Federal Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
FEDERAL STYLE
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.
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Style: Federal
19th Century American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889, a period printed silk parade flag with a wavy pattern of dancing stars. This was never an official flag of the United States but was m...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Silk
19th Century 39 Star American Flag, circa 1889
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century 39 Star American Flag, circa 1889, a printed linen ensign with 39 stars arranged in a wavy star pattern, with stripes in a very unus...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Linen
Carved and Painted Wooden Eagle with Shield Attributed to John Haley Bellamy
Located in Savannah, GA
In all original untouched condition including weathered paint, this wonderful Folk Art wall plaque speaks for itself. Substantial size. It looks to be made to be mounted on a ledge, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
American 38 Star Parade Flag, circa 1877
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique American 38 Star Parade Flag, circa 1877, a fine woven linen small parade flag with 38 stars in a bold "Dancing Star" pattern, enacted in 1877 upon the admission of Colorado....
Category
1870s American Antique Federal Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Linen
Antique Federal Eagle American 50 Star Flag with Brass Eagle Pole, 19th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Monumental 50 star American Flag with antique Federal Eagle brass and wood pole. A patriotic piece suitable for any home. This set includes both ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Antique Silk Broadside An Elegiac Poem Death of President George Washington 1800
Located in Portland, OR
An important & rare antique American political printed silk broadside, an elegy on the death of President George Washington, dated 1800.
A poem on the Death of President George Was...
Category
1790s Antique Federal Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Silk
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31-Star Printed American Flag, Celebrating California Statehood, Circa 1850
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38-Star American Parade Flag, Flown at a Reception for President Grant, 1880
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Antique Hand-Carved Hardwood Figural Confederate Soldier Styled Smoking Pipe
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Previously Available Items
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When Charles Thomson put together the final design for the Great Seal, he placed a bundle of thirteen arrows in the eagle's left (sinister) talon. The official description specifies the bald eagle holding "in his sinister, a bundle of thirteen arrows." The thirteen arrows are tightly aligned – a symbol of "strength in unity" that's found in the traditional cultures everywhere, from the Romans to the Iroquois— in this case a nod to the unity of the original 13 colonies. The clutched shield has a blue chief. Twenty one alternating red and white stripes complete the shield design.
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Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889, a period silk made in the "Dancing Star" pattern, where the stars are oriented at an alternating upright and slanted angle (prior to being standardized by Congress). The 39 star flag was never an official American flag sanctioned by Congress, but was made by states to celebrate the two Dakotas admission into the Union in 1889.
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American 46 Star Muslin Flag, circa 1908
Located in Nantucket, MA
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Located in Nantucket, MA
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Large American 45 Star Flag with Gilt Metallic Fringe, circa 1896
Located in Nantucket, MA
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American 42 Star Flag, circa 1890
Located in Nantucket, MA
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1890s American Antique Federal Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
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Carved American Eagle with Exceptional Form, Craftsmanship and Scale
Located in York County, PA
Hand-carved eagle, spread-winged in flight, with its majestic head curled back as if gazing over its shoulder and its talons tucked beneath its midsection. Carved in the round and tr...
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Early 18th Century American Antique Federal Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
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American Federal Style Eagle and Flag Emboidery
Located in Queens, NY
American (19th Century) Federal style quilted silk embroidery of an eagle with a stars-and-stripes shield and flags with the motto: "e pluribus unum" in a wood frame.
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19th Century American Antique Federal Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
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Large and Beautifully Carved Gilt Wood American Eagle
Located in Essex, MA
A large and beautifully carved and gilded wood American Eagle plaque, with wings spread wide, head cocked to the right, clutching the American stars and s...
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Federal political and patriotic memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal political and patriotic memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage political and patriotic memorabilia created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal political and patriotic memorabilia made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for political and patriotic memorabilia differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $4,800 and tops out at $9,713 while the average work can sell for $7,257.