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.
Vintage Federal Style Small Indian Silver Plated Coffee Tea Set w/ Wilcox Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Federal Style Small Indian Silver Plated Coffee Tea Set w/ Wilcox Tray - 5 Pc Set. Listing includes 4 serving pieces marked "Made in India", round tray marked "Wilcox Interna...
Silver Plate
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
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$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
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
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
Antique Eight-Piece Silver Coffee and Tea Set by Tétard
Located in London, GB
Antique eight-piece silver coffee and tea set by Tétard French, early 20th century Tray: Height 6cm, width 73.5cm, depth 46.5cm Water jug: Height 19cm, width 21cm, depth 11cm T...
Silver
$6,500 / set
H 1.5 in W 23.75 in D 16 in
Tiffany & Co. Antique Victorian Silver Plate Coffee or Tea Service Set
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Victorian silverplate tea or coffee service set, including: tea pots, sugar, creamer, and large service tray. By Tiffany & Co. USA, Late 19th Century Measuremen...
Silver Plate
$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
Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Tea Set
Located in Montreal, QC
Service is comprised of teapot, creamer, sugar bowl, sugar cube tongs, and two stirrers. Illegible signature to underside of tray. USA: circa 1950 teapot: 6¼ h × 5 w × 3¼ d in tray: ...
Silver Plate
$4,036
H 4.73 in W 8.67 in D 3.94 in
George III sterling silver 'drum' teapot made in London in 1775 by John King
By John King
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1775 by John King, this George III period, Antique Sterling Silver Teapot, is 'drum' shaped, and features a wooden handle and finial. The teapot measures 4.5"...
Sterling Silver
$9,750 / set
H 1.5 in W 22.5 in D 14.75 in
Modernist Sterling Silver and Rosewood Coffee or Tea Set with Tray
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This elegant matched seven-piece Modernist coffee or tea set is made of sterling silver and rosewood. The set includes a coffee pot, tea pot, pitcher, cream jug, and covered sugar bo...
Sterling Silver
Arne Jacobsen Coffee & Tea Set
By Arne Jacobsen, Stelton
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Arne Jacobsen Cylinda Line,manufactured by Stelton Matte finish steel,made in Denmark
Steel
Silver Plate Five Piece Tea / Coffee Service
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Silver plated five pieces tea and coffee service with exterior floral design details. Each piece is in great condition. Minor wear consistent with age / use. Maker's mark undersigned Reed & Barton "King Francis model number 1650-1654”. Set include Coffee pot 11-3/4 inches. Tea pot 10 inches. Covered sugar pot 7 inches. Creamer 6 inches & tea bag...
Silver Plate
Antique Sterling 925/°°° Silver Finely Chased Teapot
Located in Torino, IT
Manufactured by Charles Wright, London, England, 1771.
Sterling Silver
$225
H 11 in W 7 in D 4.5 in
Antique English Victorian Silver Plated Floral Repousse Coffee Pot Teapot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Victorian Silver Plated Floral Repousse Coffee Pot Teapot with Urn Finial. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 11" H x 7" W x 4.5" D.
Silver Plate
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