In this comprehensive guide, expert
woodworker Michael Dunbar provides complete, illustrated
instructions for replicating Federal style tables, chairs, beds,
chests, mirrors, desks and candlestands. He addresses Federal
furniture from the point of view of those who lived through the time
as well as the perspective of the craftsmen who built it.
The Federalist Era
was a defining period in U.S. history, shaping the nation’s
government, economy, and foreign policy. Led by figures like George
Washington, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson,
this era saw the creation of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights,
the First Bank of the United States, and the rise of America’s first
political parties
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FEATURED
ANTIQUE
Federal
Console Table
AN-TIQUE (an-teek)An object having
special value because of its age, especially a domestic item, piece of
furniture or decorative arts object esteemed for its artistry, beauty,
mechanical ingenuity, or period of origin.
The
Antiques Almanac, a five-edition-per-year online magazine for beginning and
intermediate antiques collectors and those just interested in finding out about
old things, is your first stop on the Web in your search for information
about antiques and collectibles. Here, you’ll find articles on a variety
of American and international antiques, including furniture, china,
glass, silver, and other decorative arts from the Colonial, Empire,
Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco Periods, plus vintage and modern
collectibles, interesting historical facts, antique tips, and
recommendations for caring for your collections. Come back often to see
what's new. And be sure to tell your friends about us.
This
edition's
theme:
"Federal America"
Volume 19 No. 1
This edition features articles about
antiques and history from Federal America spanning objects and ideas
from 1790 to 1820.
Throughout 2026, The
Antiques Almanac will feature articles and photos depicting
American antiques and history to celebrate the 250th Anniversary
of the United States. Editions will each feature a major period
in U.S. history---Colonial America, Federal America, Victorian
America, Early 20th Century America, and An American Christmas.
Federal
Furniture and the Neoclassical Style
Before the Revolutionary War, American furniture design
depended heavily on English models. But after the War, a new
style, Federal, emerged, lasting from 1789 to 1823. During
the 40 years of the Federal era, the Neoclassical style
became popular immediately after the adoption of the Federal
Constitution in 1788. Notable furniture makers who worked in
this style included John and Thomas Seymour, Duncan Phyfe
and Charles-Honoré Lannuier.
America's First Fine Tableware
Prior to the American Revolution, the colonists, those who
could afford it, imported all their fine tableware from
England and France. But after the war, German immigrant
Henry Stiegel changed all that.
Benjamin Latrobe and the Athens of the New
World
Historians have often referred to Federal era Philadelphia
as the “Athens of the New World.” But that wouldn’t have
been possible without the foresight and expertise of
Benjamin Henry Boneval Latrobe, a British-American architect
who immigrated to the United States in 1796.
Improving Time
As the new Republic of the United States of America began to
take shape, innovations in design and craftsmanship began to
appear. One of these was the banjo clock, the first American
8-day wall clock, the first American wall clock to have the
pendulum suspended in front of the weight in the case, and
the first American wall clock to have the weight attached to
a pulley.
U,S. Banknotes Reveal the Country's
Early History
American
banknotes have not always been green-In the mid-19th
century, banknotes contained a rainbow of colors. By
examining these paper artifacts, Collectors can take a tour
of America circa 1800.
Caring for
Veneered Furniture The primary
danger to veneered furniture is water—more exactly,
dampness. Because a veneer is an ultra thin piece of exotic
wood that’s glued to a lesser wood frame, it’s important to
care for veneered furniture regularly. More
Caring for Collections
SPECIAL
RELATED ARTICLES
Check out these related
articles from past editions of The Antiques Almanac
that may also be of interest:
The Founding Fathers looked to ancient Greece and Rome to
formulate the government of the New Republic of the United
States. Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson drew on
classical concepts to establish not only a system of
government but also of civic values and architectural
design. Both ancient Greece and Rome laid the foundation for
democracy, from the Greek model and the rule of law based on
the Roman one.
Read more.
To get an
in-depth look into the Federal era world, there’s no better place than
the Homewood Museum on the campus of John Hopkins University. Originally
the family home of the Carroll family, it has been preserved and curated
as a prime example of Federal era design. Read more.
Ancient Roman and Greek
architecture heavily influenced Federal period architectural
design by reflecting the ideals of democracy and
republicanism that were important to the Founding Fathers.
This style emphasized symmetry, simplicity, and classical
motifs, such as columns and arches, inspired by the works of
architects like Andrea Palladio and Robert Adam. The pillars
and domes in federal architecture aren't just for beauty but
mirror a commitment to democratic ideals. Read more
So what exactly is a pier
table? Simply, it’s a low, usually narrow table that stands in the pier,
or wall section between two windows, often in the parlor of a wealthier
person’s house. Cabinetmakers often made them in pairs of expensive
woods, such as mahogany, rosewood, and giltwood. Unfortunately, ill
informed curators of historic homes—originally wealthy women who joined
groups who raised money to restore and manage historic homes—had heard
the story of the pier table and placed it in the main hall where it
didn’t belong in the first place.
Read more
How to Recognize and
Refinish Antiques for Pleasure and Profit
Have
you ever bought an antique or collectible that was less than perfect and
needed some TLC? Bob's book offers tips and step-by- step
instructions for simple maintenance and restoration of common antiques.
Read an
Excerpt
BREAKING
NEWS
Menagerie Wagon Rolls in at Three Times Its Estimate
Beating out its $10/15,000
estimate was an extremely rare Märklin Hagenbeck’s Menagerie
transport train wagon, in gauge 1, that featured a lid that
opened to reveal two associated composition lions in a
single-compartment gondola car. Measuring 8½ inches in
length and in exceptional condition, it finished at $33,750.
BIZARRE
ANTIQUITIES
Roman bakers used
bread stamps to mark their loaves, identifying
the maker and ensuring accountability. Beyond
marking ownership, these stamps also served a
regulatory function. If the authorities found a
loaf to be adulterated or substandard,, they
could trace it back to the responsible baker for
punishment. This small object offers a
fascinating glimpse into Roman commerce, law,
and urban organization.
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