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.
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
Antique French Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Brass Tortoiseshell Keepsake Box 13
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Napoleon III era French Marquetry Boulle box. Red and black tortoiseshell with foliate brass inlay. Decoration on top includes the monogram LS. Rectangular form ...
Brass
French Cast Iron Safe Strong Box by Bauche
By Bauche
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Cast Iron French Safe or Strong Box From our Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this French Safe Cast Iron Strong Box by Bauche. The Safe of rectangular form made from cast iron with extensive riveting and twin loop handles. The safe has two escutcheon covers to the front, the left is the genuine lock which turns to reveal the keyhole and the right is a dummy for symmetry. The top of the box is fitted with a plaque that reads in French Incombustible Systeme Bauche Brevete S.G.D.G usine A Gueux Marne (Incombustible System Bauche Patented S.G.D.G factory A Gueux Marne). The interior of the safe has been lined in a gunmetal grey cushioned velvet to give cushioning to your most treasured objects. Has Key and fully working lock. The French Safe dates to the second half of the 19th century during the reign of Napoleon III circa 1865. Henry Bauche Bauche Safes...
Iron
C19th French Napoleon 111 Liquor Cellar
Located in London, GB
Magnificent French Liquor Cabinet This cabinet opens to Reveal decanters and Crystal Glasses Baccarat Style set within burr Wood Case C1880s
Amboyna
French Antique Ormolu and Limoges Enamel Jewellery Box
By Limoges
Located in Newark, England
LIMOGES ENAMEL PANELS From our Decorative collection, we are delighted to offer this French Napoleon III Ormolu and Enamel Jewellery Box. The Jewellery...
Enamel, Ormolu
French Boulle Boxes Opposing Pair Napoleon III
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Opposing Pair of Boulle Boxes From our Boxes collection, we are delighted to bring to market this pair of opposing French Boulle B...
Brass
19th Century Perfume Box - Napoleon III - Crystal Bottles
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique marquetry wooden box for perfume. The box dates from the French Napoleon III period, circa 1880-1890. The box features those original crystal perfume bottles, bea...
Burl
$924Sale Price|38% Off
French Walnut Burr Campaign Writing Slope Brass Inlay 19th C
By Napoléon III
Located in Cheltenham, GB
An exceptionally fine quality example of an early 19th century burr wood campaign writing slope, in beautifully grained burl, with polished brass inlaid, of French origin. Opening to...
Brass
19th Century Napoleon III Wood Marquetry Teacaddy
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined antique French tea caddy from the end of Napoleon III. The box is beautifully inlaid with different types of wood and brass, outside around ...
Brass, Bronze
19th Century Decorative Box - Ormolu Gilt Bronze - French Napoleon III
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined Napoleon III period decorative box, made of ormolu gilt casted bronze. Richly ornate floral motifs. It has an illegible signature. The liner inside has been renewed. Includ...
Bronze, Ormolu
French Napoléon III Black Lacquer Box with Boulle-Style Cartouche
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite French Napoléon III black lacquer box is a fine 19th-century desk accessory distinguished by its elegant proportions and Boulle-style decorative cartouche. Crafted wit...
Brass
19th century non-combustible cast-iron travel strongbox by Bauche-Fichet, France
Located in NICE, FR
19th century non-combustible cast-iron travel strongbox by Bauche-Fichet, France Antique travel safe in non-combustible cast iron from northeastern France (Gueux, Marne). It is de...
Iron
$361Sale Price|48% Off
French Limoges Hand Painted Gold Trim Trinket Jewelry Box or Candy Dish
By Limoges
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Limoges handcrafted and hand painted gold trimmed trinket, jewelry box or candy dish, circa 1930. Signed, Jammet Seignolles Limoges (history of this maker below). Glazed. Measures: 4 3/8" Diameter x 2 1/4" high. Very good antique condition, no cracks or chips. In 1825, François BAIGNOL moved to LA FABRIQUE, on the edge of the Brigueuil forest and founded...
Porcelain
Napoleon III Perfume Casket – French – Crystal Perfume Bottles – Brass Inlay
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
This elegant Napoleon III period French perfume casket dates from the second half of the 19th century and retains its three original crystal perfume bottles. The casket is crafted fr...
Brass
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Woven Gilt Bronze Handled Basket, Weave Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III woven gilt bronze handled basket -weave table box France, circa 1875 A whimsical, yet intricately woven of a handled basket weave table ...
Bronze
Allegories of Art, French 19th Century Large Jewelry Casket After Clodion
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large Napoleon III Jewelry Casket In chiseled and silvered bronze, decorated with putti scenes in the style of Claude Michel dit Clodion (...
Bronze
19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Vase
Located in Roma, IT
19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Vase Beautiful, elegant and rare small jewellery box in crystal and gilded bronze. It has a top opening with a clip closure. The upper part of ...
Crystal, Bronze
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Box of Sevres
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
sevres box circa 1900 perfect state cobalt blue with gold hand painted origin france. The Manufacture nationale de Sèvres is one of the most important and w...
Ceramic
Antique Bauche Incombustible Cast Iron Safe from Northeastern France, 1865
Located in Linkebeek, BE
19th century non-combustible cast-iron travel strongbox by Bauche-Fichet, France Antique travel safe in non-combustible cast iron from northeastern France (Gueux, Marne). It is decor...
Iron
French Perfume Box in Tulipwood with Sevres Porcelain Plaque
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Antique French perfume box in tulipwood surmounted by a Sevres style porcelain plaque, dating to the mid nineteenth centur...
Silver, Brass
Sèvres Porcelain Box, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain box, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Box, Sèvres porcelain box, gilt brass mount, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 7 cm, W: 15 cm, D: 10 cm Co...
Brass
19th Century Italian Writing Box with Macassar Veneer and Silver Mounts
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique writing slope case. The chest is veneered with Macassar wood. Decorated with silver mounts. The interior is made of birdseed maple...
Sterling Silver
Sèvres Porcelain Box, Gilt Brass Mounting, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain box, gilt brass mounting, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A Napoleon III period box, 19th century, Sèvres porcelain and gilt brass mount. Dimensions : H: 14cm, ...
Brass
Sèvres Porcelain Casket, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain casket, Napoleon III period, 19th century. 19th century casket, Napoleon III period, Sèvres porcelain and gilt brass mount. Dime...
Porcelain
French Silver Mounted Mother of Pearl Engraved Box, circa 1800
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and fine antique French silver mounted mother of pearl box and with an exquisitely carved ducal with a maiden holding a coronet, elaborate monogram and a rod of Caduce...
Mother-of-Pearl
19th Century Napoleon III Game Box with Burl Wood and Brass
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique game box from the French Napoleon III period. The box is made of book veneer match, inlaid with brass trims. This box shows the fine craftsmanship of the ebenist wh...
Brass
19th Century Sewing Box by Maison Aucoc, Paris
By A. Aucoc
Located in Paris, FR
Late 19th century oval sewing box decorated with crowned monogram. The case contains five gold and steel sewing utensils embellished with small flowers. Labeled on the inside: AUCOC A PARIS. Weight: 27.6 g, circa 1860 Dimension: W 4.5 in, D 2.4in, H .8in. Dimension: L 11.5cm, P 6cm, H 2cm. La Maison Aucoc...
Gold, Steel
Large Antique French Boulle Napoleon III Marquetry Box
By Audige
Located in Vilnius, LT
Antique 19th century French Boulle/Napoleon III marquetry box. The wooden box is decorated with inlaid brass and tortoiseshell and red silk textile inside. Including key. Signed: Aud...
Brass
Antique Napoleon III Game box with Brass and Burl Wood Marquetry
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique game box from the French Napoleon III period. The box is made of various types of wood marquetry inlaid with brass trims. This box s...
Copper
Antique French Walnut Sewing Set Case, Napoleon III Étui, Needle Case
Located in Greven, DE
This dainty yet highly detailed sewing set was crafted in the late 19th century by skilled French artisans. The case, also known as an étui, is made from walnut and has a tapering r...
Walnut
$6,828
Box signed Giroux, Paris
Located in Paris, FR
A box from Alphonse Giroux in Paris The whole is adorned with a finely chased bronze Neo-Gothic-style frame decorated with symmetrical foliage, flowers and scrolls, notably framing t...
Wood
$395Sale Price|20% Off
Limoges Porcelain Lidded Candy Dish Trinket or Antique French Jewelry Box
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful hand painted Limoges porcelain candy dish, trinket, or jewelry box. This gorgeous French jewelry box is adorned with traditional decor...
Porcelain
$1,517Sale Price|20% Off
Chased Bronze Jewellery Box, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chased bronze jewellery box, 19th century Chased bronze jewellery box, red silk inside, Napoleon III period, 19th century Contact us before ordering ...
Bronze
Bresse enamel box, Napoléon III
Located in Paris, FR
Square box of Bresse-blue enamel with gilt bronze mounts. The five sides are composed of convex plates that are decorated with intricate golden arabesques and flower seeds. Enameled ...
Enamel
Sèvres Porcelain Box, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain box, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A 19th century Napoleon III period Sèvres porcelain box, Chateau des Tuilleries, gilt brass mounting. Dimensions : H: 12cm,...
Brass
Bohemian Cut Crystal Box, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bohemian cut crystal box, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Bohemian cut crystal box, brass mounting, late 19th century, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 15cm, W: 19cm, D: 11c...
Crystal, Brass
A Sèvres Porcelain Box, Gilt Brass Mounting, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A Sèvres porcelain case, gilt brass mounting, 19th century, Napoleon III period. An important Sèvres porcelain box, 19th century, Napoleon III period, gilt brass mounting. Dimensio...
Brass
Fake Book Concealing Two Liqueur Decanters, Napoleon III Style, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Fake book concealing a small liqueur cabinet from the early 20th century, Napoleon III style, comprising two liqueur decanters with four small crystal glasses, one decanter broken at...
Wood
19th Century French Repousse Silver Plated on Copper Jewelry Box
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant, antique Napoleon III copper box in your master bath to keep your jewelry safe and organized. Crafted in France circa 1880, the ornate ...
Silver Plate, Copper
$2,774
Card Box, Napoléon III
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III-period papier-mâché and wood marquetry card box with original key. The lid is richly decorated with a polychromatic bunch of flowers in a central medallion with gilt fra...
Paper
Antique 19th Century Porcelain Apothecary Jar 'Ong: Egyptiac' Palm Trees Snakes
Located in Munich, DE
This elegant apothecary lidded jar is made out of porcelain and was made in France in 1870 ca. The apothecary jar is hand painted and hand gilt. It is decorated with two palm trees b...
Porcelain
$5,960Sale Price|20% Off
Perfumer Baccarat Perfume Box, Ormolu Mounted, Doré Bronze
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Perfumer Baccarat Perfume Box, Ormolu Mounted, Doré Bronze Presenting a remarkable fusion of artistry and opulence, the perfumer Baccarat's green op...
Ormolu
French Napoleon III Period Brass Inlaid Rosewood and Walnut Lap Desk
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very pretty French Napoleon III period brass inlaid rosewood and kingwood lap desk of fine quality. This portable writing desk is centered by a beautifully painted landscape scene....
Brass
Table Box floral miniature fire-enameled on guilloche vertical stripes Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Round table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fired enamels, with “paillons” in pure gold on the upper circle, fine fired enamelled miniature with hand-painted floral ...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Chest, Box Forming a Cabinet, Orientalist Art, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chest, box forming a cabinet, Orientalist art, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A 19th century Napoleon III period wood and bone marquetry cabinet box, Orientalist. Dimensions : ...
Bone, Wood
Small 19th Century Napoleon III Period Sèvres Porcelain Box.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Small 19th century Napoleon III period Sèvres porcelain box. A Napoleon III period small box, 19th century, in Sèvres blue porcelain, enamelled and gilded, with a gallant scene on t...
Porcelain
Pill box enamel “pastoral”miniature on sterling silver gold plated Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular pill box with 2 slightly rounded sides, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with a miniature hand-painted by the painter Romano Buccioni depicting a “pastoral” scene ...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
19th Century French Napoleon III Marquetry Sewing Box
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th Century French Napoleon III marquetry sewing box. Made of mahogany with thuya wood top inlaid with brass and mother of pearl. Brass trim frames the lid and the base. The interior is lined in red silk and is fitted with a collection of 15 sewing tools (two are missing) on a velvet lined tray. The inside of the lid has a mirror surrounded by a tufted border. Working lock and small key. The box contains an old embroidery...
Brass
Large Bronze and Silver Chest, 19th Century Orientalist Work.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large bronze and silver chest, 19th century Orientalist work. Large 19th century Orientalist bronze and silver box, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 15,5cm, W: 23cm, D: 18cm C...
Silver, Bronze
French Antique Napoleon III Style Glove Box or Jewelry Box Marquetry
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 19th-century French antique Napoleon III style glove box or jewelry box, typically crafted from burl wood veneer and featuring intricate brass and mother-of...
Wood
Early 20th Century French Repoussé Brass Fireplace Wood Box on Casters
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring character and function to your hearth with this antique French firewood box crafted circa 1920. Built with a wooden carcass clad in richly patinated repoussé brass panels, the coffer is decorated on all sides with lively tavern scenes in the manner of David Teniers, depicting peasants gathered around tables in moments of music, drink, and conversation. The detailed relief work adds depth and narrative, making the piece as decorative as it is practical. The slanted hinged lid, fitted with an interior chain support, opens to reveal ample storage for kindling or firewood. Raised on discreet rolling casters, the box is easy to move and ideal for placement beside a fireplace, while also working beautifully as a small accent chest...
Brass
$2,091Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Black Rosewood Liquor Case, 1890s, Set of 11
Located in Opole, PL
Antique Black Rosewood Liquor Case, 1890s, Set of 11 Step into the opulence of 19th-century France with this stunning Napoleon III-style liquor case, a tr...
Glass, Rosewood
19th C. French Rosewood Vanity Case by Perret with Silver Fittings Dated 1855
Located in Dallas, TX
Travel in style with this exceptional French antique vanity case, crafted in Paris circa 1855 by the esteemed maker Perret, a renowned goldsmith, cabinetmaker, and leather specialist...
Silver
Bronze and Porcelain Box, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze and porcelain box, Napoleon III period, 19th century. A 19th century Napoleon III period gilt bronze and Sèvres porcelain box, decorated with garlands and flowers. Dimension...
Bronze
Important Box, Sèvres Porcelain Box, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Important box, Sèvres porcelain box, Napoleon III period. Sèvres porcelain box, jewelry box, decorated with gallant scenes, signed, gilded brass mount, very nice quality, 19th centu...
Brass
Porcelain Box, Late 19th-Early 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Porcelain box, late 19th - early 20th century. Porcelain box from the end of the 19th century or beginning of the 20th century, gilded brass, very nice painted scene with gold decor...
Porcelain
Sèvres Porcelain Box, Enamelled and Gilded, 20th Century, Napoleon III Style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain box, enamelled and gilded, 20th century, Napoleon III style. A 20th century Napoleon III style Sèvres porcelain enamelled and gilt box with gilt brass mounting. Di...
Porcelain
Height Airs Swiss Cylinder Music Box, circa 1880
Located in Marseille, FR
Napoleon III music box with 8 bee melodies including 4 complications. Ability to play and replay loops melodies. Possibility to add to engage a resonator and or activate small bees t...
Paul Sormani Marquetry Token Box, 19th Century.
By Paul Sormani
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Paul Sormani marquetry token box, 19th century. Precious wood and bone marquetry token box, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Dimensions : H: 10cm, W: 36cm, D: 26cm Contact us be...
Bone, Wood
PERFUME BOX WITH LID French Napoleon III 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PERFUME BOX WITH LID French Napoleon III 19th Century in ebonised wood, tortoiseshell and gilded metal. Interior with three golden glass bottles. Defects of age Dim.: (box) 11 x 1...
Wood
Napoleon III Writing Slope or Box, Marquetry, France, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Napoleon III box. Marquetry. France, 19th century. Rectangular wooden box with a flat top and supported on circular legs that presents a front opening with a key lock and a hinged ...
Other