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 10 American Silver Bicentennial Plates of Historical Moments
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 10 American Mid-Century pewter Bicentennial plates of historical moments each having a different scene in relief (PRICED AS SET
Pewter
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Federal Style Sabin Crest -O- Gold Warranted 22K Gold Dinner Plate, Set of 6
Located in Plainview, NY
A Classical American federal style set of 6 vintage Sabin Crest-O-Gold 22K Gold Trim dinner Plates. Used to serve your favorite dessert or t...
Gold
Armorial Service of Samson Chinese Export Porcelain for the American Market
By Edmé Samson
Located in Essex, MA
Partial set of Samson hand painted Chinese Export style porcelain for the American Market. In beautiful orange trim with hand printed gilt motif. American eagle in centre with Shi...
Porcelain
Japanese Imari Dinner Plates, Set of 10
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very good set of 10 Japanese Imari hand painted dinner plates that date to the Meiji period. All 10 plates are in very good original condition, showing only hints of use. T...
Porcelain
Coalport Six-Piece Set of Gold Dinner Plates
Located in San Francisco, CA
Revive the glory of the Gilded Age (minus the backstabbing, corsets vs rib removal, and arsenic for skin whitening) at your dinner table. If your dining area is all gloomy gray with...
Porcelain
$3,885 / set
H 1 in Dm 9 in
Set of 4 Chinese Export Porcelain Plates with Floral Decoration & Armorial Crest
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of 4 Chinese Export Porcelain Plates with Floral Decoration & Armorial Crest, ca. 1760
Porcelain
Set of 12 English Raised Gilt Porcelain Dinner Service Plates
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A regal set of 12 elaborately gild service plates, by Royal Worcester. The set with delicate broad gilt borders with a white porcelain background. The mark on the back from 1950.
Porcelain
Set of 12 Minton Gold Rimmed Porcelain Ball Dinner Plates
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
One of Minton's most popular patterns is named "Porcelain Ball” which features a large diameter plate bordered by a gold and white floral decoratio...
Porcelain
Capo Di Monte Armorial Porcelain Cabinet Plates, Set of 12
Located in Hixson, TN
An exquisite set of 12 Capo di Monte Armorial porcelain cabinet plates from the late 19th century. Each is painted with a unique familial crest in the center with a gilt border, scr...
Porcelain
Set of 12 Coalport English Porcelain Dinner Plates
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous set of 12 antique English Coalport porcelain turquoise and gold encrusted dinner plates. Circa 1920. A timeless and classic touch for a fine interior. 10.5 inch diameter.
Porcelain
Large German Porcelain Dinner Service, Meissen, circa 1875
Located in New York, NY
Delicately painted in German taste with rose camaieu flowers, the cavetto with spiral molding insterspersed with flowers, and the border with variations of basket weaving. Covered tureen and stand, pair of entree dishes, bowl, sauceboat, fish platter, meat platter, 12 dinner plates, 12 soup bowls, 12 coffee cup and saucers, 12 demi tasse cup and saucers...
Porcelain
Set of Twelve Audubon Birds of America Plates
By Adams
Located in New York, NY
Set of twelve Audubon Birds of America plates. Twelve John James Audubon Birds of America plates with floral border featuring: wild turkey, long-billed curlew, canvas back duck, Florida jay, Baltimore oriole, American flamingo, pileated woodpecker, ruffed grouse, snowy egret, bird of Washington (eagle), cedar waxwing and Canada goose. All in very good condition with no chips or cracks; some crazing to several plates. Ceramic plates in the Birds of America pattern produced by Adams England...
Ceramic, Pottery
$4,500 / set
H 10 in Dm 10.13 in
Mid-Century Romanze Porcelain Dinner Service by Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, near complete Mid-Century modern porcelain dinner service. By Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. In the Romanze form and Medley pattern. Consisting of: 10 Large Dinner Plates ...
Porcelain
$16,449 / set
H 1.58 in W 12.6 in D 10.63 in
Chamberlains Armorial Plate Set from the Carnatic Service Nawab of the Carnatic
Located in London, GB
Chamberlains received an order for two magnicent services which were made for Nawab of the Carnatic, Azam Jah (r.1819-1825), around 1820 (India). The pink set...
Porcelain
$29,963Sale Price / set|24% Off
H 1 in Dm 10 in
1767 Sebastian & James Crespell 'George III' Set of 12 Sterling Silver Plates
By Sebastian James Crespell
Located in North Miami, FL
Presenting an exquisite set of twelve English silver dinner plates, dating back to the 18th century (1767) during the reign of King George III. These remarkable pieces of craftsmansh...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.75 in W 10.32 in D 10.32 in
Vintage "The Washington Plate" Red Staffordshire Plate by Jon Roth
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a red-glazed transferware plate, originally imported by Jon Roth for sale at the Historic Mount Vernon estate. Made in Staffordshire, England, this specific pattern cele...
Ceramic, Pottery
Rare 18th Century Antique Nathaniel Austin American Pewter Plate Dish
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique 18th century pewter plate, marked with the post-American Revolution eagle mark of Nathaniel Austin. Nathaniel Austin was christ...
Pewter