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.
Set of 4 Spaulding Federal-Style Sterling Silver Mint Julep Cups
By Gorham Manufacturing Company, Spaulding & Company
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Federal-style sterling silver mint julep cups. Made by Spaulding & Co. (part of Gorham) in Chicago, ca 1920. Each: Straight and gently tapering sides and molded rims. A wond...
Sterling Silver
Large Round Mid Century Metal Eagle Motif Serving Tray in Red White and Blue
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A very large round Americana metal serving tray. This piece will be great for serving drinks or hanging on a wall. It is created from metal and features an Americana Federal painted ...
Metal
$675 / set
Federal Highball Cocktail Glasses
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of five (5) highball cocktail glasses in the Federal style, circa mid-20th century, USA. Gold eagle and shield are font/center, flanke...
Glass
Pair of Petite Cut Glass Crystal Decanters, C1930
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous petite pair of cut glass crystal decanters in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Not cloudy or stained. Some wear to bottom edge.
Crystal
Vintage Stieff Smithsonian Silver Plated Presidential Wine Bottle Coaster - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Stieff "Smithsonian Institution" Silver Plated Presidential Wine Bottle Coasters - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 1.5" H x 5" W x 5" D.
Silver Plate
$975
H 2.25 in W 23.25 in D 11.25 in
Aldo Tura Serving Bar Tray -- Red Goatskin & Brass -- Mid Century Italian
By Aldo Tura
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is an impressively large and striking mid-century tray by Italian designer Aldo Tura. Because of the scale of this piece, it could be used for myriad purposes, from entertaining...
Brass
$650 / set
H 5.5 in Dm 2.75 in
22-Karat Gold Moroccan Themed Vintage Cocktail Highball Glasses, circa 1965
By Culver Ltd.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful set of Moroccan themed cocktail / highball glasses adorned in 22-karat gold. Glasses show no wear and are in great condition. This style was showcased in the feature film "Scarface" starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer. (See photo) A perfect addition to your home, these glasses are meant to be displayed and enjoyed on your bar or bar cart. The glasses also add a Don Draper...
Gold
Tiffany & Co sterling silver set of 4 shot / cup # 25005
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of 4 cups / shots in sterling silver model number 25005.
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Art Deco Period Octagonal Mug/Cup by Blankensee
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver, Art Deco period, octagonal-shaped mug/cup, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1923, S. Blankensee and Sons - makers. Measures 3 1/4 inches high x 3 1/16 inches...
Sterling Silver
Midcentury Greek Themed 22-Karat Gold Highball Glasses
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Get Greek with this beautiful set of 8 highball glasses and convenient carrier. The glasses are printed 22-karat gold, each square with a different Greek image. Sure to add some sult...
Gold
$450 / set
H 7 in Dm 2.5 in
1950s Silver Foliage Highball Cocktail Glasses by Libbey Glass Co Set of 8
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage 1950s Libbey Glass Co. "Silver Foliage" Pattern Tom Collins Glasses Set of 8. Set of 8 "Silver Foliage" highball cocktail glasses by Libbey Glass Co. Elegant vintage Libbey barware frosted...
Glass
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 3 in Dm 5.5 in
Magnificent English Silver Plated Putti Motif Large Wine Coaster, Elkington
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Magnificent English silver plated putti motif large wine coaster, attributed to Elkington. With pierced body with 9 frolicking draped babes with baskets of flowers, engine turned bot...
Silver Plate
$1,029
H 1.58 in Dm 15.75 in
Mid-Century Tortoiseshell Lucite and Brass Serving Tray by Guzzini, Italy 1970s
By Guzzini
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century round tray in tortoiseshell effect lucite and brass. This fantastic serving piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s by Guzzini with the clear influence of ...
Metal, Brass
$1,544Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.97 in W 16.93 in D 11.03 in
French Faux Bamboo Vanity Tray or Serving Tray in Brass and Bronze
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful early 20th century faux bamboo brass tray with handles and foliage details. France, 1930s This eye-catching faux bamboo tray with mi...
Brass, Bronze
$1,165 / item
H 10.04 in Dm 3.94 in
Cut Crystal Glass Barware Gift Set Decanter Carafe 2 Tumbler Crafted in Italy
By Corinna Warm, WARM
Located in Santa Monica, CA
The 'Well' collection was conceived to elevate and celebrate drinking water in a vessel worthy of its importance. In collaboration with Italian crystal company Mario Cioni, Designer Corinna Warm created a unique, handcrafted, mouth blown, cut crystal water carafe...
Crystal
Cut Crystal Glass Set of 2 Tumblers Barware Handcrafted in Italy
By Corinna Warm, WARM
Located in Santa Monica, CA
The 'Well' collection was conceived to elevate and celebrate drinking water in a vessel worthy of its importance. In collaboration with Italian crystal company Mario Cioni, Designer Corinna Warm created a unique, handcrafted, mouth blown, cut crystal water carafe...
Crystal
$18,500 / set
H 11.5 in Dm 5 in
Six-Piece Cut Crystal Liquors Set Four Decanters, Claret & Pitcher, 19th Century
By Baccarat
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a rare and exceptional 19th century crystal drinks set attributed to Baccarat. The service consists of four matching decanters, a claret jug and a matching water pitcher. Eac...
Crystal
Vintage Federal Eagle Metal Table Lighter
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful Americana metal federal eagle table lighter. This piece will look great on a coffee table or at a bar. It is square and in a brass or gold color. Each side is decorated w...
Metal
Sold
H 13 in W 9.25 in D 6.25 in
New York Federal Classical Coin Silver Flagon by Nicholas James Bogert
By Nicholas James Bogert
Located in New York, NY
Federal classical coin silver flagon. Made by Nicholas James Bogert in New York, ca 1820. Upward tapering cylinder on spread and stepped base. S-scroll handle with ribbed thumb rest ...
Silver
Pair of Stieff American Sterling Silver Jefferson Cups
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sterling silver Jefferson cups. Made by Stieff in Baltimore. Each: Straight sides and curved bottom. Easy grip with a gentle, soothing rock. Grea...
Sterling Silver