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.
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
$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
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
$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
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
Extra Large Bohemian Crystal Persian Style Decanter
Located in Vilnius, LT
Extra large Bohemian Persian style hand cut crystal decanter. Excellent vintage condition.
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
Set of 2 Cut Crystal High Ball Glasses 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
$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
Mid-Century Baccarat Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac Crystal Decanter
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A hand-blown Baccarat Remy Martin Louis XIII crystal decanter bottle with stopper, circa 1957-1967. This piece is an exact replica of a rare decanter us...
Crystal
$650 / item
H 2.75 in Dm 5.5 in
Vintage Mid Century 22-Karat Gold Highball Cocktail Glasses Set of 8, circa 1965
By Culver Ltd.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Dress your cocktails in high style with these beautiful tall highball cocktail glasses in mint condition. This Mid Century Modern set dates back to the 1960s - dressing up sexy bars for decades - and features an elegant 22-karat gold plated MCM pattern. These sexy Mid Century cocktail glasses...
Gold
Cocktail Serving Tray, Champagne Spirits Labels, Mid 20th Century, Japan
Located in New York, NY
A round cocktail serving tray with gold leaf and decoupage collage of champagne and spirits labels, circa mid‑20th century, Japan. A chic round serving tray with gold-leaf and a deco...
Gold Leaf
1970s Mid-Century Modern Brass and Glass Italian Serving Tray
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A rectangular fake bamboo brass and glass serving tray designed and manufactured in Italy in the Seventies, it's in good conditions overall. This Italian Serving Tray is a stylish an...
Brass
$4,200 / set
H 9.5 in Dm 4.25 in
Webb Hand Blown Apple Green Overlay Crystal Decanter Set W/ 12 Cordials
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a perfect set of 12 handblown crystal cordials cut to clear in an Art Deco inspired floral pattern made by Webb, England. The base is cut with a radiating star pattern and an...
Crystal
$731Sale Price|25% Off
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
Vintage Hand-Hammered Large Brass Round Serving Tray Barware
Located in North Miami, FL
This versatile extra large polished brass serving tray is hand-hammered. It has been professionally polished. The semicircle apron design on the perimeter is sculptural. Great for ba...
Brass
Vintage Danish Modern Large Serving Tray in Teak, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A large rectangular serving tray measuring 60x40x4.5 cm. It is lightweight but built as a tank with solid teak profiles with well-made dovetail connections. If you dare it will serve...
Teak
Sold
H 1.5 in W 5 in D 5 in
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
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