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.
"Apotheosis" of George Washington Creamware Jug- Large Size
Located in Downingtown, PA
Ascending to Glory: A Monumental Liverpool Creamware Jug Celebrating Washington's Apotheosis Historical Context: From Man to Myth George Washington's...
Creamware, Pottery
Marquand New York Federal Classical Coin Silver Water Pitcher
Located in New York, NY
American Federal Classical coin silver water pitcher, ca 1825. Ovoid bowl; short support and raised foot. Helmet mouth and capped and high-looping s-scroll handle. Low-relief leaf-an...
Silver
Rare Early 19th Century American Porcelain Pitcher by Tucker & Hemphill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine and rare, early 19th century Tucker and Hemphill porcelain pitcher. Of classic form with typical polychrome floral sprays to both sides and gilt decoration. Tucker and Hemphill was the important first large-scale producer of porcelain in America. They operated in Philadelphia from 1826-1838, and pieces are extraordinarily hard to find and highly coveted by American collectors. For comparable examples, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art's online collection. Simply a wonderful piece of early American porcelain...
Porcelain
Cantagalli Italian Large Impressive Crested Maiolica Pottery Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very large and impressive Italian Maiolica pottery handled jug by renowned potter Ulisse Cantagalli (Italian, 1839-1901) and dating from around 1860. The jug stands on a narrow flat round unglazed base with a large round bulbous shaped body and with a large shaped raised pouring spout with a wide strap shaped loop handle. The jug is hand painted with a framed crest to the front of the jug with floral painted panels...
Pottery
$575
H 2.66 in W 2.56 in D 2.76 in
Stephen Green Lambeth Salt Glazed Stoneware Miniature Napoleon Cream Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A scarce antique early stoneware salt glazed cream jug modelled as a bust of Napoleon by Stephen Green, Lambeth and dating from around 1840. This delight...
Stoneware
Sterling Water Pitcher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
There isn’t much in the way of decoration but the shape and style of this water pitcher is fabulous. Notice the curved body juxtaposed against the straight handle. There’s a ribbing pattern along the neck that’s complimented in the lines and curl in the handle. The spout is narrow, which is helpful when pouring. There is an Old English letter L monogram...
Sterling Silver
Silver Water Pitcher with Japanese Flower Etching
By Orf Silver
Located in Asheville, NC
This elegant example of Aesthetic Movement silver was manufactured by ORF Silver Company. This decorative motif clearly displays the influence of Japanese art on Victorian design. Th...
Early 19th Century French Utzschneider & Cie Sarreguemines Pitcher
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a very rare early 19th century French Utzschneider & Cie Sarreguemines Pitcher….Fleurus. Pattern. The pitcher is a classical French Sarreguemines piece of pottery, from circa 1830. This is an early piece of French transferware...
Ceramic
19th Century French Rustic Pottery Pitcher
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French pottery pitcher. Pottery from Normandy.
Pottery
$1,250 / set
H 18 in W 9 in D 13 in
Mid-19th Century American Victorian Silver Plated Pitcher on Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent classical American fancy silver plated ice water pitcher and swing stand serving set. Circa 1860s Exquisitely crafted in the mid-19th cent...
Silver Plate
19th Century French Pitcher
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French Jersey pitcher.
Ceramic
Victorian George Jones Majolica Rustic Blossom Pitcher
By George Jones
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
George Jones Majolica jug/pitcher which features pink and white blossom (hawthorn or mayflower), and green leaves on brown, bark effect ground and a rustic branch...
Majolica
Antique Silver Plated Insulated Hot Water Pitcher with Leaf Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated hot water pitcher shows no maker's signature, but is presumed to have originated from the United States and dating to appr...
Silver Plate
Vintage Sheridan Silver Plated Victorian Style Bulbous Water Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sheridan Silver Plated Victorian Style Bulbous Water Pitcher. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 8" H x 9.25" W x 6.5" D.
Silver Plate
French 19th Century Cut Crystal Pitcher
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous, heavy crystal pitcher from late 19th century France. The vessel is ornamented with exceptional designs cut directly into the glass. Fluted details can be found around the...
Crystal
Sold
H 6.5 in W 7 in D 5 in
English Creamware Jug with "Success to the Crooked but interesting Town of Bosto
Located in Downingtown, PA
English Creamware Jug with "Success to the Crooked but interesting Town of Boston" Inscription, Reference to Boston, MA, Probably Liverpool, 1800 The English creamware jug in red has the inscription referring to Boston, MA on one side within a wreath and on the reverse twenty-one lines of red transfer printed verse, by Thomas Moore, also within a wreath. The top and bottom of the jug with a narrow red band and with an applied handle with small spot of red enamel at the top. The inscription is a reference to the winding streets of Boston. Dimensions: 6 1/2 inches high x 7 inches wide x 5 inches; (16.51cm high x 17.78cm wide) Provenance: Warren M. Little Collection, one of the sons of the famous Americana Collector Nina Little. Sold in Fall 1991 for $5,500.00. A clipping from the Maine Antique...
Creamware
Sold
H 7 in W 4.5 in D 2.5 in
18th Century American Sterling Silver Pitcher by Joseph Richardson, Philadelphia
By John Richardson
Located in Savannah, GA
Classic American sterling silver pitcher by Philadelphia silversmith Joseph Richardson, marked JR. The wreath and floral pattern surrounding the lett...
Sterling Silver
Wedgwood Dark Blue Jasperware Pitcher
By Wedgwood
Located in Stamford, CT
Wedgwood dark blue jasperware tall pitcher featuring neoclassical motif. Inside of the pitcher is glazed. Stamped Wedgwood England on the underside.
Pottery
Wedgwood Founding Fathers Dark Blue Jasperware Pitcher
By Wedgwood
Located in Stamford, CT
Wedgwood dark blue jasperware tall pitcher featuring neoclassical motif with Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin cameos. Insid...
Pottery
Sterling Water Pitcher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed in the Federalist style, this water pitcher is based on a Paul Revere pattern and has a Minimalist look. Simple elegance, perfect proportion, classical detail. These are the...
Sterling Silver