Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
EMPIRE STYLE
From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.
Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.
Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.
Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.
Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
to
4
20
18
38
1,961
913
846
811
578
466
325
283
245
205
141
132
98
65
61
50
38
38
4
29
5
5
1
21
16
8
6
6
36
23
3
2
2
38
38
38
1
1
1
1
1
Style: Empire
Ptolemaic Armillary Sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, 1805-1810 Circa
Located in Milano, IT
Charles-François Delamarche
Ptolemaic armillary sphere
Paris, circa 1805-1810
Wood and papier-mâché
covered with printed and partly hand-coloured paper
It measures 15.74” in height, ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Wood
Miniature Antique Empire chest of drawers
Located in Ballard, CA
exquisite exemple of a miniature sample of an empire chest made by a "Compagnon" most likely this was for the mentor to judge the ability of his pupi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Backgammon Games Box in Mahogany with Pieces, early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
An Elegant Empire Backgammon Game Box in Mahogany (Swietenia Mahogani) with details in Hallmark Silver. Made in the early 19th Century.
This Games Box for Backgammon is the perfect decorative piece that is also complete with pieces for playing the game! A refined Empire outside which lets the expensive materials of the piece convey the object's elegance. The interior of the box's lid forms one of the playing fields, the other being the bottom part. The backgammon board on the inside of the box is made out of intarsia wood...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Brass
Antique Sterling Silver Gold Plated Snuff Box with Architectural Motif
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful snuff box is made from gold-plated sterling silver. The lid is embellished with a nice little graphic of a church surrounded by generous floral motives and ornament. I...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Antique Empire Mahogany Sleigh Bed, Cabinet Makers Example, as Dog Bed
Located in Huntington, NY
This rare cabinet makers example of an antique Empire mahogany sleigh bed,
As Dog bed. With new poly foam bed covered in black & white ticking.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Backgammon Games Box in Mahogany with Pieces, early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
An Elegant Empire Backgammon Game Box in Mahogany (Swietenia Mahogani) with details in Hallmark Silver. Made in the early 19th Century.
This Games Box for Backgammon is the perfect decorative piece that is also complete with pieces for playing the game! A refined Empire outside which lets the expensive materials of the piece convey the object's elegance. The interior of the box's lid forms one of the playing fields, the other being the bottom part. The backgammon board on the inside of the box is made out of intarsia wood...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Brass
Ptolemaic Armillary Sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, 1805-1810 Circa
Located in Milano, IT
Charles-François Delamarche
Ptolemaic armillary sphere
Paris, circa 1805-1810
Wood and papier-mâché
covered with printed and partly hand-coloured paper
It measures 15.74” in height, ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Wood
Antique Sterling Silver Snuff Box with Floral Motif
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful snuff box is made from sterling silver. Its inside is gold plated. Lid and bottom are covered in the same floral design reminiscent of a bouquet or floral ornament. Th...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Antique Angel Motif Sterling Silver Snuff Box
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful snuff box is made from sterling silver. The lid and sides are covered in an intricate floral design with musical instruments and a scene of two playing cherubs in its ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Swedish Backgammon in Curly Karelian Birch with Playing Pieces, Empire 1820/30s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Swedish Backgammom Box in Curly Karelian Birch with Playing Pieces, Swedish Empire (Karl Johan) 1820/30s. Complete with two Die made in bone and Playing Pieces for two players.
This beautifully crafted backgammon box...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
18th Century Porcelain Snuff Tobacco Box with Ormulu Gilt Decorations
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-18th Century porcelain snuff tobacco box with Ormulu gilt embossed relief and with empire classical motives. The inside of the lid is decorated with colorful flowers.
Wonderful a...
Category
Mid-18th Century European Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ormolu
Empire Style Birdcage Model of Chateau de Luneville, Early 20th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The wood and wire birdcage faithfully depicting the chateau.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
French Nécessaire de Voyage
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional and rare French nécessaire de voyage is almost certainly the work of the highly respected Parisian manufacturer Pierre-Dominique ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Silver
19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This incredible, one-of-a-kind watch display cabinet brings together the beauty of an antique with the functionality of modern technology. Crafted of mahogany, this 19th century jewelry display cabinet...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Miniature Commode
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Empire miniature commode. A well executed miniature chest made of walnut and veneer of walnut with two large drawers below a smaller top drawer and with solid walnut columns. Inscription written in ink on the back of each of the large drawers: Don D...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut
Antique Sterling Silver Gold Plated Snuff Box with Architectural Motif
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful snuff box is made from gold-plated sterling silver. The lid is embellished with a nice little graphic of a church surrounded by generous floral motives and ornament. I...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Snuff Box Empire Style Floral Motif
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful snuff box is made from sterling silver. Its inside is gold plated. Its shape is reminiscent of a book and lid and bottom are covered in a unique floral ornamental desi...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Snuff Box with Floral Motif
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful snuff box is made from sterling silver. Its inside is gold plated. Lid and bottom are covered in the same floral design reminiscent of a bouquet or floral ornament. Th...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Rare French, Early 19th Century Napoleonic Medal Cabinet
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Rare French early 19th century Napoleonic medal cabinet on four gilt bronze pawfeet, a hinged door to the top and front opening to reveal four drawers containing 184 very fine bronzed plaster medals...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
19th Century French Wooden Maquette/Model of the Pantheon with Napoleon I Figure
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite and highly detailed wooden maquette, dating from the late 19th century, is a remarkable representation of the Pantheon in Paris. It stands as a significant example of Bonapartist art, crafted with extraordinary precision and attention to detail. The maquette is constructed from intricately cut, re-drilled, and assembled wood, designed to form a miniature model of a temple...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Empire Miniature Commode
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine early 19th century French Empire miniature sample commode with four dovetailed drawers. Made of burl of walnut veneer with oak and pine as secondary woods. Working locks with ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Miniature Antique Empire chest of drawers
Located in Ballard, CA
exquisite exemple of a miniature sample of an empire chest made by a "Compagnon" most likely this was for the mentor to judge the ability of his pupi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Gold French Empire Hexagonal Giltwood Verre Églomisé Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold patinated, antique French hexagonal barometer made of handcrafted giltwood, in good condition. The top part of the Parisian décor piece is enhanced by flower carvings. The glass dial is particularized with Verre Églomisé. The thermometer represent the First French Empire time...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Giltwood
Empire Painted and Lacquered Spyglass, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The adjustable spyglass with gilt brass trim and original leather case.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Lacquer
Atelier Musee Du Louvre after Pilon Germain, King Henri II Bust, 1850s, France
By Germain Pilon, Atelier de moulage du Louvre
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A French Grand Tour 19th century plaster, bust of French King Henri II made by Atelier de moulage du Louvre between 1854-1865 after Pilon Germain...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Russian Imperial Porcelain Easter Egg 19th century Rising Christ
Located in Sweden, SE
A rare and highly collectible Easter egg covered with exquisite miniature painting and gilding, created at the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory during the reign of Alexander II. The r...
Category
Late 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Pair of Small Gilded Frames with Greek Scened Porcelain Plaques
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of Two Small Gilded Frames with Greek Scened Porcelain Plaques in Ormolu Gilded Bronze Frames. Great pieces to add to an existing collection.
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
18th Century Snuff Box With Secret Erotic Motive
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very funny little snuff box with a text about Etimologie; the true learning or real learning, on the lids outside and a hidden erotic motive on the inside of the lid.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paper
Antique French 19th Century Jewelry Box Flap Door Miniature Wood Cabinet
Located in Firenze, IT
This beautiful French late 19th century chest of drawers in black ebonized wood and cherrywood reproduces with perfect proportions in scale a miniature cabinet with three drawers and an upper flap door that opens to reveal a white marble top and an oval mirror inside, nice hand carved band on top with geometrical pattern and molded base.
The black lacquered wood creates a wonderful contrast with the beautiful honey-colored wood grain. Despite its convenient size, extremely detailed, this chest of drawers is equipped with a white Carrara marble top and a small mirror that make it even more special and useful.
The model of a piece of furniture was originally created by cabinet makers to show their skills to the customer and to present the sample of the furniture which would then have been produced on a larger scale. These commode miniatures, along with other specimens, were displayed in the craftsman's workshop to serve as examples to aid the potential client in making a selection. Some also think that these little chests were used as doll and puppets...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Carrara Marble, Metal
Empire Style Ibach Model 2 Grand Piano Mahogany Case Ormolu Mounts
Located in Leeds, GB
Empire style, 1901, Ibach model 2 grand piano with a mahogany case and gate legs. Entire cabinet decorated with ormolu mounts depicting classical scenes of gods, goddesses and wreaths. This piano is one of 12 unique instruments made as exhibition models...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Collection of French Opaline Apothecary Jars
Located in Copenhagen, K
Collection of 20 opaline apothecary jars from the 19th century.
Collection consists of 14 larger jars and 6 smaller jars.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Opaline Glass
Austro-Hungarian Empire 1880 Budapest Vesta Tinder Box In .900 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
An Austro-Hungarian mechanical vesta tinder case.
Beautiful antique fusee vesta tinder case, created in Budapest Hungary around the 1880. It was crafted during the Austro-Hungarian ...
Category
1880s Hungarian Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Regiment Des Dromedaires Camel Saddle
Located in New Orleans, LA
This fascinating piece of military history is a camel saddle created for and used by the Dromedary Regiment (Regiment des Dromedaires) during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaigns between 1798-1801. The term “dromedary” refers to the dromedary camel...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Brass, Iron
French Late 19th Century Barometer
By Selon Torricelli
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French late 19th century barometer.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Napoléon's Footbath by George Bullock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This amazing footbath was created for Napoleon Bonaparte. It was part of the toilet service to be used during his exile on St. Helena. Just before shipm...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
18th Century Gold French Gilded Wood Barometer, Antique Parisian Thermometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rare antique finely worked French barometer with lyre shaped crest thermometer above a large hexagonal framed barometer. The Parisian décor piece is m...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Giltwood
Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella on the Appian Way, Early 19th Century Circular
Located in Paris, FR
A large circular micromosaic panel representing the so called "Tomb of Cecilia Metella on the Appian way" near Rome. This plate shows superior quality and m...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
French 1890s Empire Style Lit en Bateau Doll Bed with Out-Scrolling Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style wooden lit en bateau doll bed from the late 19th century, with out-scrolling accents. Created in France during the last quarter of ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century French Empire Apprentice Commode in Walnut with Lift Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early 19th century French Empire Apprentice Commode in walnut with lift top. Table top item.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut
Le Style Empire, Décoratations, Extérieures Et Intérieures, Mobilier, Bronzes
Located in valatie, NY
Le Style Empire: Décoratations, Extérieures et Intérieures, Mobilier, Bronzes. Printed in Paris by Chez F. Contet. All volumes are 1st Ed's with the exception of volume 1 which is a ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Sterling Silver Snuff Box Empire Style Floral Motif
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful snuff box is made from sterling silver. Its inside is gold plated. Its shape is reminiscent of a book and lid and bottom are covered in a unique floral ornamental desi...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
19th Century Pair of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Figural Three-Light Candleholders
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of gilt bronze three-light candelabra with kneeling putto holding the candleholders raised on richly elaborate base, France, late 19th century.
Measures:
Height 12.50 in / 3...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Boch La Louviere, Suite Of 18 Plates, Napoleon Ist Battles, Late 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Suite of 18 commemorative plates of Napoleonic battles and military events, such as "Bonaparte at Arcole", "Battle of Iéna", "General Masséna before Zurich", "The death of General de Lanne"...
The grisaille decoration stands out against the white background; the perimeter is decorated with the symbols of the Empire: "N" surmounted by the crown, bicorne
Boch Fes La Louvière plate series, Made in Belgium...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Earthenware
19th-Century French Empire Bronze Napoleon Commemorative Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire (19th Century) bronze inkwell in the form of Napoleon's casket covered by a shroud with a crown finial top and resting on a tiered base with...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Empire collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Atelier de moulage du Louvre, Charles Francois Delamarche, and George Bullock. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $125 and tops out at $78,500 while the average work can sell for $2,224.