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.
$240Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Waterford Crystal Lismore Carriage Clock
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
An elegant addition to any mantle or desk, the Lismore Carriage Clock features an elegant cream clockface with Roman numerals and brass finish, set in a sweeping frame of fine, handc...
Crystal
American Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Mantel Clock, Eli Terry, Circa 1825
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...
Brass
$297Sale Price|30% Off
Mason & Sullivan West German Oak Pillar & Scroll Shelf Mantel Clock 31"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid to late 20th century Mason & Sullivan pillar and scroll style, chiming, key wound mantel / shelf clock. Slim rectangular wooden case flanked with slender pillars and scrollwo...
Glass
$9,500
H 31 in W 17.25 in D 4.5 in
American Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Mantel Clock by Eli Terry, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany pillar and scroll mantel clock with carved scrolled pediment, brass finials, original works, reverse painted glass of Mt. Vernon, a...
Antique Enameled Gilt Bronze Carriage Clock
Located in London, GB
The contrast between rich blue enamel, in light and dark hues, and bright gilt bronze gives this carriage clock a sumptuous, luxurious feel. With a t...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Victorian Gilded Carriage Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Victorian Gorge case carriage clock. Victorian carriage clock in a finely gilded gorge case, standing on a raised base with pad feet. Bevelled g...
Brass
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...
Marble, Ormolu
Arts & Crafts Oak Cased Mantel Clock with Copper Dial
Located in Norwich, GB
Arts & Crafts oak cased mantel clock. Two columns with brass capitals support either side of the dial with brass inlay decoration to the front panel. Copper dial...
Copper
$9,800
H 31 in W 17.25 in D 4.5 in
American Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Mantel Clock by Eli Terry, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany pillar and scroll mantel clock with carved scrolled pediment, brass finials, original works, signed reverse painted glass, and term...
Vintage Brass Tiffany & Co. Pagoda Form Carriage Clock
Located in Houston, TX
Tiffany & Co. brass pagoda-form carriage clock is an exceptional piece blending classic timekeeping with refined architectural form. Modeled in the style of a traditional pagoda...
Brass
Art Deco Mantel Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
Original condition, perfect working Softwood covered with nutveneer attributed to Kienze
Nutwood, Softwood
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
Mahogany
Antique Victorian Quality Brass Carriage Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality brass carriage clock Having a quality brass carriage clock with bevelled edge glass panels white enamel dial with Roman numerals original hands 8 day moveme...
Brass
$125
H 4 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
Vintage Waterford Crystal Glass Diamond Shaped Meridian Small Desk Clock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Waterford Crystal Glass Diamond Shaped Meridian Small Desk Clock in Working Condition. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 4" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D.
Crystal
$6,042
H 16 in W 18.5 in D 6.25 in
French porcelain and ormolu mantel clock with silver highlights mantel clock
Located in London, GB
French porcelain and ormolu mantel clock with silver highlights mantel clock. A superb Napoleon III clock in the Louis XVIth style. The original fire/mercury gilt ormolu in very good...
Bronze