Encyclopedia of Antiques

Federal

Colonial and 18th Century influences came through at this time between the late colonial and the Victorian periods. Foreign sales and southern requisitions kept the furniture makers of New England humming with activity.

 Chairs have ball-and-claw feet with straight or slightly curved legs; the chests have mirrors and irregular fronts. Dining tables have heavy pedestals; sideboards are heavy and have reeded columns; sofas have rolled arms. Scrolls, patriotic themes, and pineapples were favored motifs. Woods used were ash, fruitwood, oak, hickory, and mahogany.
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