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Federal Buffets

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
Stickley Furniture Federal Mahogany Inlay Sideboard Credenza Buffet
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant Stickley inlaid mahogany buffet from the Colonial Williamsburg Collection. Features stunning bell flower and oval inlay on tapered legs. Sides have star inlay. It has two lo...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Buffets

Materials

Brass

1960s Federal Style Mahogany Drop-Leaf Rolling Buffet Bar Server Card
Located in Germantown, MD
1960s Federal style genuine mahogany drop-leaf rolling buffet server and bar cart with 3 drawers functioning perfectly, with dovetail joints cons...
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Buffets

Materials

Brass

1940s Federal Style Brass And Inlaid Mahogany and Satinwood Sideboard
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a special piece! I love the size and inlaid details in the corners. This is a 1940s Federal style sideboard with brass gallery. The height from the floor to the serving surfa...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Federal Buffets

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Federal Pedestal Sideboard in Mahogany, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A very long and elegant American Federal, pedestal sideboard in mahogany with mahogany inlaid bandings along the borders. Inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard with Tapered Cuffed Legs, C. 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany bow front sideboard with three frieze drawers over centered hinged cabinet doors, flanking hinged doors with fitted interior single drawers, period brasses,...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Buffets

Materials

Brass

Antique Sheraton Federal Mahogany Buffet Sideboard Dry Bar
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For full item description be sure to click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this listing. Antique 19th Century Thomas Sheraton Federal Style Flame Mahogany and Marquetry Buffet ...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Boston Mahogany Sideboard Attributed to the Seymour Workshop
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional Federal Boston demilune Mahogany sideboard, with shaped top with delicate arrow inlay surmounting a conforming case with deep central frieze drawer flanked by smaller ...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Buffets

Materials

Brass

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Mid-Century Drexel Accolade Campaign Rolling Buffet Server Bar Cart
Located in Baltimore, MD
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MCM Walnut Rolling Sideboard Bar Cart by Kroehler
Located in Lake Worth, FL
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Extra Large Art Deco Sideboard Macassar, 1940s
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Mahogany Inlay Sideboard Buffet Server Credenza by Hickory Chair
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Hickory White Mahogany Inlay Sideboard Buffet Credenza Cabinet
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Antique 18th Century Mahogany Credenza Sideboard Buffet Server Cabinet
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Matching Baker Furniture Walnut Sideboards Cabinets Buffets Bars Credenzas, Pair
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Baker Furniture Walnut Sideboard Cabinet Buffet Bar Credenza Second of Two
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Baker Furniture Walnut Sideboard Cabinet Buffet Bar Credenza
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Federal buffets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Federal buffets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage buffets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with mahogany, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal buffets made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original buffets, popular names associated with this style include and Stickley Brothers. 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 buffets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,596 and tops out at $25,000 while the average work can sell for $3,895.

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