Known throughout France for its Belle Époque furniture and decorative objects, Maison Millet was one of Paris’s most formidable furniture makers during the 19th century.
The company was founded in 1853 by Théodore Millet, a talented cabinetmaker who specialized in crafting artistic bronzes and making 18th-century reproductions of furniture, particularly in the Louis XVI style.
During the mid-1800s, Maison Millet’s designs consisted of elaborate and skillfully embellished furniture that was elegant and luxurious. Pieces such as cabinets, cupboards and vitrines were made from fine wood and gilt bronze. Table lamps featuring Cipollino marble and wall sconces were highly decorative, ornamented with hand-chiseled ribbons, bows and flowers. For Maison Millet’s bronze pieces, it is said the company collaborated with many well-known Parisian sculptors and bronze casters, including Claudius Marioton.
By the late 19th century, Maison Millet’s reputation for exquisite furniture was firmly established. At the Paris Universal Exposition in 1889, the firm won the gold medal, and at the 1900 Universal Exposition, it won the grand prix and three diplômes d’honneur. In 1902, Maison Millet was given the distinguished honor of being one of a few furniture makers authorized by the Château de Versailles to make a replica of Marie-Antoinette’s famed Grand Cabinet à Bijoux (a jewelry case).
Following Maison Millet’s accomplishments and the success it enjoyed towards the end of the 19th century, furniture production slowed in the early 1900s. By 1906, its remaining pieces had been auctioned off, and by 1918, the company had closed.
Today, Maison Millet’s name continues to resonate among interior designers and avid collectors of 18th- and 19th-century furniture.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique Maison Millet case pieces and storage cabinets, lighting, tables and more.
A Louis XVI Style Cartel Clock and Barometer After Pierre Gouthière
By Maison Millet
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze and Wedgwood Porcelain Cartel Clock and Companion Barometer, by Maison Millet, Paris, after the model attributed to Pierre Gouthière. The clock dial is...
Enamel, Ormolu
A Louis XVI Style Ormolu Cartel Clock
Located in Sheffield, MA
With a circular white enamel dial, surmounted by swags and ending with a woman’s face. Morbiere Movement
Louis XVI Style Marble and Bronze Clock Garniture
Located in Essex, MA
The clock with laurel wreath and torch finial over a clock set in a rectangular case, bronze feet. Together with a pair of two light candelabra.
Marble, Bronze
$2,200
H 25 in W 13 in D 4.75 in
19th Century French Ormolu Bronze Cartel Wall Clock in Louis XVI Style
Located in New York, NY
Antique (19th century) French ormolu bronze cartel wall clock in the Louis XVI style, 28 by 14 by 4 3/4 inches. White enamel face signed with the mark of the retailer, JACQUET-LACAR...
Bronze
Louis XV Style Cartel Clock
Located in Pembroke, MA
Louis XV style Cartel clock in gilt bronze with painted porcelain dial. The case has been re-gilded, and features typical rocaille ornament such as laurel leaves and berries, flowers...
Ormolu, Bronze
$11,789
H 31.89 in W 17.33 in D 5.91 in
French 19th Century Rococo Cartel Wall Clock, in the Louis XVI Style
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive 19th century Louis XVI style gilded ormolu and patinated bronze sun burst cartel wall clock. Depicting cherubs among clouds and sun rays. The white enamel clock fac...
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Louis XVI style gilt bronze cartel clock
Located in London, GB
Antique French Louis XVI style gilt bronze cartel clock French, late 19th Century Height 63cm, width 28cm, depth 10cm This elegant cartel clo...
Ormolu
Louis XVI Ormolu Cartel Clock
Located in Kittery Point, ME
A period Louis XVI Ormolu Cartel Clock, also known alternatively as 'Cartel d'Alcove' or 'œil de bœuf Cartel d’Alcove' or bull's eye, the circular dial headed by a cockerel, within a...
Ormolu
$62,414 / set
H 40.56 in W 17.33 in D 5.12 in
19th Century Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer by Dasson
Located in London, GB
This fine set comprises a cartel clock and barometer, each of which are crafted entirely in gilt bronze. The clock and barometer cases are identical, and take the form of a lyre. The...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
$13,176
H 31.89 in W 13.39 in D 5.12 in
Large antique gilt bronze French cartel clock in the Louis XVI style
Located in London, GB
This beautiful antique clock, crafted in the refined Louis XVI style is of traditional form, but is notable for its intricate and extensive dec...
Bronze, Enamel
Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock
By Medaille D'Argent, Vincenti et Cie
Located in Astoria, NY
Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock, mid 19th century, the circular white enamel dial, with strike on bell movement, surmounted by two handled covered centerpiece trailing acant...
Bronze, Enamel
A Louis XVI Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock
Located in Kittery Point, ME
A Louis XVI Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock, the circular white enamel dial signed "Baudoin A Paris" within a cartouche-shaped case surmounted by an urn and ...
Ormolu
$28,950Sale Price / set|61% Off
H 45.25 in W 13 in D 4.38 in
Pair of French 19th Century Louis XV Style Ebonized Cartel Clock and Barometer
By CAM Opticien
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and palatial pair of French 19th- 20th century Louis XV style ebonized and gilt bronze-mounted cartel clock and matching barometer by La Maison Cam Opticien. The pair sim...
Bronze
Sold
H 23.5 in W 26.5 in D 7.5 in
19th Century Louis XV Manner Ormolu and Marble Mantle Clock by Millet of Paris
By Maison Millet
Located in London, GB
A mantle clock in the Louis XV manner by Millet of Paris Constructed in white Carrara marble and gilt bronze; the rectangular form base having bowed ends, rises from gilt toupie f...
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Ormolu