19th Century French Ebony and Boulle Bookcase/Vitrine
By François Linke
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A handsome bookcase or china cabinet made in France in the last half of the 19th century. The case
Wood
18th Century Boulle Marquetry Bookcase
Located in Paris, FR
Boulle marquetry bookcase, opening with two glass doors richly inlaid with scrolls and acanthus
Pewter
French Napoleon III Boulle Bibliotheque ‘Bookcase’
Located in Suffolk, GB
A mid-19th century superb quality French Napoleon III gilt bronze-mounted boulle marquetry
Wood
Napoleaon III Boulle Bookcase
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Montreal, QC
An exquisite bookcase done in the distinctive brass and tortoise shell inlay work inspired by Andre
Big Boulle Bookcase Vitrine Napoleon III, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Big dimension of this beautiful Boulle bookcase vitrine presenting 2 doors with a very elegant gilt
Brass, Bronze
Stunning Big Boulle Bookcase Vitrine Napoleon III, France, 1860
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Important big size Boulle Bookcase vitrine 2 doors deux Napoléon 3, with beautiful gilt bronze
Brass, Bronze
Antique Victorian Ebonised Boulle Bookcase Cabinet 1860
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning French antique Boulle bookcase / display cabinet, circa 1860 in date and in the
Sold
H 71.66 in W 44.89 in L 71.66 in
Napoleon III Sèvres Porcelain Versace Boulle Bookcase Vitrine, France 19th Cent
By André-Charles Boulle, Versace Home Collection
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning Napoleon III Boulle Vitrine bookcase 2 doors with a beautiful Sèvres Porcelain plate in a
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 103.15 in W 102.37 in D 20.48 in
Castle Boulle Bookcase Vitrine Showcase Napoleon III, France 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Large castle Boulle Marquetry style Napoleon III impressive and important showcase or library with
Bronze
French Boulle Bookcase or Desk with Bronzed Marquetry
Located in Houston, TX
Boulle desk in rich color with bronze inlay. The upper structure is a bookcase having doors that
Wood
Napoleon III Boulle Vitrine Bookcase, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III bookcase vitrine with two doors in Boulle Marquetry style in brass ball marquetry and
Brass, Bronze
Napoleon III Boulle Vitrine Bookcase Cabinet, France, 1865
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Rare bookcase Vitrine in Boulle style marquetry in brass nets with one door 1 door in marquetry
Brass, Bronze
Napoleon III Boulle Vitrine Bookcase, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III vitrine bookcase in Boule style Marquetry with gorgeous ornamentations in gilded
Bronze
Sold
H 79.93 in W 39.38 in D 16.54 in
Rare Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Cabinet Bookcase Cupboard Dresser, France
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and very elegant tall size bookcase library or dishes, crystal dresser cupboard in two parts
Bronze, Brass
Sold
H 106.3 in W 102.37 in D 19.69 in
Napoleon III Rare Large Bookcase Cupboard in Boulle Marquetry, France
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive, rare and large Napoleon III bookcase or cupboard with 4 doors in Boulle marquetry
Brass, Bronze
French Boulle Brass inlaid Napoleon III Ebonized Bookcase Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
Very Fine 19th century Boulle brass inlaid French bookcase in the Napoleon III style with ebonized
Brass, Bronze
Elegant Napoleon III Bookcase Vitrine Cabinet, France, 1875
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant Bibliotheque, showcase, bookcase vitrine cabinet in Napoleon III style. Blackened wood
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 72.84 in W 42.52 in D 15.36 in
Napoleon III Tall Impressive Boule Vitrine Bookcase Cabinet, France, 1860
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III vitrine bookcase display cabinet in Boulle style marquetry opening with 2 doors
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 68.51 in W 68.51 in D 19.3 in
Black Bookcase Vitrine Napoleon III Boule Style, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Large Vitrine, bookcase, showcase 3 doors in Napoleon III Boule style large showcase or library
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 94.49 in W 71.66 in L 94.49 in
Large Black Vitrine Bookcase in Boule Style Napoleon III, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Very Large, impressive Boulle style black Vitrine Bookcase presenting 3 doors display case with
Bronze
Boulle Display Cabinet
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Boulle Display Cabinet Ebonized mahogany with ormulu mounts Circa 1860-1870
Bronze, Brass
Sold
H 108.27 in W 57.88 in D 22.45 in
Extremely Rare, Tall Impressive Boule Befort Jeune Bookcase Cabinet
By Befort Jeune, André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
bookcase in two pieces elegant and unique. In ebony veneer and Boulle style marquetry with brass inlays in
Bronze
Sold
H 108.27 in W 57.88 in D 22.45 in
Extremely Rare, Tall Impressive Boule Befort Jeune Bookcase Cabinet
By Befort Jeune, André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
bookcase in two pieces elegant and unique. In ebony veneer and Boulle style marquetry with brass inlays in
Bronze
Sold
H 108.27 in W 57.88 in D 22.45 in
Extremely Rare, Tall Impressive Boule Befort Jeune Bookcase Cabinet
By Befort Jeune, André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
bookcase in two pieces elegant and unique. In ebony veneer and Boulle style marquetry with brass inlays in
Bronze
Sold
H 53.5 in W 35 in D 14 in
French Napoleon III Style Ebonized Ormolu Bookcase Display Cabinet, 20th Century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
boulle work bringing harmony between the case and the red silk finishing the inside of the cabinet
Brass, Bronze
Napoleon III Boulle Vitrine Bookcase, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful Napoleon III 2 glass doors Vitrine in Boulle style marquetry in brass nets in all facades
Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze
Big Bookcase Vitrine Napoleon III Boulle style, France, 1870
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Big vitrine bookcase with 3 glass facades, 2 doors, Boulle style, Napoléon 3. Rich gorgeous Gilt
Brass, Bronze
Vitrine Bookcase in Boulle Marquetry Napoleon III, France, 1860
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful Vitrine Bookcase in Boulle style marquetry in brass and tortoise shell, with motifs of
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 93.31 in W 74.81 in D 16.93 in
Impressive Huge Hercules Bookcase Vitrine Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry, France
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive Hercules huge Bookcase vitrine Napoléon III with 3 doors in Boulle style Marquetry
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 53.15 in W 41.74 in D 18.51 in
Impressive Bacchus Vitrine Bookcase Boulle Marquetry, Napoleon III France, 1869
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive and really rare 'à la Reine' Boulle Marquetry vitrine bookcase, one door, composed of
Brass, Bronze
Mathieu Befort Jeune Napoleon III Showcase Vitrine, France, 1860
By Mathieu Béfort, André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Rare showcase vitrine bookcase by Befort Jeune. With 2 doors, Boulle style marquetry with brass
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 78.75 in W 39.38 in L 78.75 in
Rare Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Vitrine Bookcase, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful Vitrine Bookcasei in Boulle style brass marquetry, interlaced patterns, foliage, scrolls
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 47.25 in W 38.19 in D 17.33 in
Napoleon III Rare Bookcase Cupboard Cabinet in Boulle Marquetry, France
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Rare Napoleon III Boulle vitrine showcase cupboard cabinet by Pretot with support height in red
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Sold
H 78.75 in W 51.19 in D 15.75 in
Vitrine Bookcase Napoleon III Boulle 19th Century Black Glass Gilt Bronze
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Very elegant Large Boulle Showcase Or Library 2 Doors Napoleon III Period bookcase or display case
Bronze, Brass
Sold
H 74.41 in W 46.46 in D 16.15 in
Rare and Huge Vitrine Bookcase Boulle Style, Napoleon III, France, 1865
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and huge vitrine bookcase 2 doors in ebony veneered marquetry in Boulle style in Brass filets
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 45.28 in W 36.62 in D 16.54 in
Vitrine Bookcase Napoleon III Boulle 19th Century Black Glass Gilt Bronze
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Very elegant Display Cabinet Or Bookcase 2 Doors in Boulle Marquetry style Napoleon III Rare two
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 63 in W 39.38 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Boulle Style Marquetry Napoleon III Vitrines Bookcases, France, 1855
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III pair of vitrines bookshelves in Boulle style, each one has 2 front doors in beautiful
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 74.02 in W 41.74 in D 15.75 in
Vitrine Bookcase Napoleon III Boulle 19th Century Brown Wood Glass Gilt Bronze
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful French Showcase Or bookcase with Two Doors in Napoleon III and Boulle style. Two-door
Bronze
Sold
H 86.62 in W 55.91 in D 18.12 in
Big Vitrine Bookcase "the Strength of Hercules' Napoleon III, France, 1870
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Imposing big size vitrine bookcase with 2 glasses doors, in blackened fruitwood with a rich gilt
Bronze
Boulle Secretaire Bookcase Cabinet
Located in London, GB
This magnificent and superb quality Boulle secretaire bookcase cabinet feature heavily detailed and
Brass
Napoleon III Boulle Music Style Vitrine Bookcase, France, 1860
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Vitrine bookcase in Boulle Marquetry, Napoleon III style. With its two doors in Boulle Marquetry
Bronze
19th Century French Boulle Bookcase
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Vancouver, BC
A fine mid 19th century French Boulle bookcase of nice proportion; two partially glazed doors open
Brass
Small Showcase in Boulle Marquetry, Period 18th Century
Located in Manduel, FR
Small showcase in Boulle marquetry. Period 18th century. Perfect condition Furniture with
Brass
French Napoleon III Boulle Style Secretaire Bookcase
Located in Natchez, MS
French Napoleon III Boulle style secretaire bookcase with a "butlers secretary drawer" and glazed
Sold
H 70.87 in W 34.65 in D 23.63 in
Wonderful Bookcase Desk Richly Bronzed in Brass Marquetry Napoleon 3 Period 19th
Located in Manduel, FR
Bookcase desk in brass marquetry. Period Napoléon III -Perfect condition. Incredible golden
Brass
Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Here the larger version of the successful 12 leaves compact palmette ceiling fixture. This group of shallow ceiling mount Murano chandelier was first designed for a luxury yacht low...
Metal
$6,500 / set
H 14.75 in W 6.75 in D 6.75 in
Fine 19th Century French Neo-Gothic Gilt Metal Cathedral Church Reliquary Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning pair of very fine quality French Neo-Gothic gilt metal church reliquaries. circa 1860s Most impressive objets d’art, born in France in the second half of the 19th century...
Brass, Bronze
$3,328Sale Price|55% Off
H 30.71 in W 51.58 in D 30.32 in
Ebonized Fruitwood Center Table, Napoleon III Style, France, c. 1860
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An imposing Napoleon III center table (or 'Table de Milieu') in ebonized fruit wood, rectangular in shape, with rounded sides. Its ornate top, which is bordered all around with a gi...
Brass, Bronze
$46,850
H 75 in W 56 in D 28 in
A Fine French 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany and Ormolu Mounted Crib Cradle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine French or Russian 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany, Ormolu Mounted and Parcel-Gildwood Carved Crib & Bedding. The egg-shaped oblong rocking cradle supported at each...
Bronze, Ormolu
$9,801Sale Price|20% Off
H 78.75 in W 44.1 in D 17.72 in
Louis XVI Style Verni Martin Vitrine, circa 1890
By Vernis Martin
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very imposing late 19th Century French Louis XVI style bombe fronted glass Vitrine, having gilded ormolu scrolling foliate mounts, hand painted panels to the sides and door depicti...
Mahogany
Large Estate Baccarat Empire Harcourt Bronze and Crystal Vase
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Impressive signed Baccarat Empire style bronze and crystal vase. Beautifully complements the Classic 1841 Harcourt and Empire patterns, similar to the Harcourt Amphora vase, but la...
Crystal, Bronze
$25,232
H 94.49 in W 53.55 in D 25.99 in
Antique Walnut Dutch Marquetry Bureau Cabinet Bookcase 18th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an important antique Dutch walnut and marquetry bureau bookcase, circa 1780 in date. It has been made from the finest burr walnut with fabulous marquetry decoration depicti...
Walnut
Hardstone, Ormolu and Boulle Mounted Ebonised Wood Sideboard
Located in London, GB
Hardstone, ormolu and Boulle mounted ebonised wood sideboard French, Late 19th Century Height 114cm, width 178cm, depth 50cm This splendid sideboard, carved from ebonised wood, stan...
Stone, Other, Ormolu
19th Century Grand Napoleon III Period Ebonized Triple Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Grand Napoleon III Period ebonized triple bookcase is the perfect choice to make a bold statement in any room! Only a very affluent household could afford both the home ...
Walnut
$7,200Sale Price|60% Off
H 50.25 in W 46.75 in D 22.75 in
19th Century Louis XVI Style Cabinet in the Manner of Grohe Freres
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a GORGEOUS late 19th Century French Louis XVI STyle Cabinet in the Manner of Grohe Freres. From circa 1880. ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS Ormolu mounts. The detail to the casting ...
Ormolu
20th Century Louis XIV Style Cabinet
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century Louis XIV style cabinet Cabinet in the style of Louis 14th. tulip wood on solid pinewood. The fittings are pronounced and of exceptionally good quality. (D-Sam-98).
Wood, Tulipwood
$14,950Sale Price|39% Off
H 63 in W 28 in D 17.13 in
Fine French 19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Tulipwood Vitrine
By François Linke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV style ormolu-mounted tulipwood vitrine with marble top, in the manner of François Linke (1855-1946). The slender single door cabinet fitted w...
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Linke Influenced Display Cabinet
By François Linke
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th century French parquetry inlaid vitrine / display cabinet. Having its original Carrera marble top, wonderful gilded ormolu mounts of scrolling foliate ...
Ormolu
$3,782
H 32.68 in W 30.32 in D 16.54 in
Antique half-round Empire chest of drawers, mahogany, around 1810
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique half-round Empire chest of drawers, mahogany, around 1810 Semi-circular body, one door in the middle flanked by full columns and one drawer each above and below. An extremel...
Wood, Mahogany
$4,995
H 69.25 in W 43.75 in D 22.75 in
Antique Napoleonic French Empire Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Wine Cabinet Armoire 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A very fine quality French Empire Napoleonic period Mahogany & parcel gilt wine cabinet/armoire, circa 1810. Made of the finest mahogany this cabinet has the shape of a secretaire ab...
Bronze
French Empire Bookcase - Walnut Open Front Cabinet
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Sumptuous French Empire style bookcase and cabinet in walnut Hope the photos do this stunning piece some justice certainly more impressive in the flesh Stands in at nearly seven fe...
Walnut
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.
Whether you proudly shelve your books in regal mahogany or behind glass cabinet doors, an antique bookcase — or perhaps more than one — is essential to creating a cozy nook for any book lover.
As long as curious people have collected stories, we have needed a place to stow them away and preserve them. When auction houses and book dealers proliferated by the late 17th century, the bibliophile was born. And, of course, as with any treasured decorative objects or collectibles, a book lover’s volumes were suddenly worthy of a luxurious display — enter the bookcase.
Americans of means during the 19th century took to amassing art as well as rare books, and bookcases of the era — rife with hand-carved decorative accents and architectural motifs — were ideal for displaying their handsome leather-bound wares.
Although our favorite titles may change over the years, the functionality and beauty of their home within our home is timeless. Even those who don’t covet the perfect home library can benefit from an attractive display case, as bookcases can easily double as charming étagères.
Contemporary and customizable options make it easier for you to find the perfect bookcase for your style and stacks. If you don’t wish to fill your storage piece so that your collection is snug within its confines, incorporate extra space to allow for additional displays and decorative objects. And by introducing a striking dark wood Art Deco bookcase or low-profile mid-century modern design by Paul McCobb into your living room, your signed first editions won’t be the only items making a statement.
Find barrister bookcases, Globe Wernicke bookcases, bookcases with doors and other vintage and antique bookcases on 1stDibs now.