Federal Decorative Objects
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
Antique George Washington Plaster Bust After Jean Antoine Houdon
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique molded plaster bust sculpture of President George Washington after the original model by Jean-Antoine Houdon created in 1785, cast by the widely admired P.P. Caproni of ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Cherry, Maple, Satinwood
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 surround, surmounted by a gilt carved eagle...
Category
20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This wood carved and gold gilded antique sconce features a majestic eagle with spread wings beneath a tied bow. The candle arms are of patinated scrolled brass and very finely detail...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
$880 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair Of Carved And Gilded Eagles Italian Animalier Sculptures Mid-19th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Pair Of Eagles In Carved And Gilded Wood from the mid-1800s, this pair of animalier carvings of birds of prey in carved and gilded wood represents a fascinating example of 19th-cent...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
Early 1900s Carved Walnut Durfee Case Elliot Movement 5 Tube Grandfather Clock
By Walter Durfee
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite early 1900s grandfather clock is a fine example of American craftsmanship, featuring a richly carved walnut Durfee case paired with an exceptional Elliot 5-tube chimin...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a cast-iron figural eagle doorstop, circa early 20th century. The eagle is depicted with wings spread wide, perched and mounted to a square marble base. The eagle retains traces of its original gilt surface and is embossed with “F.O.E.” at its midsection, possibly referring to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
The eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. The eagle motif has been widely used throughout American history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Iron
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
Corinithian Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of a corinthian column. Marked in pencil “American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.” Rough unsealed plaster patina.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
$750 Sale Price
21% Off
Gillinder & Sons Washington Bust, 1876
By Gillinder & Sons
Located in Savannah, GA
A Gillinder & Sons milk glass portrait bust of George Washington for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.
3 ½ inches wide by 3 ¼ inches deep by 6 inches tall
Category
1870s American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Milk Glass
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Ionic Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of an ionic column. Marked in pencil “American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.” Rough unsealed plaster patina.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
$750 Sale Price
21% Off
Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form signed Willard on the reverse glass. Boston State house on lower panel. Brass eagle finial. Not currently working but can be.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Antique Terra Cotta Federal Eagles 'Pair'
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Early antique federal eagles [pair] beautiful glaze. ca 1900, came from an antique collectors personal collection, you can see a repair on one of the eag...
Category
Early 20th Century French Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
$1,240 Sale Price
77% Off
Gilt Bronze Bust of George Washington
Located in Montreal, QC
Although the first American President has been much portrayed in paint and bronze; I have not been successful in locating another bronze on which this is based. He is dressed as General Washington...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique John Targee 19th Century American Coin Silver Salver Marked IT
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine early American signed salver.
In coin silver.
Marked I.T.
Attributed to John Targee of New York.
In the form of a large thick-gauged plate with a beaded rim supported by 3...
Category
20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
Vintage Revere Silversmith Sterling Silver Weighted 3 Arm Candelabra Candlestick
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Revere Silversmiths Sterling Silver Weighted (cement reinforced) 3 Arm Candelabra Candle Holder. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 12.75" H ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique American Hardwood Candlesticks, Original Bobeches, circa 1900
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique American pair of hardwood candlesticks - lathe turned - original metal bobeches - original wool felt liners to the bases - unsigned - United States - circa 1900.
Good antiq...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
$556 Sale Price / set
30% Off
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
19th Century Mortar & Pestle with Original Surface
Located in New York, NY
American, late 18th century/early 19th century wooden mortar and pestle. The urn shaped mortar with rich patina has a wonderful ...
Category
1790s Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Maple, Wood
$870 Sale Price / set
40% Off
American Federal Gilt Eagle Figure
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal (19th Cent) life size gilt carved eagle figure standing on serpent and round painted base
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Giltwood
Outstanding Large Oak Carved Eagle Grasping Shield & Three Arrows
Located in Stamford, CT
Outstanding large oak carved eagle grasping shield with three arrows in his talons; most probably by a Philadelphia carver. Found in East Boothbay, Maine at collector's home. Arrows ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Document Box 19th Century American
Located in Hudson, NY
A spectacular and fine, dovetailed poplar, rosewood grain painted and ebonized document box. The gold stenciling is of a very fine quality. Retains the original fire gilded steel bai...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold, Steel
Price Upon Request
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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...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Federal Decorative Objects
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$4,993
H 94.89 in W 23.23 in D 8.27 in
Quality 18th Century Antique Georgian Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality 18th century antique Georgian banjo barometer having a swan neck pediment with a quality shaped figured mahogany case. It boasts an 11 inch silvered engraved dial with origin...
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18th Century English Antique Federal Decorative Objects
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Other
Antique Original Clock Cabinet from Sweden, Hand-Crafted Untouched Veneered Elm
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique clock cabinet made during the early to mid 1800s, circa 1820 to 1840. The cabinet is veneered and waxed elm. The lower cabinet is...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Elm
$5,639
H 88.59 in W 43.31 in D 17.72 in
Late 19th Century Bronze Bust of Louise Brongniart After Jean-Antoine Houdon
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A French bust in bronze with original gold patina is derived from a masterpiece by Jean-Antoine Houdon. The original Bust of Louise Brongniart (1772-...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
$2,291
H 17.72 in W 6.3 in D 9.45 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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Nutwood, Spruce
$6,814 Sale Price
34% Off
H 92.52 in W 25.2 in D 10.24 in
Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century
Located in Manhasset, NY
A fine pair of two-light wall sconce. Each ribbon form in the Federal taste having gilt tassels and bow design with ebonized hi lights. Both depicting a winged eagle in flight. Hard...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$3,250 / set
H 42 in W 13.5 in D 4 in
Regency Mahogany Tall Case Clock By W. Ashford, London
Located in Essex, MA
With arched bonnet with brass finials over a convex glass bezel opening to a steel clock face. Newly cleaned and put in ready to go condition. The case with pendulum door. Weights, k...
Category
1810s English Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Colonial Brass 3 Light Wall Sconces
Located in valatie, NY
Pair of colonial brass 3 light wall sconces. Classic 18th c design sand cast in beautifully patinated brass. They have never been wired.
Category
1940s American Vintage Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Antique 8 Day Tall Case Grandfather Clock Automaton Andrew Rich Bridgewater 1820
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique Georgian Regency period tall case 8 day inlaid mahogany grandfather clock with a rocking figure of Old Father Time, by Andrew Rich of Bridgwater Somerset, circa 1820.
The clock is made of the finest figured flame mahogany & inlaid with satinwood stringing, the clock hood with twin arched 'swan's neck' pediment with brass rosettes & a central brass urn shaped finial. The hood door is flanked by a pair of turned columns with gilt brass capitals & bases, the door enclosing a painted dial with gilding & floral spandrel panels. The clock having an unsul feature of a winged Old Father Time, holding his scythe he rocks backwards & forwards in unison with the pendulum.
The dial with black Roman numerals and having a seconds dial and also a calendar dial, the clock is signed to the center "Rich Bridgwater" (a prosperous historic coastal town & port in the Somerset area of the Southwest of England). The trunk of the case with carved 'ropetwist' pilasters, the door & base inlaid with satinwood stringing, the clock is raised on bracket feet.
The clock has an eight day mechanism & strikes the hours on a mellow sounding bell, the clock chime can be silenced by not winding the chime arbor, original pendulum & weights, winding key is present.
The clock is in excellent antique condition & has just been professionally cleaned and overhauled by a professional clocksmith, it keeps very good time, this elegant antique tall case clock...
Category
1820s English Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
$3,995
H 92 in W 20 in D 10.5 in
Pair Antique 19th Century French Bronze Portrait Busts of Children after Houdon
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique 19th century French neo-classical style bronze portrait busts of Children after Jean-Antoine Houdon.
Category
19th Century French Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$7,300 / set
H 17.5 in W 10.5 in D 10 in
Antique Scottish George Lumsden Mahogany Nautical Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
A very impressive antique 19th century Scottish long case 8 day Grandfather clock by George Lumsden of Pittenweem. Tall Georgian style case featuring barley twisted accents and S sc...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Mahogany, Burl
$3,587 Sale Price
30% Off
H 84 in W 19 in D 10 in
JEAN-ANTOINE HOUDON'S "SCORTICATO" IN PLASTER early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
JEAN-ANTOINE HOUDON'S "SCORTICATO" IN PLASTER early 20th Century
1: 1 reproduction in plaster of the head of the Flayed by the French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (Paris, 1741-1828).
He studied in Rome, at the French Academy...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
$2,702
H 16.54 in W 9.85 in D 7.88 in
Previously Available Items
Antique Italian Federal Style Carved Gold Gilded Candle Wall Sconce - Pair
By Palladio
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Italian Federal Style Figural Carved Gold Gilded Candle Wall Sconce - Pair
Decorate your wall with these ornate gilt wood sconces. E...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Pair Antique Sandwich Glass Whale Oil Lamps c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
This elegant pair of early 19th-century Sandwich Glass whale oil lamps is a striking example of American craftsmanship from the 1820s. The lamps feature a delicate etched floral desi...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Vintage Carved Spreadwing Wooden Eagle
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an original American eagle, hand-carved during the mid 20th century. The eagle is carved with his head angled to the side, both wings fully outstretched, talons gripping a ro...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Felt, Wood
Vintage Brass Spreadwing Eagle, Late 19th Century
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a spread wing eagle, dating to the late 19th century. This brass eagle is rendered with a regal expression and well rendered plumage that shows intricate detail, including individual feathers on the front and back. The eagle’s talons grip a round ball stand, also in brass, that is mounted on a heavy iron rectangular base.
The eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. The eagle motif has been widely used throughout American history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Iron
2nd Maryland Infantry 1777 Porcelain Figurine
Located in Savannah, GA
2nd Maryland Infantry 1777 porcelain figurine.
3 inches wide by 2 inches deep by 8 ½ inches tall
Category
1770s Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
H 92.5 in W 20.25 in D 10.5 in
19th Century Bangor Maine Leather Box
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful, early 19th century leather box with diamond tack pattern on the top. Retaining the original leather covering with brass tack work a...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Iron
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 ...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Mahogany
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Mahogany
H 97 in W 28 in D 18 in
Vintage Hand Painted Tole Box Resembling a Miniature Bowfront Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Hand painted Tole Box Resembling Bowfront Chest of Drawers Capture the essence of vintage charm with this...Mid-Century Modern Vintage Hand Painted Tole Box Resembling a Mini...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Federal Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
H 8.25 in W 12.5 in D 6.5 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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
H 86.5 in W 17.75 in D 11 in
Federal decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal decorative objects made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Chelsea Porcelain, Eli Terry & Sons, Elmer O. Stennes, and Global Views. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $67,500 while the average work can sell for $1,600.
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