French Second Empire Mahogany Writing Desk

By the start of the late 19th century, Maison Krieger was one of the largest furniture manufacturers in Paris, renowned throughout France and Europe for their quality workmanship and range of furnishings and decor. 

The company was founded in 1826 by Bas-Rhin-born brothers Nicolas and Antoine Krieger, who distinguished themselves by producing exceptional reproductions of Empire furniture as well as luxury 18th-century furniture including in the styles of Louis XV and Louis XVI.

Working with marble, mahogany, gilt and bronze, Maison Krieger produced elaborate cabinets and buffets, magnificently handcrafted consoles, center tables, chairs and other pieces. The firm also collaborated with master ébéniste François Linke, and the Maison Krieger label can be found on some of Linke’s works.

Throughout the mid to late 19th century, Maison Krieger underwent several transformations. In 1850, the company was renamed Antoine Krieger et Cie. Following Antoine’s death in 1856, his son-in-law took charge, changing the firm’s name to Cosse-Racault et Cie. Several years later, in 1880, the company became Krieger, Damon et Cie when it merged with furniture manufacturer Damon et Colin.

Despite their multiple reformations, Maison Krieger’s reputation for designing and producing elegant furniture never wavered, and they garnered critical acclaim at several major exhibitions of the 19th century. 

In 1849, the firm exhibited at the Exposition des Produits de l’Industrie in Paris. They participated in the Great Exhibition in London two years later, winning a second-class medal for an oak sideboard they made for a client from the Ottoman Empire. In 1855, they exhibited at the Exposition Universelle in Paris and again in 1900.

By the 1920s and 1930s, Maison Krieger had up to 1,000 employees working in their massive workshops in Faubourg St. Antoine. However, the company ceased production in 1945.

Today, Maison Krieger furniture continues to be highly coveted by antique collectors and connoisseurs of 18th-century reproductions and 19th-century pieces.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique Antoine Krieger storage cabinets, tables and other furniture.