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.
Antique John Burger New York Federal Classical Silver Teapot
Located in New York, NY
Federal Classical coin silver teapot. Made by John Burger in New York, ca 1790. Straight and oval with long diagonal spout; silver-mounted high-looping and leaf-capped stained-wood h...
Silver
R&W Wilson Philadelphia Federal Coin Silver Coffee & Tea Set
Located in New York, NY
Federal coin silver coffee and tea set. Made by Robert & William Wilson in Philadelphia, ca 1825. Each: Bellied bowl on flanged, stepped, and domed foot. Covers domed and finials ova...
Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Miniature Teapot
By Yapp & Woodward
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, miniature antique Victorian English sterling silver teapot in the Chinoiserie style; an addition to our silver teaware collection This exceptional and rare antique Victorian sterling silver miniature teapot...
Sterling Silver
Art Deco Spanish Silver Coffee and Tea Set
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Spanish silver coffee and tea set Spanish, c. 1930 Tray: height 3cm, width 56cm, depth 35cm Milk jug: height 10cm, width 13cm, depth 8cm ...
Silver
Mid-18th Century Antique Sterling 925/°°° Silver Dutch Teapot
Located in Torino, IT
Antique mid-18th century (1750) sterling 925/°°° silver Dutch teapot, finely chased with maritime decorations/garnish/adornment.
Sterling Silver
Japanese Silver Plated 5-Piece Coffee or Tea Set
Located in North Miami, FL
Japanese silver plated 5-piece coffee or tea set Dimensions: Serving tray, 26.5 wide, 14.5 deep, 1 inch tall Larger coffee pot, 11.75 inches tall, 12.5 deep, 5.5 wide Smaller tea...
Silver Plate
Beautiful ART DECO coffee set tea set silver plated, 1930s
Located in Bingen am Rhein, RP
Coffee/tea set - 1930s This coffee set from the 1930s is in the typical style of the streamline modern. It includes a coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl, creamer and a handled tray. Th...
Metal, Silver Plate
Sterling Silver Tea Set
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are thrilled to offer you this sterling silver tea set by Gorham Silversmiths, hallmarked 1874. This one hundred and fifty years old set has been ...
Sterling Silver
5-Piece Art Deco Silver Plated Tea and Coffee Set - France
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant five-piece French silver-plated tea and coffee service from the Art Deco Period. The set includes a coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl with lid, milk jug, and a large oval tray w...
Silver Plate
Antique Teapot, Exclusive Silver Floral English Mid-century Coffee Pot
Located in Wembley, GB
An antique tea set and a silver-plated teapot that is beautifully designed and created are suitable for elegant serving. With lid pressed, cast and cha...
Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Silver Leaf
$295
H 5.25 in W 7.5 in D 3.5 in
Antique Pennsylvania Railroad PRR Reed & Barton Small Silver Plated Teapot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Pennsylvania Railroad PRR Reed & Barton Small Silver Plated Dining Car Teapot. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 5.25" H x 7.5" W x 3.5" D.
Silver Plate
$1,188Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 11.03 in W 19.69 in D 18.51 in
Beautiful ART DECO coffee set tea set signed RameLPa silver plated
Located in Bingen am Rhein, RP
Coffee/tea set - 1920s This coffee set from the 1920s is in the typical style of the streamline modern. It includes a coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl, creamer and a handled tray. Th...
Metal, Silver Plate
Antique Teapot, Exclusive Silver Rococo English Mid-century Coffee Pot
Located in Wembley, GB
An antique tea set and a silver-plated teapot that is beautifully designed and created are suitable for elegant serving. With lid pressed, cast and chased, gold gilding on the inside...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Sheet Metal, Silver Leaf
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.5 in W 6 in D 4.5 in
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Coffee and Tea Set, American Colonial
Located in Sheffield, MA
Tiffany & company four-piece sterling silver coffee and tea set, circa 1940. Comprised of coffee pot, tea pot, sugar and creamer, all with faceted corners and monogrammed 'PPB', ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 30 in W 14.75 in D 10.5 in
Antique Early Federal Satinwood Banded Flame Mahogany Teapoy, circa 1810
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Federal teapoy offers flame mahogany construction with satinwood banded tea caddy having faceted top opening to reveal interior tin lined compartments, raised on turned co...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Sold
H 9.5 in W 11.5 in D 3.5 in
Colonial Classic Silver Plate Coffee Service Lunt Silver Coffee Pot Cream Sugar
By Lunt Silver
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Colonial Classic silver plate coffee service made by Lunt Silver. This three-piece set includes the coffee pot, creamer, and sugar bowl. It is in fabulous vintage condition, circa 1960s. Breakfast in bed anyone!!? Serve your morning coffee with class in this circa 1960s silverplate coffee service...
Silver Plate