Federal Desks
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.
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Brass
Early 18th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Federal Desks
Brass
1790s American Antique Federal Desks
Birch, Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Birch
1810s American Antique Federal Desks
Brass
1980s American Vintage Federal Desks
Burl
19th Century North American Antique Federal Desks
Mahogany, Satin
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Brass
1910s British Vintage Federal Desks
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Desks
Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Walnut
Late 18th Century Antique Federal Desks
Cherry
Early 20th Century French Federal Desks
Brass, Bronze, Iron
19th Century British Antique Federal Desks
Mahogany
1950s Danish Vintage Federal Desks
Rosewood
Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Desks
Brass
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Desks
Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany
1960s Danish Vintage Federal Desks
Teak
19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Pine
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Desks
Mahogany
1940s American Vintage Federal Desks
Brass
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Steel
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Desks
Birch
Late 20th Century American Federal Desks
Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Brass
1830s American Antique Federal Desks
Mahogany, Maple
1990s American Federal Desks
Cherry, Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Brass
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Desks
Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Brass
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Desks
Metal