Federal Clocks

Materials

Brass

Elmer O. Stennes Weymouth MA Eglomise Girandole Banjo Clock
Elmer O. Stennes Weymouth MA Eglomise Girandole Banjo Clock

Elmer O. Stennes Weymouth MA Eglomise Girandole Banjo Clock

Pennsylvania Cherry Tall Case Clock, Jedediah Weiss, Bethlehem
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional Federal cherry tall case clock with a brass eight day works signed Jedediah Weiss Bethlehem, with beautiful inlay including a contrasting fan carving above the waist d...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Clocks

Materials

Cherry, Maple, Satinwood

Pennsylvania Cherry Tall Case Clock, Jedediah Weiss, Bethlehem
Pennsylvania Cherry Tall Case Clock, Jedediah Weiss, Bethlehem

Pennsylvania Cherry Tall Case Clock, Jedediah Weiss, Bethlehem

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 Clocks

Materials

Wood

Antique Colonial Mfg Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock
Antique Colonial Mfg Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock

Antique Colonial Mfg Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock

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 Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

American Walnut Tall Case Clock by Solomon Gorgas
American Walnut Tall Case Clock by Solomon Gorgas

American Walnut Tall Case Clock by Solomon Gorgas

John Nicholl Federal Tall Case Clock
By John Nicholl
Located in New York, NY
Federal Tall Case Clock Made and Signed by John Nicholl, (1784-1862) Belvidere, New Jersey Circa 1825 Primary Wood: Mahogany, Mahogany Ven...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Clocks

Materials

Mahogany, Maple

John Nicholl Federal Tall Case Clock
John Nicholl Federal Tall Case Clock

John Nicholl Federal Tall Case Clock

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 Clocks

Materials

Oak

19th Century Tiffany & CO Oak 5 Musical 5 Gong Tall Case Grandfather Clock
19th Century Tiffany & CO Oak 5 Musical 5 Gong Tall Case Grandfather Clock

19th Century Tiffany & CO Oak 5 Musical 5 Gong Tall Case Grandfather Clock

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 Clocks

Materials

Pine

American Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Tall Clock by Rufus Cole
American Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Tall Clock by Rufus Cole

American Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Tall Clock by Rufus Cole

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 Clocks

Materials

Walnut

Early 1900s Carved Walnut Durfee Case Elliot Movement 5 Tube Grandfather Clock
Early 1900s Carved Walnut Durfee Case Elliot Movement 5 Tube Grandfather Clock

Early 1900s Carved Walnut Durfee Case Elliot Movement 5 Tube Grandfather Clock

American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820
By Silas Hoadley
Located in Charleston, 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 Clocks

Materials

Brass

American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820
American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820

American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820

Related Items
Georgian Walnut Tall Case Clock by Thomas Smith of Norwich
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine 8 day tall case clock by Thomas Smith of Norwich, the three original giltwood urn finials over arched hood having molded cornice, the brass dial with engraved boss reading "Tho’s Smith - Norwich" the dial with second dial and calendar ring...
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Mid-18th Century English Antique Federal Clocks

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Brass

Georgian Walnut Tall Case Clock by Thomas Smith of Norwich
Georgian Walnut Tall Case Clock by Thomas Smith of Norwich

Georgian Walnut Tall Case Clock by Thomas Smith of Norwich

H 96 in W 19.25 in D 10.5 in
Rococo Giltwood Clock
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine 18th century rococo carved and giltwood shelf clock, the crest with stork holding a bone in his beak pearched on a romantic castle ruin with carved...
Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Federal Clocks

Materials

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Rococo Giltwood Clock
Rococo Giltwood Clock

Rococo Giltwood Clock

H 17.5 in W 12 in D 5 in
19th Century English Mahogany Tall Case Clock
By James Ritchie
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century English tall case clock crafted of beautiful figured and crotch, bookmatched mahogany with turned columns flanking dial case and door. Decorative brass ball finials on carved split-pediment top. Colorful painted surround illustrates a tavern scene from the Robert Burns narrative poem, Tam O'Shanter. Signature and town of the clockmaker on the painted dial: James Ritchie...
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Early 19th Century Scottish Antique Federal Clocks

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Brass

19th Century English Mahogany Tall Case Clock
19th Century English Mahogany Tall Case Clock

19th Century English Mahogany Tall Case Clock

H 85.5 in W 20 in D 9.5 in
Antique 19th Century Early American Seth Thomas Tall Case Grandfather Clock
By Seth Thomas Clock Company
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful Seth Thomas long case clock, circa first half 19th century. Features an American poplar case in Early American styling with an open pediment, c...
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Early 19th Century Antique Federal Clocks

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Antique 19th Century Early American Seth Thomas Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Antique 19th Century Early American Seth Thomas Tall Case Grandfather Clock

Antique 19th Century Early American Seth Thomas Tall Case Grandfather Clock

H 94 in W 18.5 in D 10.5 in
Antique Georgian Tall Case 8 Day Grandfather Clock Joseph Thompson of Whitehaven
By John Thompson
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique Georgian Regency period tall case 8 day inlaid mahogany grandfather clock, by Joseph Thompson of Whitehaven, circa 1820. The clock is made of figured flame mahogany an...
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1820s English Antique Federal Clocks

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Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood

Antique Georgian Tall Case 8 Day Grandfather Clock Joseph Thompson of Whitehaven
Antique Georgian Tall Case 8 Day Grandfather Clock Joseph Thompson of Whitehaven

Antique Georgian Tall Case 8 Day Grandfather Clock Joseph Thompson of Whitehaven

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19th Century Swedish Ántique Grandfather Clock Tall Case Clock Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Folk Art tall case clock from Luleå Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. Made in wood. Nice details and beautiful carvings. Beautiful handpainted flowers on the front. The M...
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Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Federal Clocks

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Pine

19th Century Swedish Ántique Grandfather Clock Tall Case Clock Original Paint
19th Century Swedish Ántique Grandfather Clock Tall Case Clock Original Paint

19th Century Swedish Ántique Grandfather Clock Tall Case Clock Original Paint

H 94.89 in W 23.23 in D 8.27 in
Antique Ithaca Clock Co. Tall Case Walnut Grandfather Clock C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced Delivery Rates - See Below or Click “Ask The Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Ithaca Clock Co. Tall Case Walnut Grandfather Clock C1920 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Clocks

Materials

Wood

Antique Ithaca Clock Co. Tall Case Walnut Grandfather Clock C1920
Antique Ithaca Clock Co. Tall Case Walnut Grandfather Clock C1920

Antique Ithaca Clock Co. Tall Case Walnut Grandfather Clock C1920

H 87.75 in W 19 in D 111.25 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 Clocks

Materials

Nutwood, Spruce

Tall Case Clock, Bristol, England, circa 1830, Victorian
Tall Case Clock, Bristol, England, circa 1830, Victorian

Tall Case Clock, Bristol, England, circa 1830, Victorian

H 92.52 in W 25.2 in D 10.24 in
Early 19th Century American Pillar & Scroll Clock in Mahogany
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early 19th Century American Pillar & Scroll Clock in Mahogany with Eglomise Painted Landscape Scene
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century American Pillar & Scroll Clock in Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Pillar & Scroll Clock in Mahogany

Early 19th Century American Pillar & Scroll Clock in Mahogany

H 31.5 in W 17.5 in D 4.5 in
Antique Georgian Tall Case 8 Day Grandfather Calendar Clock Carved Oak Case 1780
Located in Portland, OR
A very good 18th century early George III 8 day tall carved oak case grandfather clock, Gulielmus (William) Dickinson & George Brownless, of Staindrop Village, County Durham, England...
Category

1770s English Antique Federal Clocks

Materials

Brass

Antique Georgian Tall Case 8 Day Grandfather Calendar Clock Carved Oak Case 1780
Antique Georgian Tall Case 8 Day Grandfather Calendar Clock Carved Oak Case 1780

Antique Georgian Tall Case 8 Day Grandfather Calendar Clock Carved Oak Case 1780

H 81 in W 21.5 in D 11 in
Waltham 8 Day Banjo Clock for Shreve Crump and Low, Simon Willard Patent
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of the Waltham “Willard” presentation model weight driven banjo clock. Waltham banjo clocks of Willard Design are faithful reproduc...
Category

20th Century American Federal Clocks

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Brass

Waltham 8 Day Banjo Clock for Shreve Crump and Low, Simon Willard Patent
Waltham 8 Day Banjo Clock for Shreve Crump and Low, Simon Willard Patent

Waltham 8 Day Banjo Clock for Shreve Crump and Low, Simon Willard Patent

H 40 in W 10.25 in D 3.88 in
French White Marble and Ormolu Pillar Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
French ormolu and white marble pillar clock with ormolu mounts surmounted by an ornate finial with and standing on four gilded bun feet. The four pillars have fine ormolu mounts and are decorated with ornate chain swags. Enamel dial with Arabic numerals and finely cut original gilded hands. Eight day French striking movement with outside countwheel and starburst pendulum, circa 1870 An exceptionally fine French pillar clock...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French White Marble and Ormolu Pillar Mantel Clock
French White Marble and Ormolu Pillar Mantel Clock

French White Marble and Ormolu Pillar Mantel Clock

H 14.75 in W 7.25 in D 3.5 in
Previously Available Items
Henry Hahn Reading, Pennsylvania Cherry Tall Clock with Moon Phase Dial
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a cherry tall case clock by Henry Hahn of Reading, PA, active clockmaker from 1790-1820, with broken pediment carved arched bonnet with scroll rosettes, urn finials...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Clocks

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Metal

Henry Hahn Reading, Pennsylvania Cherry Tall Clock with Moon Phase Dial
Henry Hahn Reading, Pennsylvania Cherry Tall Clock with Moon Phase Dial

Henry Hahn Reading, Pennsylvania Cherry Tall Clock with Moon Phase Dial

H 92.5 in W 20.25 in D 10.5 in
New Hampshire Federal Mahogany And Tiger Maple Banjo Clock
Located in Essex, MA
With urn finial over a round clock face with painted iron dial and Roman numerals. Hinged glass bezel. Waisted case with finely figured tiger maple flanked by carved mahogany side a...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Clocks

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Brass, Iron

New Hampshire Federal Mahogany And Tiger Maple Banjo Clock
New Hampshire Federal Mahogany And Tiger Maple Banjo Clock

New Hampshire Federal Mahogany And Tiger Maple Banjo Clock

H 42 in W 10.25 in D 3.75 in
Antique American Simon Willard & Son 8 Day Banjo Clock Patent Timepiece 1825
Located in Portland, OR
Rare antique American Simon Willard & Son Mahogany Patent Timepiece or "Banjo" Clock, Boston, Massachusetts, c. 1825. The case made of Cuban mahogany with figured mahogany panels to ...
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1820s American Antique Federal Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique American Simon Willard & Son 8 Day Banjo Clock Patent Timepiece 1825
Antique American Simon Willard & Son 8 Day Banjo Clock Patent Timepiece 1825

Antique American Simon Willard & Son 8 Day Banjo Clock Patent Timepiece 1825

H 34 in W 10.25 in D 4 in
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 cloc...
Category

1910s American Vintage Federal Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

Bailey Banks & Biddle Mahogany Federal Style Case Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Bailey Banks & Biddle Mahogany Federal Style Case Tall Case Grandfather Clock

Bailey Banks & Biddle Mahogany Federal Style Case Tall Case Grandfather Clock

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 Clocks

Materials

Brass

Rare Old American Stennes Fed, Sty, Inlaid Mahog, Automaton 8day Longcase Clock
Rare Old American Stennes Fed, Sty, Inlaid Mahog, Automaton 8day Longcase Clock

Rare Old American Stennes Fed, Sty, Inlaid Mahog, Automaton 8day Longcase Clock

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-...
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19th Century Antique Federal Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Mahogany Grandfather Longcase Clock
Antique Mahogany Grandfather Longcase Clock

Antique Mahogany Grandfather Longcase Clock

H 94 in W 22 in D 14 in
Mid Century Seth Thomas Brookfield Banjo 8 Day Springwound Eagle Wall Clock
By Seth Thomas Clock Company
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 1950s Seth Thomas Brookfield Colonial banjo style 8-day spring wound, pendulum, chiming wall clock with eagle finial. “Fabulous re-creation of the circa 1810 Willard Banjo Clock...
Category

1950s Vintage Federal Clocks

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Seth Thomas Brookfield Banjo 8 Day Springwound Eagle Wall Clock
Mid Century Seth Thomas Brookfield Banjo 8 Day Springwound Eagle Wall Clock

Mid Century Seth Thomas Brookfield Banjo 8 Day Springwound Eagle Wall Clock

H 29.5 in W 9.75 in D 4 in
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 Clocks

Materials

Oak

Antique Federal Style Carved Oak Tall Case Clock by Ithaca, 20th C
Antique Federal Style Carved Oak Tall Case Clock by Ithaca, 20th C

Antique Federal Style Carved Oak Tall Case Clock by Ithaca, 20th C

H 87.5 in W 19 in D 10.75 in
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 Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Diminutive Timothy Chandler Federal Cherry Case Tall Clock Concord NH circa 1800
Diminutive Timothy Chandler Federal Cherry Case Tall Clock Concord NH circa 1800

Diminutive Timothy Chandler Federal Cherry Case Tall Clock Concord NH circa 1800

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 Clocks

Materials

Cherry

American Cherry Rocking Ship Tall Case or Grandfather Clock
American Cherry Rocking Ship Tall Case or Grandfather Clock

American Cherry Rocking Ship Tall Case or Grandfather Clock

H 91 in W 21 in D 9 in
Aaron Willard Mahogany Tall Case Clock with Moon Phase Dial 1793
By Aaron Willard
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 Clocks

Materials

Brass

Aaron Willard Mahogany Tall Case Clock with Moon Phase Dial 1793
Aaron Willard Mahogany Tall Case Clock with Moon Phase Dial 1793

Aaron Willard Mahogany Tall Case Clock with Moon Phase Dial 1793

H 96 in W 20.75 in D 10.5 in
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 Clocks

Materials

Wood

Long Case Dwarf Wood Clock
Long Case Dwarf Wood Clock

Long Case Dwarf Wood Clock

H 54 in W 12 in D 8.5 in

Federal clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Federal 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 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 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 clocks, popular names associated with this style include Eli Terry & Sons, Elmer O. Stennes, Seth Thomas Clock Company, 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 clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $470 and tops out at $18,500 while the average work can sell for $6,800.

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