Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
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.
Early 20th Century American Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Sterling Silver
1780s English Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Pottery
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Porcelain
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Silver
18th Century Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century American Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Glass
1780s Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Sterling Silver
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Creamware, Pottery
Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Pearlware, Pottery
Early 20th Century Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Leather, Wood
1930s American Vintage Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Crystal
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Creamware, Pottery
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Silver
19th Century Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Porcelain
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Porcelain
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Sterling Silver
1920s American Vintage Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-19th Century French Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Pottery
Early 20th Century Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Porcelain
1930s American Vintage Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Sterling Silver
18th Century Spanish Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Terracotta
1960s English Vintage Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Silver Plate
1950s American Vintage Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Brass
1890s Belgian Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Majolica
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Terracotta
1860s American Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century American Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Glass
Mid-18th Century English Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Porcelain
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Sterling Silver
20th Century Asian Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Porcelain
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Creamware, Pottery
1930s English Vintage Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Ceramic
Late 18th Century Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Pewter
Late 18th Century Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Creamware
Early 20th Century Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century American Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Sterling Silver
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Sterling Silver
1790s American Antique Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Sterling Silver
20th Century English Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century English Federal Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Pottery