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Federal Decorative Objects

22 Results
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
James Hansell Philadelphia Mahogany 8 Day Tall Clock with Moon Phase Dial
James Hansell Philadelphia Mahogany 8 Day Tall Clock with Moon Phase Dial

James Hansell Philadelphia Mahogany 8 Day Tall Clock with Moon Phase Dial

Located in Milford, NH

A fine mahogany case tall clock with 8-day brass works by Philadelphia clockmaker James Hansell (1791-1865), who was the proprietor of his own clock and watch shop from 1816 through ...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

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

Metal, Brass

Mason & Sullivan West German Oak Pillar & Scroll Shelf Mantel Clock 31"
Mason & Sullivan West German Oak Pillar & Scroll Shelf Mantel Clock 31"

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...

Category

20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

American Federal Birch and Birdseye Maple Tall Case Clock, Wingate, ca 1820
American Federal Birch and Birdseye Maple Tall Case Clock, Wingate, ca 1820

American Federal Birch and Birdseye Maple Tall Case Clock, Wingate, ca 1820

By Frederick Wingate

Located in Essex, MA

American Tall Case or Longcase Clock by Frederick Wingate, Augusta, ME 1818. This very well-proportioned clock is made of indigenous wood, birch, Birdseye maple and pine secondary w...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch, Birdseye Maple, Pine

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

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

Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock
Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock

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

Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century

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

Elmer O. Stennes, Weymouth MA Mahogany Grandmother Clock
Elmer O. Stennes, Weymouth MA Mahogany Grandmother Clock

Elmer O. Stennes, Weymouth MA Mahogany Grandmother Clock

By Elmer O. Stennes

Located in Milford, NH

A 20th century grandmother tall clock made by Elmer Stennes (1911-1975) of Weymouth Massachusetts. The mahogany case features an arched bonnet with delicate carved fretwork, and thre...

Category

20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Brass Candelabra with Four Arms Vintage Signed
Brass Candelabra with Four Arms Vintage Signed

Brass Candelabra with Four Arms Vintage Signed

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage brass candelabra in continental or traditional style has 4 figurative arms and heavy, stable round base. Each candle holder is fitted...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Metal, Bronze

Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce
Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce

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

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

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

American Federal Banjo Wall Clock
American Federal Banjo Wall Clock

American Federal Banjo Wall Clock

Located in Queens, NY

American Federal banjo design wall clock with gold stenciling and painted glass ship scene panel. (Not working)

Category

18th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

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

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

Jonathan Fenton Stoneware Jar, J.F. Cartouche & Cobalt Flower, Boston, c.1795
Jonathan Fenton Stoneware Jar, J.F. Cartouche & Cobalt Flower, Boston, c.1795

Jonathan Fenton Stoneware Jar, J.F. Cartouche & Cobalt Flower, Boston, c.1795

Located in Savannah, GA

Ovoid salt-glazed stoneware jar with a footed base, tooled collar, and open loop handles, the handle terminals brushed in cobalt, impressed BOSTON below the collar. One side carries ...

Category

1790s American Antique Federal Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

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

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

Antique American Hardwood Candlesticks, Original Bobeches, circa 1900
Antique American Hardwood Candlesticks, Original Bobeches, circa 1900

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

Antique Federal American Repousse Gilt Metal Centerpiece Bowl
Antique Federal American Repousse Gilt Metal Centerpiece Bowl

Antique Federal American Repousse Gilt Metal Centerpiece Bowl

Located in New York, NY

Extraordinary antique (18th to early 19th century) American federal period gilt copper centerpiece bowl with elaborate repousse designs and openwork, with prominent eagles supporting...

Category

18th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

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French White Marble and Ormolu Pillar Mantel Clock
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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

$1,160Sale Price|20% Off

H 87.75 in W 19 in D 111.25 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 Measures - 87 3/4" x 19" x 1...

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Early 20th Century Federal Decorative Objects

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Arts & Crafts Oak Cased Mantel Clock with Copper Dial
Arts & Crafts Oak Cased Mantel Clock with Copper Dial

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...

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Antique Rococo Revival Grandfather Clock, Hand-Carved Wooden Case
Antique Rococo Revival Grandfather Clock, Hand-Carved Wooden Case

Antique Rococo Revival Grandfather Clock, Hand-Carved Wooden Case

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Antique Rococo Revival grandfather clock featuring an exceptionally ornate hand-carved wooden case with rich sculptural detailing. The design is dominated by flowing acanthus leaves,...

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Art Deco Mantel Clock
Art Deco Mantel Clock

Art Deco Mantel Clock

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Art Deco Mantel Clock

By Kienzle Clocks

Located in Vienna, AT

Original condition, perfect working Softwood covered with nutveneer attributed to Kienze

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Nutwood, Softwood

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Mahogany 9 Tube Tall Case Grandfather Clock
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Located in Long Branch, NJ

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Mahogany 9 Tube Tall Case Grandfather Clock Dimensions : 95.5" Tall X 25.5" Wide X 18" Deep This stunning clock was ...

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Large Station Clock with Moon Phase and Calendar, 78 cm
Large Station Clock with Moon Phase and Calendar, 78 cm

Large Station Clock with Moon Phase and Calendar, 78 cm

Located in Apeldoorn, NL

A unique industrial station clock featuring a large enamel-style dial, original calendar functions, and a decorative moon phase display. The clock includes its original steel hanging...

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Previously Available Items
Vintage Hand-Carved Mahogany Eagle with Shield
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Vintage Hand-Carved Mahogany Eagle with Shield

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Presented is a beautiful hand-carved spreadwing eagle plaque. This 20th century wood eagle is carved of mahogany and handsomely polished. With its feather spread out, the eagle clutc...

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Eagle Wall Plaque in Gilt Wood by Palladio of Italy
Eagle Wall Plaque in Gilt Wood by Palladio of Italy

Eagle Wall Plaque in Gilt Wood by Palladio of Italy

Located in San Francisco, CA

On offer is a hand-carved wooden wall hanging of an eagle. The symbolism of the eagle with spread wings, clutching the two crossed arrows, is a traditional motif representing strengt...

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Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Decorative Objects

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1970's American Heirloom Hand Stained Top Grain Hide Leather Waste Can
1970's American Heirloom Hand Stained Top Grain Hide Leather Waste Can

1970's American Heirloom Hand Stained Top Grain Hide Leather Waste Can

By Heirloom

Located in San Diego, CA

1970's American Leather wrapped over removable tin waste can . by Heirloom , nice worn patina with the inside tine shows marks due to normal wear and tear can be resprayed if desired.

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Tin

Antique George Washington Plaster Bust After Jean Antoine Houdon
Antique George Washington Plaster Bust After Jean Antoine Houdon

Antique George Washington Plaster Bust After Jean Antoine Houdon

By 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 ...

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Vintage Waterford Crystal Lismore Carriage Clock
Vintage Waterford Crystal Lismore Carriage Clock

Vintage Waterford Crystal Lismore Carriage Clock

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Located in Clifton Springs, NY

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Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock
Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock

Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock

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H 40 in W 10 in D 5 in

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.

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1820s American Antique Federal Decorative Objects

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Metal

Vintage Carved Spreadwing Wooden Eagle
Vintage Carved Spreadwing Wooden Eagle

Vintage Carved Spreadwing Wooden Eagle

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H 10.5 in W 21.25 in D 6.25 in

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...

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Vintage Brass Spreadwing Eagle, Late 19th Century
Vintage Brass Spreadwing Eagle, Late 19th Century

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...

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2nd Maryland Infantry 1777 Porcelain Figurine
2nd Maryland Infantry 1777 Porcelain Figurine

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Located in Savannah, GA

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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

Located in Milford, NH

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Located in Hudson, NY

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Brass

Gillinder & Sons Washington Bust, 1876
Gillinder & Sons Washington Bust, 1876

Gillinder & Sons Washington Bust, 1876

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H 6 in W 3.5 in D 3.25 in

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

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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.