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Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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
1920's Caldwell Federal Style Bronze Sconces with Mirror
1920's Caldwell Federal Style Bronze Sconces with Mirror

1920's Caldwell Federal Style Bronze Sconces with Mirror

Located in New York, NY

1920 Caldwell bronze double light sconces federal style with convex mirror inset

Category

1910s American Vintage Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce
Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce

Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce

Located in Vero Beach, FL

This wood carved and gold gilded antique sconce features a majestic eagle with spread wings beneath a tied bow. The candle arms are of patinated scrolled brass and very finely detail...

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century
Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century

Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century

Located in Manhasset, NY

A fine pair of two-light wall sconce. Each ribbon form in the Federal taste having gilt tassels and bow design with ebonized hi lights. Both depicting a winged eagle in flight. Hard...

Category

Early 1900s English Antique Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles

Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style giltwood wall sconces Additional information: Materials: Wood Color: Gold Period: early 19th century Place of Origin: France Styles: Federal ...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Wood

Eagle Design Gilt Bronze Sconces With Mirror
Eagle Design Gilt Bronze Sconces With Mirror

Eagle Design Gilt Bronze Sconces With Mirror

Located in New York, NY

A pair of 1930's Eagle design gilt bronze sconces with convex mirrored backplate, one light

Category

1930s American Vintage Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

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Louis XVI Style Bronze Girandole Wall Mirror with Candle Sconces, ca 1920
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Louis XVI Style Bronze Girandole Wall Mirror with Candle Sconces, ca 1920

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This Louis XVI-style girandole wall mirror has a bronze frame surrounding a beveled oval mirror plate. The frame is decorated with leaves, flowers, scrolls, and a boy’s face. Beneath...

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Pair of 19th Century English Regency Carved Giltwood Sconces or Wall Appliques
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Vintage Italian Gilt Metal and Wood 7-Light Candle Sconce, 1960s
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1960s Italian Vintage Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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Pair of Early 19th Century Continental Neoclassical Giltwood Sconce Mirrors
Pair of Early 19th Century Continental Neoclassical Giltwood Sconce Mirrors

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Located in Essex, MA

Pair of early 19th century continental sconce mirrors with original early glass and original gilding. Two arm sconces for candles. Great size and wo...

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Early 19th Century Danish Antique Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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1920's Caldwell Sconces with Etched Mirror
1920's Caldwell Sconces with Etched Mirror

1920's Caldwell Sconces with Etched Mirror

$3,800 / set

H 10 in W 7.5 in D 5 in

1920's Caldwell Sconces with Etched Mirror

By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.

Located in New York, NY

A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with etched mirrored backplate

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1910s American Vintage Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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Mid-century Curve Glass with Stars Pair of Sconces, 1950s, Germany
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Located in Hagenbach, DE

Mid-century Curve Glass with Stars Pair of Sconces, 1950s, Germany Very elegant and Minimalist wall lamps Lamp is in very good condition. These lamps works with E27 standard light ...

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1950s German Vintage Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Putto Wall Lights
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Previously Available Items
1920 Caldwell Federal Style Eagle Sconces
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By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.

Located in New York, NY

A pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze federal style double arm sconces. Available in silver plate

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1920s American Vintage Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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Pair of Two Candle Federalist Style Wall Sconces
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Located in Leesburg, VA

Pair of Two Candle Federalist Style Wall Sconces Anonymous USA; Probably early-to-mid 20th century Wood, iron Approximate size: 30.25 (h) x 12.5 (w) x 7 (d) in. ea. A pair of wood...

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Early 20th Century American Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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Federalist Eagle Motif Wood and Iron Gilt Pair of Wall sconces
Federalist Eagle Motif Wood and Iron Gilt Pair of Wall sconces

Federalist Eagle Motif Wood and Iron Gilt Pair of Wall sconces

Located in Leesburg, VA

Anonymous United States of America; 20th century Giltwood and gilt iron, glass Approximate size: 44 (h) x 14 (w) x 10 (d) in. A beautiful pair of Federalist style giltwood wall sco...

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Mid-20th Century American Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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Pair of Federal Style Gilt Bronze 2 Lite Sconces Early 20th Cent 'One Pair Only'
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Pair of Mirrored-Back and Copper Wall Sconces
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Located in New York, NY

Each with a patinated copper candlearm with drip-pan supporting a single electrifid candle with clip-on shade with a round segmented mirror backplate.

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21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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Late 19th-C. Federal Style Carved Giltwood Eagle Form Sconces, Pair
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Late 19th-C. Federal Style Carved Giltwood Eagle Form Sconces, Pair

Located in Kennesaw, GA

These have a timeless elegance. It is a large scale pair of carved giltwood sconces with Federal styling. The facing eagles are adorned with axes and arrows. The wiring and candle co...

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Pair of Brass & Mirrored Wall Sconces with Stars
Pair of Brass & Mirrored Wall Sconces with Stars

Pair of Brass & Mirrored Wall Sconces with Stars

By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Pair of antique brass federal style two light wall sconces with convex mirrors and star bursts at the top, all in a tight classic form. As seen in the last photo of the listing, a si...

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Early 20th Century American Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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1970's Georgian Art Lighting Wall Lanterns or Sconces, a Pair
1970's Georgian Art Lighting Wall Lanterns or Sconces, a Pair

1970's Georgian Art Lighting Wall Lanterns or Sconces, a Pair

By Georgian Art Lighting

Located in Plainview, NY

A pair of 1970's Georgian art lighting of lawrenceville, GA and Underwriters Laboratories Inc indoor or outdoor wall lanterns or sconces. Each ha...

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Late 20th Century American Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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Pair of Regency Style Bronze Eagle Sconces Attributed to E, F, Caldwell
Pair of Regency Style Bronze Eagle Sconces Attributed to E, F, Caldwell

Pair of Regency Style Bronze Eagle Sconces Attributed to E, F, Caldwell

By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.

Located in Pittsburgh, PA

This handsome pair of gilt and patinated bronze two-light sconces feature mirror image eagles, and pinecone finials. They are newly re-wired, and ready for use.

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Antique Federal Style Double Arm Brass Wall Sconce, a Pair
Antique Federal Style Double Arm Brass Wall Sconce, a Pair

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Located in Plainview, NY

A 1970s timeless pair of Federal style cast brass wall sconces with two candelabras arms each. The sconces feature fine brass design and comes with the shades.     

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1970s American Vintage Federal Wall Lights and Sconces

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Federal wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Federal wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage wall lights and sconces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal wall lights and sconces made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wall lights and sconces, popular names associated with this style include and Edward F. Caldwell & Co.. 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 wall lights and sconces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $525 and tops out at $35,000 while the average work can sell for $3,240.