Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
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
The Life of George Washington by Jared Sparks, Later Printing, 1854
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Sparks, Jared. The Life of George Washington. Auburn and Buffalo: Miller Orton & Mulligan, 1854. Later printing. Two volumes in one. Octavo. Rebound in 1/4 brown leather and cloth boards, with gilt titles, tooling, and raised bands. New archival cloth slipcase.
Presented is a later edition of Jared Sparks’ esteemed biography, The Life of George Washington. First published in 1839, Sparks’ The Life of George Washington is one of the earliest and most intimate biographies of our first President. This printing was published in Auburn and Buffalo by Miller Orton & Mulligan, in 1854. Impressively detailed, the biography is embellished with 14 engraved plates of portraits, views, and battle plans...
Category
1850s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, with His Life, Written by Himself, 1835
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Franklin, Benjamin. The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Consisting of Essays, Humorous, Moral, and Literary, with His Life, Written by Himself. Exeter: J & B Williams, 1835. In origi...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
Works of the Late Doctor Benjamin Franklin, With Essays, in Two Volumes, 1796
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Franklin, Benjamin. Works of the Late Doctor Benjamin Franklin, Consisting of His Life Written by Himself together with Essays, Humorous, Moral & Literary, Chiefly in the Manner of t...
Category
1790s English Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Antique Col Ebenezer Crafts Publick House Hotel Advertisement Sign 56"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique salvaged Col. Ebenezer Crafts' Publick House of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, est. 1771 sign. Wood construction hand painted in white with black and white lettering around ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Miniature Example Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Located in Huntington, NY
Cabinet makers sample.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Miniature Portrait on Bone with Fitted Case 14-Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Dating from the late 17th century and done in the Federalist style, this finely detailed and well executed hand painted miniature portrait on bone of a period nobleman can be worn as...
Category
Late 17th Century American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Eulogies and Orations on the Life and Death of General George Washington, 1800
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Paine, Thomas, et al. Eulogies and Orations on the Life and Death of General George Washington, First President of the United States of America. Boston: Manning & Loring, 1800. First...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
1840 Map of the City of Washington Published by William M. Morrison
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This map, printed in 1840, is a detailed representation of Washington, D.C. in the mid-19th century. The map shows block numbers, wards, and government buildings as well as details o...
Category
1840s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by N. Dwight, 1860
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Dwight, Nathaniel. The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. New York: A. S. Barnes & Burr, 1860. Later printing. Octavo. Rebound in ¼ leather and cloth boards, wi...
Category
1860s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
An Interesting Account of the Voyages and Travels of Captains Lewis and Clarke
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Fisher, William. An Interesting Account of the Voyages and Travels of Captains Lewis and Clarke, in the Years 1804-5, & 6... Baltimore: P. Mauro, 1813. 12mo. Illustrated. Rebound in...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
American Federal Style Flag with Brass Pole and Stand
Located in Queens, NY
"American Federal-style (19/20th Century) bronze eagle base flag pole with eagle finial and flag.
The fringed army flag has been replaced with a sta...
Category
20th Century American Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
The Pennsylvania Journal and The Weekly Advertiser, Issued June 16, 1787
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an June 16, 1787 issue of Philadelphia's "The Pennsylvania Journal, and The Weekly Advertiser," containing coverage of the Constitutional Convention. The magazine period...
Category
1780s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
19th Century French First Officer’s Uniform Red Epaulettes
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century French First Officer’s Uniform Red Epaulettes
Good pair of French Officers Epaulettes made in Red Silk and lined in black velvet, the f...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wool
19th Century Carved and Painted Ship's Billethead
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Carved and Painted Ship's Billethead, second half 19th Century, a scroll carved and painted wooden ornament from the bow of a ship.
A billethead was a smaller carving used in place of a figurehead, mounted under the bowsprit of a ship. As the 19th Century progressed and the age of clipper ships saw a move towards ever more extreme clipper bows, there was a need to eliminate unnecessary weight aboard ship, especially in the bow (to avoid burying the nose into every wave), so billet heads...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
19th Century Leather Covered Box with a Domed Lid, Brass Handle and Hinges
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This small box for personal possessions (perhaps papers or letters), is covered in black leather and decorated with borders of brass tacks, including the letters A.T. on its lid, and...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Related Items
31-Star Printed American Flag, Celebrating California Statehood, Circa 1850
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a rare 31-star medallion printed American flag, celebrating the addition of California to the Union. The flag is printed on silk and has a spectacular “Great Star” canton pat...
Category
1850s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silk
H 43 in W 50.5 in D 2.5 in
The Works of Shakespeare Complete in Seven Leatherbound Volumes
Located in San Francisco, CA
The Works of Shakespeare Complete in 7 duodecimo 3/4 leather bound volumes with marbleized boards and end papers, top edges gilt. A charming set in attractive original condition. Fro...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Van Gogh His Life and Works in 500 Images Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Van Gogh: His Life and Works in 500 Images
Book by Michael Howard and Vincent van Gogh.
"Contains a detailed exploration of Van Gogh's life, including his background, early career,...
Category
20th Century Dutch Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
New Life for the Noble Tree: Masterworks by George Nakashima 'Sotheby's'
Located in New York, NY
Catalog of a sale held at Sotheby’s, New York, on December 15, 2006, showcasing the Arthur and Evelyn Krosnick collection of George Nakashima furniture and lighting, or actually the second collection, as the first—112 pieces-- was completely destroyed by fire in 1989. George Nakashima essentially stopped what he was doing and focused on rebuilding the collection replacing the lost items with what he deemed better examples, owing to his own technical and artistic maturation, though many were completed under the guidance of his daughter, Mira, after George passed away in 1990. Highlights include an important “Arlyn” table, lot 313, that fetched $822,000 (a record for the artist) on a pre-sale estimate of $300,000-$500,000; a superb “Minguren II” table that brought $180,000; a magnificent “Arlyn II” coffee table that sold for $204,000; and a set of eight Conoid chairs that sold for $96,000. The catalog of the Krosnick sale remains a touchstone for collectors interested in the work of George Nakashima. 103 pages with 85 lots, mostly with full color illustrations, printed wrappers. Price results...
Category
Early 2000s American Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
H 10.75 in W 8.25 in D 0.25 in
Nature, Form & Spirit: The Life and Legacy of George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
First edition of Mira Nakashima’s tribute to her father, George, whose standing as one of America’s foremost designer/craftsmen is reflected in his blue-chip status in the vintage de...
Category
Early 2000s American Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Glass Houses
By Phaidon
Located in New York, NY
An inspiring collection of 50 spectacular houses built almost entirely from glass
Glass Houses presents 50 stunning architect-designed homes that utilize glass to maximum effect. Th...
Category
2010s Chinese Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Pair 19th Century Victorian Eastlake Free Mason Throne Chairs w/ Symbolism
Located in Savannah, GA
Victorian Eastlake large upholstered solid oak throne chairs from Masonic Lodge with lots of detailed carving. The pair consists of one with the plumb bob sy...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Velvet, Oak
Georgian Mahogany Miniature Chest
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An attractive and good quality early 19th century Georgian
mahogany miniature chest having well figured top over
two short and three long drawers with later brass
lions mask knobs...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Calder: A Study of the Works of Alexander Calder by H. H. Arnason (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Alexander Calder is one of the world's best known living sculptors. He has achieved world-wide recognition as the artist who made sculpture move, and he is one of the few men in hist...
Category
20th Century Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
H 11.13 in W 8.63 in D 0.75 in
Miniature Antique English Apprentice Model Salesman Sample Drop-Front Bureau
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and handsome English Arts & Crafts period miniature oak bureau from the early 20th century with nicely aged patina.
Exquisitely hand-crafted in England over a century ago, e...
Category
Early 20th Century English Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
H 12.5 in W 13 in D 6.5 in
18th Century Walnut Miniature Bureau
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very attractive and charming 18th century, George II Period, walnut and oak miniature bureau, having elegant inlaid decoration and original brasswea...
Category
Early 18th Century English Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silk
Previously Available Items
Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States, 1812
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States. Springfield: Thomas Dickman for the Washington Benevolent Society, 1812. In original hardcover boards with brown lea...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
A Sermon Preached Before John Hancock, etc. by Samuel Cooper, 1st Edition, 1780
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Cooper, Samuel. A Sermon Preached Before His Excellency John Hancock, Esq; Governour, the Honourable the Senate, and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Oc...
Category
1780s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
H 8.57 in W 6 in D 1.13 in
19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1890
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1890, a linen flag with printed stars in a slightly wavy pattern; never an official sanctioned flag, it was made in 1890 in anticipation of ...
Category
1890s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen
The Federalist, on the New Constitution by Publius, Second Edition, 2 Vols, 1802
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Hamilton, Alexander, James Madison, and John Jay. The Federalist, on the New Constitution. By Publius. Written in 1788. To Which is Added, Pacificus, on the Proclamation of Neutralit...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
H 9 in W 6 in D 3 in
Vintage Washington at Valley Forge Bookends by G. S. Allen, Circa 1925
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a vintage set of Washington at Valley Forge bookends. The bookends were made by the American maker G.S. Allen. The bookends are in the style of the famous oil painting by ...
Category
1920s American Vintage Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Patriotic Yacht Pennant, circa 1947
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early Vintage Patriotic Yacht Pennant, circa 1947, a long narrow woolen sailboat's pennant, flying approximately 3 inches by 69 inches, featuring seven white stars on a navy blue fie...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wool
Architectural Model of the Derby Summer House Designed by Samuel McIntire
Located in Essex, MA
Handmade to Scale Architectural Model of the "Derby Summer House" or "McIntire Tea House" designed in 1793 by Architect, Samuel McIntire. The actual building is now located on the g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
19th Century Chart of Nantucket
Located in Nantucket, MA
Extremely Rare 19th Century Chart of Nantucket. circa 1850, with details of Nantucket Island, Eastern Martha's Vineyard, Monomoy Island and surrounding shoals. This is a unique, unpu...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Uncut Sheet of Nautical Decorated Commercial Banknotes, Circa 1850s - 1860s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Uncut Sheet of Nautical Decorated Commercial Banknotes, Circa 1850s - 1860s, a polychromed printed sheet of obsolete commercial banknotes issued by the Stonington Bank of Stonington, Connecticut, in Five and Ten Dollar denominations.
The Five Dollar notes feature a central allegorical image of a Neoclassical seated woman holding a Liberty Pole and scales, by a cornucopia, resting her foot on a globe: symbols of Liberty, Justice, Plenty, and Navigation - taken together she represents Lady Liberty or perhaps a version of Lady Columbia...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
H 15 in W 10.25 in D 0.75 in
American 45 Star Flag, circa 1896
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique American 45 Star Flag, circa 1896, marking the admission of Utah into the Union as the 45th state in 1896. This was an official flag of the United States for only twelve yea...
Category
1890s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Muslin
American 44 Star Flag, circa 1891
Located in Nantucket, MA
Rare Antique American 44 Star Flag, circa 1891, marking admission of Wyoming as a state in 1891. This was an official flag of the United States for only five years, making it one of ...
Category
1890s American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Muslin
Benjamin Franklin Signature Collage
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original Benjamin Franklin signature, presented framed with an etched portrait of Benjamin Franklin by Jacques Reich. The cut signature reads “Benja. Franklin” with a dramatic flourish, or paraph, on the “n” in Franklin. Franklin signed in black ink. This rare cut Franklin signature was one of several prominent American statesman autographs collected together and bound in a 1809 volume of the Baltimore Evening Post.
Paired with the cut signature is a beautifully executed etching of Franklin by artist Jacques Reich. Printed in 1903, Reich based his portrait off the famous 1778 Joseph Siffred Duplessis oil painting of Franklin. Jacques Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont commissioned both the oil painting and a terracotta medallion with Franklin’s profile from Duplessis during Franklin’s time in France. The painting was exhibited at the Salon of 1779 and quickly emerged as the most iconic image of this legendary statesman, later used on the American 100 dollar bill.
One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin was a true renaissance man. He was an author, politician, scientist, inventor, and diplomat. Franklin was instrumental in the formation of the United States and served as the country's first ambassador to France. He is the only Founding Father to have signed all four of the key documents establishing the United States: the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Treaty of Alliance with France (1778), the Treaty of Paris (1783), and the Constitution (1787).
Benjamin Franklin was born in colonial Boston...
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Federal collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include and John Boardman. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $275 and tops out at $32,500 while the average work can sell for $3,300.