Under Napoleon III’s rule, Paris underwent a great rebuilding overseen by Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, which created grand avenues and lavish landmarks like the Paris Opera. Antique Napoleon III–style furniture was flamboyant and eclectic. It was also known as Second Empire style since it followed and referenced the Empire style of his uncle Napoleon I.
Developing from 1852–70, Napoleon III furniture was plush and ornate, matching the fashion for masked balls and socializing in salons. It borrowed freely from earlier French styles including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI as well as aesthetics from around the world, from antiquity to Asian art. As writer Gustave Claudin remarked in 1867, the country’s architects worked in “a style which one would be tempted to call neo-Greco-Gothico-Pompadour-Pompeian.”
Napoleon III chairs were completely covered with velvet and lined with tassels; pouf footstools invited people to put up their feet. Sofas were upholstered with tapestries, and beds were adorned with gilt bronze and theatrical canopies. The addition of conservatories to homes led to new indoor-outdoor furniture, while the spirit of hygiene promoted by Baron Haussmann inspired bright, floral motifs.
Although the most ostentatious designs were for the elite, as seen in the Napoleon III apartments preserved in the Louvre, where red velvet, gilding and chandeliers create a cacophony of luxury, these trends influenced homes across classes as manufacturing made design increasingly accessible. Papier-mâché furniture allowed for elaborate shapes that would have been difficult to carve in wood. The malleable material was painted with chinoiserie patterns and decorative designs. It was mass-produced by factories such as Jennens and Bettridge with varnishing and mother-of-pearl inlays creating an effect reminiscent of Asian lacquer. (Surfaces that had been “japanned” — a specialty of Jennens and Bettridge — were intended to resemble lacquer work that was created in East Asia.)
Find a collection of antique Napoleon III decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Fantastic quality Napoleon III Marquetry inlaid eight day longcase clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Fantastic quality Napoleon III Marquetry inlaid eight day longcase clock having a quality bombe shaped case finely inlaid with boulle marquetry work of cut brass arabesque and enrich...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
19th Century Napoleon III Pendulum Clock Regulateur De Parquet
Located in Berlin, DE
Museale Pendulum clock "Regulateur de parquet" after Jean-Henri Riesener Napoleon III, Paris, circa 1850-1880. A model by Jean-Henri Riesener ...
Bronze
18th Century Dutch Longcase Grandfather Clock by Rutgerus van Meurs
Located in New York, NY
Antique (late 18th century) longcase clock by the Dutch firm, Rutgerus van Meurs (1738–1800) with a beautiful burr walnut veneer with fruitwood string inlay, and gilt bronze mounts i...
Brass
Italian Napoleon III Style Pedestal Clock with Ormolu Mounts and Marquetry Inlay
Located in BŘECLAV, CZ
A striking Italian pedestal clock in the Napoleon III style, crafted around the turn of the 20th century. The piece features a tall, elegant form with a richly decorated case, combin...
Wood
Napoleon III Pedestal Clock “Parquet Regulator” after Jean-Henri Riesener, 1734
Located in Berlin, DE
A Model of Jean Henri Riesener (Received Master in 1768) executed in 1785. (inv. OA 5501 In Louvre Museum). 19th Century. This fine and sumptuous “Regulateur de Pendule” presents a fine amaranth. Of Sycamore oeuil de vermeuil, ebony and buis stringing marquetry. The base and the gaine are decorated with diamond shapes. The hours are inscribed in Roman numerals and the munutes in Arabic. It takes place in a magnificent gilt décor of three winged children playing with garlands on clouds. The regulateur is enriched with a delicate garniture of bronze. The dial and each panel are framed by an elegant frieze of palms and pearls. The top of the gaine is enhanced with a frieze of palms and ovums, foliages and garlands of flowers. Each corner is ornated with fleurons. The front of the gaine is embellished by an Apollo mask (Sun Symbol) and each side with laurel crowns. Under the mask the cartouche is decorated by a stylized vase of flowers. Foliated scrolls, flowers, garlands, cornucopias and musical instruments such as a harp (Apollo Reference) the cherubs are underlined by pearls, scrolls of Acanthus Leaves and garlands dawning out in foliages, framed with ropes until the lions feet. The feet rest on a base ornated with fleurons and foliages with buds of flowers ending in four conical feet with acanthus leaves. With André-Charles Boulle (1642–1732) and Charles Cressent (1685–1768), Riesener was arguably one of the three greatest French ébénistes of the 18th century. Eventually taking over the workshop after Oeben's death in 1763, and marrying his widow some four years later. He is renowned for completing the famous bureau du Roi...
Bronze
A Napoleon III Onyx and Champlevé Enamel Pedestal Clock
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Onyx and Champlevé Enamel Pedestal Clock. The movement with a twin-barrelled eight-day anchor escapement with Brocot-type regulation striking on ...
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel
French Napoléon III Carved Walnut Long Case Clock with Brass Farming Scene
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III period carved walnut antique long case clock from the mid-19th century, with bonnet top, farming scene and scrolling motifs. Created in France at the beginning ...
Brass
Palatial & Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock, Detouche
By C. Detouche
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A Palatial and Extremely Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Regulateur de Parquet Clock by Louis-Constantin Detouche, Paris, Circa 1850 An exceptional testament to the grandeur and technical mastery of 19th-century French horology, this palatial and extraordinarily rare Napoleon III ormolu and patinated bronze Regulateur de Parquet clock stands as a crowning achievement of the renowned Parisian horologist Louis-Constantin Detouche. Created circa 1850, this monumental timepiece exemplifies the perfect synthesis of artistic opulence and mechanical precision, distinguishing itself as one of the most impressive works from Detouche’s illustrious oeuvre. At over six feet tall, this clock’s imposing scale and decorative grandeur make it an object of immense historical and aesthetic significance. The case, crafted from the finest French ormolu, features two majestic patinated bronze seated putti, serving as allegorical figures and underscoring the artistic sophistication characteristic of the Second Empire style. The white enamel dial, elegantly signed "C. Detouche/Paris," affirms its prestigious maker, while the movement, meticulously numbered 7064 and bearing the stamps "C. Detouche RUE St. MARTIN" and "C. DETOUCHE 158 R. St MARTIN 160," speaks to the highest standards of 19th-century horological craftsmanship. Further distinguishing this piece is the medaille d’argent stamp, a testament to the numerous accolades and awards bestowed upon Detouche for his innovations in timekeeping. A Masterpiece of Horological Artistry: Louis-Constantin Detouche was not merely a clockmaker; he was a visionary whose contributions to horology redefined precision and complexity. This particular regulator clock...
Bronze, Ormolu
Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century 50cm x 26cm x 15cm good condition
Bronze
$5,401Sale Price|20% Off
H 96.86 in W 25.2 in D 11.03 in
Antique Mahogany 8 Day Painted Face Longcase Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding antique mahogany 8 day painted face longcase clock signed Johnson Knaresboro with a swan-neck pediment with original brass finials. This a stunning piece, very decorative...
Brass
$5,217
H 95.67 in W 23.63 in D 10.24 in
Masterful antique English grandfather clock, mahogany, 18th century
Located in Berlin, DE
Masterful antique English grandfather clock, mahogany, 18th century. English grandfather clock, 18th century, mahogany veneer with ...
Metal, Brass, Iron
$18,995
H 19.69 in W 23.63 in D 8.27 in
Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine
Located in London, GB
The acclaimed French bronze foundry, Delafontaine, created this remarkable mantel clock. At the time this piece was crafted, in c.1860, the company was directed by Auguste-Maximilien Delafontaine (1813-1892). The firm was famous for its high-quality artistic bronzes, which can today be viewed in major art collections, such as the Louvre in Paris. Shaped like an upside down ‘T’, this gilt bronze...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
$5,477
H 16.75 in W 7 in D 6 in
French Napoleon III Ormolu and Porcelain Sided Mantel Clock in Four Glass Form
Located in London, GB
French Napoleon III ormolu and porcelain sided mantel clock in four glass form. The clock has fine jewelled porcelain panels on three sides including the full size dial. The porcelai...
Ormolu
$25,000
H 104 in W 21 in D 18 in
18th Century Dutch 'Utrecht' Longcase or Grandfather Clock by W.V. Dadelbeek
By W.V. Dadelbeek
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A walnut, burr-walnut and inlaid Dutch longcase clock by W.V Dadelbeek, Utrecht. The case of typical form, trunk door with feather banding, bombe ...
Walnut
ELEGANT 18th CENTURY LONDON LONGCASE CLOCK
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A George III period fiddle back mahogany longcase clock. The eight day movement with a full brass dial signed Ed Mann, London Fully cleaned with 2 years warranty Circa 1775
Brass
French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Wall Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 19th century clock is stunning with its diamond shaped rippling clock frame of ebony painted wood. Mother-of-pearl floral and foliate designs are inlaid in differently stained m...
Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany, Hardwood, Porcelain
$2,178 / set
H 14.57 in W 7.88 in D 5.12 in
Antique Ormolu French Cartel Clock on its Stand, Mantle Clock, Napoleon III Era
Located in Bochum, NRW
Antique Ormolu French Cartel Clock on its stand, Napoleon III Era. This is a good-sized French mantel clock dating from around 1880. It has a waisted case with applied brass decoration and brass and tortoiseshell-style inlaid panels. The white enameled dial has fancy pierced brass hands and a beaded bezel. It is hand-painted with Arab numerals and decorated with garlands of flowers and leaves. The clock has a center window showing the pendulum shaped like a fairy. It drives the movement that seems to strike the hours and halves on a bell. This gorgeous antique cartel clock...
Brass
$4,200Sale Price|35% Off
H 84.65 in W 19.69 in D 10.04 in
George III Longcase Clock, Mahogany, Early 18th Century, England
Located in Opole, PL
George III Era Longcase Clock – 18th Century his elegant 18th-century George III longcase clock is a true masterpiece of period craftsmanship, dating to the first half of the 1700s....
Mahogany
Quality Antique 18th century mahogany longcase clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality Antique 18th century mahogany longcase clock, having a quality antique 18th century longcase clock, a quality mahogany case with a ...
Brass
Porticus Clock - Napoleon III - 19th Century
Located in Porto, PT
This elegant Porticus clock, dating to the 19th century, exemplifies the French Napoleon III style, characterized by rich materials and ornate decorative details. Crafted from darken...
Metal, Bronze
19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Boulle Style Longcase Clock
Located in New York, NY
Antique (19th century) longcase clock in the manner of André Charles Boulle (1642-1732) measuring 90 by 30 by 13 inches, with ebonized finish decorated with exceptional inlaid brass,...
Brass
Sold
H 50 in W 15 in D 12 in
French Gilt-Bronze, Champleve Enamel, Onyx, and Marble Pedestal Clock, C. 1880
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A French Gilt-Bronze, Champleve / Cloisonne Enamel, Green Onyx, and Pink Marble Pedestal Clock, C. 1880. With a 5½-inch dial with cream enamel, the case with gilt-bronze mounts and pillars decorated with polychrome champleve enamel. Overall in very good condition, no damages noted, minor hairlines to the clock dial. Normal wear consistent with age and use. Clock is not currently running but can be serviced by a local clock repair...
Onyx, Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Sold
H 16.54 in W 9.06 in D 4.73 in
Napoleon III Cartel Violin Shape Table Clock in Boulle Marquetry, France, 1870
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful Violin shape table clock cartel covered with Boulle style Marquetry in the facade and sides and on the damping. Gilt bronze ornamentations, bronze cadran and emaneled cart...
Enamel, Brass, Bronze
19th Century Napoleon III Onyx and Marble Longcase Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
As much of a sculptural work of art as a majestic timepiece, this monumentally-sized Napoleon III longcase clock is crafted of exquisite Algerian onyx and rouge marble. Based Upon th...
Onyx, Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 90.5 in W 31 in D 14.5 in
Fine 19th Century Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Inlaid Bombe Long Case Clock
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The bombe shaped case is intricately inlaid with boulle and brass marquetry work and enriched with finely chiseled gilt bronze mounts. The case is surmounted by a figure of the archa...
Wood, Porcelain
19th Century French Brass Repoussé Clock Movement
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This 19th century brass repoussé clock movement was originally intended for an elaborate glass door grandfather clock, but its delicate floral decorativ...