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Federal Furniture

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
Period: 19th Century
Federal Boston Lyre Games Table Attrib. Thomas Seymour & Thomas Wightman, c 1815
By Thomas Seymour
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine Federal card table attributable to renown Boston cabinetmaker, Thomas Seymour (1771-1848) with carvings likely by Thomas Wightman (1759-1827), Boston, circa 1815. The top...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Giltwood Mirror with Rosette Corners and Fruit Panel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An antique carved giltwood wall mirror from the 1800s featuring a rectangular frame with rosette corners and a basket of fruit panel at the top. It is made of wood and gilded with g...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror

19th Century American Federal Secretary, Seymour School, Boston
By John & Thomas Seymour
Located in Essex, MA
Important American Federal Period Secretary. School of John and Thomas Seymour, Boston, circa 1820. Mahogany and Mahogany Veneered Case on Pine Secondary Wood. Two Gothic Fenestra...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Card Table, 1800
Located in Astoria, NY
American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Serpentine Card Table, circa 1800, Baltimore of Philadelphia, with flip over top and gate leg extension. Extended: 28.25" H x 40.25" W x 36" D. Prove...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

1850 Butternut and Oak Side Table with Two Stacked Drawers with Hobnail Beading
Located in Louisville, KY
The 1850's produced some of the most beautiful furniture pieces of the time. From simple elegance to ornately adorned, tables were indeed an art form of this period. But, this piece ...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Miniature Example Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Located in Huntington, NY
Cabinet makers sample.
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique American Federal Maple Wood Canopy Single Twin Poster Bed Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal Maple Wood Canopy Single Twin Poster Bed Frame with Carved Finials (Color indoors is more true to images 2 and 3). Buyer will...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

Antique English Copeland Late Spode Toby Jug Pitcher Colonial Englishman
Located in Dayton, OH
19th century Copland Late Spode English Staffordshire rare porcelain toby jug in the shape of asdeated colonial Englishman holding a cup and pitcher. 180288...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Federal Mahogany Inlaid Fold Top Card Table Console Table
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Federal Mahogany Fold Top Card Table of Console Table. Inlaid and Crotch Mahogany front and sides. Measures 36" in width, 17.5" in depth folded, 35" in depth unfolded a...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Tobacco Leaf Carved Leg Table
Located in New York, NY
Federal Tobacco leaf carved leg table. Late Federal / American Empire mahogany drop-leaf table with hand carved tobacco leaf legs on original brass ca...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table. Measures 30" in width, 19.5" in depth and 29" in height. Knee height 24.5"
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe Measures 55" in width , 80.5" in Height to the top of the posters, Headboard is 50" in height, footboard is 1...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Games/Card Table with Tobacco Leaf Carvings, Baltimore, c. 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely Federal card table in fine mahogany with hinged rectangular top pivoting and opening to a square supported by a turned column with tobacco leaf carvings over a round base with carved knurling reminiscent of pineapples. Four "C" shaped legs are reeded and rest on brass lion claw...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Federal Wingback Chair with Blue Upholstery
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Federal period mahogany American wingback armchair in blue upholstery. In very good condition and nicely re-upholstered. Structurally sound and comfort...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century Antique American Federal Mahog. & Birch Flap-Top Games Table
By John & Thomas Seymour
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This is a spectacular antique American Federal New England period highly figured mahogany and satin birch Flap-top serpentine Games or Card Table in the manner of the workshop of Joh...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood, Birch

Antique American Federal Style Drop Leaf Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique American federal style cherry wood drop leaf table, 19th century. With a 2 board top, a frieze drawer, square tapered legs and S shaped stretcher bars. Nice old cherry...
Category

19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Antique Federal Cherry Hepplewhite Corner Cabinet C1840
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Federal Cherry Hepplewhite Corner Cabinet C1840. Measures - 93.5"H x 43.5"W x 22.5"D. A...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Pair Of Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Tables
Located in Essex, MA
In the style of Seymour of Boston with square tops and cookie corners. Two drawers with turned tapered reeded legs.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Butlers Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
Very attractive Mahogany southern Federal Butlers Desk probably mid Atlantic states around 1820-30. Large bottle drawers on either side of a nicely fi...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Gilt Eagle Convex Mirror with Acanthus & Shell Pendant, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
Monumental Period American Federal gilt wood and gesso convex mirror with a central spread winged Eagle perched to flee on rocky plinth, upper flanking scrolled acanthus foliage, in...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Mirror, Pine, Giltwood, Ebony

American Federal Drop Leaf Dining Table in West Indies Mahogany New York, c 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A handsome American Federal or Empire Pembroke table in fine West Indies mahogany with two drop leaves. This period breakfast table is supported by a reeded, vase-turned column on a ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

New York Federal / Sheraton Pembroke or Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1810
Located in Miami, FL
A fine example of an American Federal drop-leaf table in West Indies mahogany, from New York, circa 1810. The solid rectangular top with curved drop-leaves features a beautiful figur...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1825
Located in Miami, FL
A federal table in mahogany with drop-leaves, on turned legs with large leaf carvings and ending in casters. Offers one drawer with original wooden pull. Note: You should always req...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Swirl Mahogany Butler's Desk New York, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
An American Federal Swirl Mahogany Butler's Desk New York Circa late 18th Century to Early 19th Century , featuring three flawlessly working upper drawer, and A Abattant Door that o...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Pair of Federal Birch Wood Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Biech Wood Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830. Measures- 33.5''H x 17.5''W...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gillinder & Sons Washington Bust, 1876
By Gillinder & Sons
Located in Savannah, GA
A Gillinder & Sons milk glass portrait bust of George Washington for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. 3 ½ inches wide by 3 ¼ inches deep by 6 inches tall
Category

1870s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Milk Glass

Antique Federal Hepplewhite Tiger Maple Game Table c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Hepplewhite Game Table, circa 1830, features a striking facade of tiger maple, renowned for its vibrant grain and luminescent quality, while the remainder of the...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

19th Century Tiffany & CO Oak 5 Musical 5 Gong Tall Case Grandfather Clock
By Walter Durfee
Located in Long Branch, NJ
19th Century Tiffany & CO Oak 5 Musical 5 Gong Tall Case Grandfather Clock Dimensions : 104" Tall X 26" Wide X 15.5" Deep This gorgeous grandfather clock was made in the late 19th ...
Category

1890s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Oak

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 Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

19th Century Mahogany Dining Table with Leaves with Brass Clips
Located in Huntington, NY
Table has 2 end sections and 2 leaves and brass clips. The table can be used as a pair of side table against the wall. Great color and patina Dimension...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Federal Bullseye mirror
Located in Nashville, TN
This exquisite 19th-century American Federal bullseye mirror is a striking example of classic craftsmanship and design. Featuring a carefully r...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Poplar

Monumental Philadelphia Federal Period Gilt & Mahogany Eagle Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Monumental American Federal Gilt and Mahogany Eagle Mirror with Oak Garland Swags, Attributed to a Philadelphia Workshop of John Pollard, Circa 1800 A monumental and masterfully car...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood

Early 19th Century American Giltwood Convex Girandole Mirror
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal convex girandole mirror of monumental size. Giltwood with original gilding and mirror. New York.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Antique American Federal Bullseye Wall Mirror
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty early 19th Century American federal bullseye wall mirror hand crafted in wood having a carved eagle holding a ball and chain at the top perched ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Plaster, Wood

"The British Surrendering their Arms to Gen. Washington..." after Renault, 1819
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an engraving entitled “The British surrendering their arms to Gen. Washington after their defeat at Yorktown Virginia October 1781.” The dedication continues in the bottom margin, “To the defenders of American independence, this print is most respectfully inscribed by their fellow citizen, Jn. Fcis. Renault, assistant secretary to the Count de Grass, and engineer to the French Army, at the siege of York.” The engraving is after a painting by John Francis Renault, and engraved by Tanner, Vallance, Kearny & Co. and William Allen, in Philadelphia in January of 1819. This historic print depicts the surrender of the British forces after the Battle of Yorktown. The print shows Lord Cornwallis offering his sword to the Duke de Lauzun, who defers the weapon to General Washington. British officers stand with Cornwallis on the right and French and American officers are shown at center and left. The immediate background is filled with an elaborate allegorical scene. Behind the British troops is a female representation of “Discord,” wearing a billowing robes and liberty cap and floating on storm clouds, as she sends lightning bolts to up-end the British people and a chariot below her. Behind the American and French officers, “Prosperity” stands next to an overflowing cornucopia, with “Justice”, an infant child with a paddle inscribed “American Constitution,” representing the helm of statehood. They crowd around a neoclassical monument with a giant urn...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paper

Late American Federal Bowfront Chest of Drawers
Located in Chicago, IL
This timeless and elegant statement chest of drawers has been meticulously crafted, embodying the refined artistry of the late Federal period, which followed the American War of Independence. What sets this period apart is the regional variation in techniques and the prominence of local craftsmen, each bringing unique touches to their work. Despite these regional differences, Federal period furniture...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Outstanding Large Oak Carved Eagle Grasping Shield & Three Arrows
Located in Stamford, CT
Outstanding large oak carved eagle grasping shield with three arrows in his talons; most probably by a Philadelphia carver. Found in East Boothbay, Maine at collector's home. Arrows ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique American Federal Painted Walnut Side Table, Mid 19th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful American colonial or Federal style painted walnut candle stand or side table USA, Mid 19th Century Measures: 23.5"W x 11.75"D x 24.13"H. Good original vintage condition.
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Paint

Antique Federal Brass & Wire Fireplace Fender & Three Piece Tool Set C1810
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Federal Brass & Wire Fireplace Fender & Three Piece Tool Set C1810 Measures- Hook: 26.75"L x 1.5"W x 1.5"D; Poker - 29.75"L x 1.5"W x 1.5"D Tongs: 27.75"L x 3.75"W x 1.5"D; ...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wire

American Federal Chest of Drawers in West Indies Mahogany, Baltimore, circa 1835
Located in Miami, FL
From the Federal period, a very beautiful American Neoclassical chest of drawers in fine West Indies mahogany with two overhanging small drawers supported by turned and reeded column...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Breakfast Table in Mahogany with Drop-Leaves, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A Federal breakfast table in mahogany with a rectangular top and drop-leaves whose corners end in cyma curves, with inverted turned wooden fini...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Federal Style Cherry Butterfly Drop Leaf Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsomely carved and finished Federal style cherry butterfly drop leaf table with fine traditional form and great color. On four carved l...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

American Federal Gilt Wood Ebonized Eagle Girandole Convex Mirror, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt wood girandole convex mirror with perched spread wing eagle, connecting chains with hanging gilt balls, oak leaves with acorns, scrolled foliage medallion candle arms, circular brass bobeches, original ebonized reeded mirror with sphere mounted surround, and terminating with a lower foliage pendant...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Early 19th Century American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Officers Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most unusual Federal period mahogany campaign field desk from the early 19th century. Believed to have been used as a maritime sea capta...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Mahogany, Poplar

Early American Federal Chest of Drawers in Bookmatched Mahogany
Located in Hopewell, NJ
From the Federal period, a very beautiful American Neoclassical chest of drawers in fine bookmatched mahogany with one overhanging drawer supported on the sides by two beautifully tu...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Antique Early 19th Century Federal Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of antique early 19th century federal giltwood wall sconces with eagles.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century American Hand Carved Gilded Pediment Eagle
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th century American hand carved gilded pediment eagle. Antique decorative hand carved and gilded wooden pediment eagle. The expressive sculpture w...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Antique American Federal Carved Giltwood Pier Mirror Églomisé Panel NY 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique American Federal period, Classical giltwood eglomise pier mirror, New York, circa 1815. The mirror with a stepped cornice and applied gilt spheres, below are bands of ...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Antique Tripple Rush Seat Solid Linen Upholstery Cushion Bench Sattee Sofa Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very decorative antique tripple rush seat solid linen upholstery cushion bench sattee sofa mint!
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Rush, Chestnut

Antique Federal Period Solid Tiger Maple Cannonball Bed c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Period Solid Tiger Maple Cannonball Bed, dating to around 1830, is a stunning example of early American craftsmanship. The bed is made from rich tiger maple, whi...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

Rare Early 19th Century American Porcelain Pitcher by Tucker & Hemphill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine and rare, early 19th century Tucker and Hemphill porcelain pitcher. Of classic form with typical polychrome floral sprays to both sides and gilt decoration. Tucker and Hemphill was the important first large-scale producer of porcelain in America. They operated in Philadelphia from 1826-1838, and pieces are extraordinarily hard to find and highly coveted by American collectors. For comparable examples, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art's online collection. Simply a wonderful piece of early American porcelain...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

American Federal Period Chest of Drawers, Circa 1800
Located in Doylestown, PA
A Federal period chest of drawers in mahogany with a deep top drawer decorated with satinwood inlay, over 3 smaller drawers on simple f...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Federal Curly Tiger Figured Walnut Butler's Fall Front Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Curly Tiger Figured Walnut Butler two-part Fall Front Desk. Hand-rub refinished recently. Drawers operating smoothly. Measures 42" in width, 22" in depth and 88" in ...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Needlework Sampler by Maria Morris, 1827
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique American Needlework Sampler by Maria Morris, 1827, a needlework sampler on linen panel having alphabet and numerals, above a religi...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Thread, 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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

"Washington and His Generals" Engraving by A. H. Ritchie, circa 1870
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a large, handsome engraving entitled Washington and His Generals by Alexander H. Ritchie, one of the best historical printmakers of the mid-nineteenth century. Ritchie is par...
Category

1870s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paper

19th Century New England Tilt-Top Tripod Table
Located in Vero Beach, FL
New England Federal tilt-top tripod table tiger maple, circa 1810 Beautiful American tripod tilt-top candle stand table. It was created during the Federal era...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton (Anglo-American: 1799 - 1849), circa 1830s, an oil on canvas half-length portrait of a sea captain holding a spygl...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Inlaid Cherry Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique early 19th century American Sheraton Inlaid cherry table Additional information: Materials: Cherry Wood Color: Sienna Period: early 19th century Styles: American, Fede...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 1800s Federal Mahogany Single Drop Leaf Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A large Early 1800s American Federal Mahogany Single Drop Leaf Table. Measures 45" in width, 40" in depth (open), 20" in depth( closed) and stand...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Federal furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Kindel Furniture, Drexel, 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $115,000 while the average work can sell for $2,800.

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