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
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
$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
$1,295
H 10.38 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
Tiffany & Co. Crystal Liquor Decanter, Cut Glass, USA, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Crystal whiskey decanter by Tiffany and Co. Features a vertical arching lines on top of cubic cuts garnishing the lower half of the decanter. ...
Crystal
Set of Ten English Cut Crystal Wine Glasses
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful set of ten mid-20th century English Stuart crystal wine glasses with wheel and panel cut design including thumbprint impression...
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
$795 / item
H 6.11 in Dm 3.94 in
Cut Crystal Glass Whisky Decanter/ Carafe Barware Handcrafted in Italy
By Corinna Warm, WARM
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Crystal Glass Decanter with solid glass stopper, hand-crafted in Italy 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
French Saint Louis Crystal Thistle Whiskey Carafe/ Decanter
By Saint Louis
Located in Vilnius, LT
French Saint Louis crystal whiskey carafe/decanter decorated with gold pattern from "Thistle" collection. Very good condition.
Crystal, Gold
$1,295 / item
H 11 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Orrefors Crystal Drinks Decanters by Nils Landberg 'Individually Priced'
Located in Austin, TX
A fine pair of large crystal drinks decanters or ship's decanters for wine, whiskey, and spirits, designed by Nils Landberg for Orrefors, Sweden, wh...
Crystal
Nils Landberg for Orrefors Crystal Ship Decanter 4200-731
Located in Sheffield, MA
Heavy crystal ship decanter by Nils Landberg for Orrefors, number 4200-731. The shape of the decanter, with the weight being spread out at the ba...
Crystal
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 12.5 in W 13.5 in D 5.25 in
Victorian Oak and Silver Metal Tantalus with Crystal Decanters
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Original antique Victorian oak and silver metal tantalus with three crystal decanters. Comes with key to lock in the liquor or wine decanters.
Silver