Skip to main content

Empire Boxes

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
12
86
2
45
39
6
18
14
1
1
17
8
4
1
1,171
856
844
606
286
264
227
189
134
126
125
123
113
108
86
73
38
37
55
32
31
30
29
57
29
77
33
23
7
4
Height
to
Width
to
86
86
86
29
22
7
1
1
Style: Empire
Collection of Turquoise Opaline Glass with Bronze Mounts, Italy Early 20th Cent
Collection of Turquoise Opaline Glass with Bronze Mounts, Italy Early 20th Cent

Collection of Turquoise Opaline Glass with Bronze Mounts, Italy Early 20th Cent

$1,820 / set

Collection of Turquoise Opaline Glass with Bronze Mounts, Italy Early 20th Cent

By French Opaline

Located in Nuernberg, DE

A beautiful collection of Vases made of opal glass all with Bronze Mounts. These types of articles and jewelry boxes were mainly made in France, Italy and earlier in Bohemia. They we...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Empire Boxes

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Partially Gilt Brass Box with Velvet Interior, Early 19th Century
French Empire Partially Gilt Brass Box with Velvet Interior, Early 19th Century

French Empire Partially Gilt Brass Box with Velvet Interior, Early 19th Century

$1,494

French Empire Partially Gilt Brass Box with Velvet Interior, Early 19th Century

Located in Knivsta, SE

French Empire Partially Gilt Brass Box with Velvet Interior, Early 19th Century An exquisite circular box in partially gilt brass, richly adorned with finely cast and chased ornamen...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Brass

French Antique Etched and Faceted Crystal Lidded Boxes with Bronze Ormolu, Pair
French Antique Etched and Faceted Crystal Lidded Boxes with Bronze Ormolu, Pair

French Antique Etched and Faceted Crystal Lidded Boxes with Bronze Ormolu, Pair

$880 / set

French Antique Etched and Faceted Crystal Lidded Boxes with Bronze Ormolu, Pair

Located in Doylestown, PA

Pair of French antique etched and faceted cut crystal lidded boxes with ormolu mounts, c. early 20th century. Gorgeous gilt bronze mounted boxes with intricately etched crystal of f...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Boxes

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu

Antique Mahogany Jewelry Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, Denmark, 1825
Antique Mahogany Jewelry Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, Denmark, 1825

Antique Mahogany Jewelry Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, Denmark, 1825

$340Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Mahogany Jewelry Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, Denmark, 1825

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Danish Rectangular Empire Mahogany Jewelry Box On Brass Ball Feet with Mother of Pearl Inlay With Mirror, 1825. This small period trinket box in veneered mahogany and brass panels on...

Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Miniature Writing Desk Jewelry Box
Early 19th Century Miniature Writing Desk Jewelry Box

Early 19th Century Miniature Writing Desk Jewelry Box

$400

Early 19th Century Miniature Writing Desk Jewelry Box

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

This vintage miniature wood box has six drawers and lots of character and patina. Some of the drawers are lined in faux marbleized paper. We see this wonderful piece being used to st...

Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Metal, Brass

Egg style Faberge Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Egg style Faberge Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni

Egg style Faberge Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni

$13,410

Egg style Faberge Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni

By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Large egg on smooth tripod with 8-day mechanical skeletal Swiss movement with alarm, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché with Russian E...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Lapis Box
Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Lapis Box

Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Lapis Box

$16,013Sale Price|20% Off

Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Lapis Box

Located in London, GB

A Magnifient Lapis Empire Style Box This box is Absolutely Stunning, Ormolu Mounted

Category

20th Century Unknown Empire Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Egg style Faberge folding photo holder Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Egg style Faberge folding photo holder Sterling Silver Salimbeni

Egg style Faberge folding photo holder Sterling Silver Salimbeni

$15,234

Egg style Faberge folding photo holder Sterling Silver Salimbeni

By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Egg on engraved tripod with octagonal folding photo holder for 6 photos inside, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated, with translucent fired enamels on guilloché and pure gold “pa...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver

C 20th Empire Style Malachite Box
C 20th Empire Style Malachite Box

C 20th Empire Style Malachite Box

$17,048Sale Price|35% Off

C 20th Empire Style Malachite Box

By Empire Furniture

Located in London, GB

A Very Fine Empire Style ormolu Mounted Box Lovely Quality and very fine Ormolu mounted This Box Stands at 40cm in Height and is truly Magnificent

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Boxes

Materials

Malachite

Italian Green Marble Lidded Bonbonnière with Brass Mounts, Early 20th Century
Italian Green Marble Lidded Bonbonnière with Brass Mounts, Early 20th Century

Italian Green Marble Lidded Bonbonnière with Brass Mounts, Early 20th Century

$992

Italian Green Marble Lidded Bonbonnière with Brass Mounts, Early 20th Century

Located in Hamburg, DE

This exquisite lidded bonbonnière was crafted in Italy during the first half of the 20th century and showcases the elegance of fine materials and skilled craftsmanship. Made from a f...

Category

1920s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

Table Box with Clock fired and Enamel fine hand-engraved arabesques Salimbeni
Table Box with Clock fired and Enamel fine hand-engraved arabesques Salimbeni

Table Box with Clock fired and Enamel fine hand-engraved arabesques Salimbeni

$14,617

Table Box with Clock fired and Enamel fine hand-engraved arabesques Salimbeni

By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Hexagonal table box with clock on the lid, in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with hand-painted fired enamel in the style of lapis lazuli stone and fine hand-engraved arabesques...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Empire-Style Crystal and Brass 'Bonbonnière', or Sweet Box
Empire-Style Crystal and Brass 'Bonbonnière', or Sweet Box

Empire-Style Crystal and Brass 'Bonbonnière', or Sweet Box

$800Sale Price|50% Off

Empire-Style Crystal and Brass 'Bonbonnière', or Sweet Box

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

A refined French Empire style gilt brass and cut crystal casket, dating from the 19th century. This elegant decorative box beautifully reflects the neoclassical vocabulary inspired b...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Early 20th Century Biscuit Tin "The British Commonwealth"
Early 20th Century Biscuit Tin "The British Commonwealth"

Early 20th Century Biscuit Tin "The British Commonwealth"

$95Sale Price|34% Off

Early 20th Century Biscuit Tin "The British Commonwealth"

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

A biscuit tin celebrating The British Commonwealth, both natural & architectural. The 1930s Canadian Rockies train is wonderful! Also featuring Windsor, Parliament House of New Zeala...

Category

Early 20th Century English Empire Boxes

Materials

Metal

Egg style Faberge Savoia blue Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Egg style Faberge Savoia blue Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni

Egg style Faberge Savoia blue Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni

$1,518

Egg style Faberge Savoia blue Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni

By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Small egg in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché, Russian Empire style inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé, late 19th century, early 20th...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Music Box handpainted miniature with Swiss Mechanism by Maison Reuge Salimbeni
Music Box handpainted miniature with Swiss Mechanism by Maison Reuge Salimbeni

Music Box handpainted miniature with Swiss Mechanism by Maison Reuge Salimbeni

$42,445

Music Box handpainted miniature with Swiss Mechanism by Maison Reuge Salimbeni

By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Exquisite Reuge S.A. Musical Table Box Description:Discover a stunning large rectangular table box featuring elegantly concave corners, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of th...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate

Late 18th Century Round Wooden Engraved Snuffbox Pillbox
Late 18th Century Round Wooden Engraved Snuffbox Pillbox

Late 18th Century Round Wooden Engraved Snuffbox Pillbox

$230

Late 18th Century Round Wooden Engraved Snuffbox Pillbox

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Small round Danish late 18th Century snuffbox or pillbox featuring elaborate engravings. Very versatile piece that could also hold jewelry or small trinkets on a vanity. This piece m...

Category

Late 18th Century Danish Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Wood

Beautiful White Opaline Cenedese Style Glass Compote Pedestal Bowl, Italy, 1950s
Beautiful White Opaline Cenedese Style Glass Compote Pedestal Bowl, Italy, 1950s

Beautiful White Opaline Cenedese Style Glass Compote Pedestal Bowl, Italy, 1950s

$680

Beautiful White Opaline Cenedese Style Glass Compote Pedestal Bowl, Italy, 1950s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

This elegant Tuscan glass pedestal bowl is a beautiful example of mid-century Italian milk opaline craftsmanship, created circa 1950 or earlier in the style of Cenedese. The bowl fea...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Glass

Egg on tripod Sterling Silver emerald fired Enamel on Guillochè Salimbeni
Egg on tripod Sterling Silver emerald fired Enamel on Guillochè Salimbeni

Egg on tripod Sterling Silver emerald fired Enamel on Guillochè Salimbeni

$3,259

Egg on tripod Sterling Silver emerald fired Enamel on Guillochè Salimbeni

By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Egg on tripod in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè, Russian Empire style inspired by Carl Fabergè eggs late 1800s, early 1900s. Measurem...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Snuffbox Sterling Silver floral miniature hand-painted by M.Grumetti Salimbeni
Snuffbox Sterling Silver floral miniature hand-painted by M.Grumetti Salimbeni

Snuffbox Sterling Silver floral miniature hand-painted by M.Grumetti Salimbeni

$4,136

Snuffbox Sterling Silver floral miniature hand-painted by M.Grumetti Salimbeni

By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Round snuffbox in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with fired enamel on the enamelled edge with vertical stripes and a fine floral miniature hand-painted by the painter M. Grumet...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Empire Style Crystal Box with Classical Gilt Ormulo Mounts
Empire Style Crystal Box with Classical Gilt Ormulo Mounts

Empire Style Crystal Box with Classical Gilt Ormulo Mounts

$2,484

Empire Style Crystal Box with Classical Gilt Ormulo Mounts

Located in London, GB

A French late 19th century Empire style crystal box with classical gilt bronze mounts.

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Ormolu

Antique German Iron Coffer with Griffins, Empire Style, Circa 1810
Antique German Iron Coffer with Griffins, Empire Style, Circa 1810

Antique German Iron Coffer with Griffins, Empire Style, Circa 1810

$4,400

Antique German Iron Coffer with Griffins, Empire Style, Circa 1810

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A dark-brown, black antique German coffer made of hand crafted iron, particularized with griffins, torchères and tendril motifs on the wall and pinecone mode on the lid, in good condition. The small detailed decor piece represents the Empire time period...

Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Metal, Iron

Antique Flame Mahogany Empire Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box 19th century
Antique Flame Mahogany Empire Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box 19th century

Antique Flame Mahogany Empire Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box 19th century

$390

Antique Flame Mahogany Empire Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box 19th century

Located in Sweden, SE

Rectangular shape mahogany veneered casket made in first half of 19th century presumably in Europe. High quality work of applied arts in Neoclassical (Biedermeier) style. The fork of...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

19th Century Wooden Carved Painted Display Cabinet Chest Tabernacle
19th Century Wooden Carved Painted Display Cabinet Chest Tabernacle

19th Century Wooden Carved Painted Display Cabinet Chest Tabernacle

$360Sale Price|20% Off

19th Century Wooden Carved Painted Display Cabinet Chest Tabernacle

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

European 19th Century Wooden Carved Painted Display Cabinet featuring a mirror glass locking door. This versatile piece could be used to store jewelry or collectables. We also see th...

Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Mirror, Wood

19th Century French Boulle Sewing Scent Necessaire Box
19th Century French Boulle Sewing Scent Necessaire Box

19th Century French Boulle Sewing Scent Necessaire Box

$1,895

19th Century French Boulle Sewing Scent Necessaire Box

Located in Bradenton, FL

Beautiful 19th Century French Empire ebonized black and Boulle Sewing Scent Necessaire Box with bronze appliquès and paw feet. Top features red, bronze and white colored floral motif with a monogram plate of what probably was the original owner's initials. Interior has cream colored toile lining and compartments for sewing implements, many of which are included. Inner top is mirrored with ornamental gilt...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Wood

Elegant Miniature Vanity in Mahogany – Paris, Mid-19th Century
Elegant Miniature Vanity in Mahogany – Paris, Mid-19th Century

Elegant Miniature Vanity in Mahogany – Paris, Mid-19th Century

$2,211

Elegant Miniature Vanity in Mahogany – Paris, Mid-19th Century

Located in Knivsta, SE

Elegant Miniature Vanity in Mahogany – Paris, Mid-19th Century An exquisite late Empire miniature piece, crafted in central Paris around 1850. Made of fine mahogany (Swietenia maho...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Glass, Birdseye Maple, Mahogany

19th Century Antique Empire Barrel Box in Hardwood
19th Century Antique Empire Barrel Box in Hardwood

19th Century Antique Empire Barrel Box in Hardwood

$156Sale Price|20% Off

19th Century Antique Empire Barrel Box in Hardwood

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

19th Century Antique Empire Barrel Box in Hardwood. Charming piece as a decorative piece on a desk or library shelf and additionally could be used to hold jewelry on a dresser or nig...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Wood

A French Empire Gilt-tooled Morocco Leather Box
A French Empire Gilt-tooled Morocco Leather Box

A French Empire Gilt-tooled Morocco Leather Box

$1,135

A French Empire Gilt-tooled Morocco Leather Box

Located in Roma, IT

A French Empire Gilt-tooled Morocco Leather Box This wonderful rectangular box is decorated overall with sets of lace pattern friezes.
 In Morocc...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

19th century victorian burr walnut desk top writing slope
19th century victorian burr walnut desk top writing slope

19th century victorian burr walnut desk top writing slope

$1,511

19th century victorian burr walnut desk top writing slope

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century victorian burr walnut desk top writing slope circa 1870. Fine quality english made victorian writing slope.  Exterior of rich burr walnut with tunbridge ware inlay deco...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Antique Empire Style Cigar Box with Cedar Interior
19th Century Antique Empire Style Cigar Box with Cedar Interior

19th Century Antique Empire Style Cigar Box with Cedar Interior

$729

19th Century Antique Empire Style Cigar Box with Cedar Interior

Located in Stockholm, SE

A lovely empire style wooden box probably produced in Sweden. The box is 14 x 14 cm (5.6" x 5,6") in diameter and 23.5 cm (9.4") high. It is in excellent condition except from that t...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th Century Tribute Box to Napoleon Bonaparte
19th Century Tribute Box to Napoleon Bonaparte

19th Century Tribute Box to Napoleon Bonaparte

$1,052

19th Century Tribute Box to Napoleon Bonaparte

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

A very beautiful rectangular box made of fine porcelain, decorated in the imperial style of the First Empire. The decoration, dominated by green and gold tones, illustrates the refin...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Sugar Box Russia
Sugar Box Russia

Sugar Box Russia

$3,400

Sugar Box Russia

Located in New York, NY

A gorgeous box made of blue glass beautifully decorated with white details. Frame of brass. original lock and key. Made during 19th Century Russian Empire period. Small lockable boxes...

Category

19th Century Russian Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Brass

Georgian Silver Tea Caddy Tableware Empire Sterling Silver Box Empire Casket
Georgian Silver Tea Caddy Tableware Empire Sterling Silver Box Empire Casket

Georgian Silver Tea Caddy Tableware Empire Sterling Silver Box Empire Casket

$3,527

Georgian Silver Tea Caddy Tableware Empire Sterling Silver Box Empire Casket

By Towle Silversmiths, Gorham CO., Barbour Silver Co., Charles Nicolas Odiot, Hester Bateman

Located in Wommelgem, VAN

Antique Sterling Silver tea caddy / box Style Georgian, French Empire, Napoleonic, Dutch A sterling silver very stylized tea box with good working lock Decorated with embossed pearl...

Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Silver

Gilt Bronze Box With Miniature Of Napoleon Bonaparte, 19th Century
Gilt Bronze Box With Miniature Of Napoleon Bonaparte, 19th Century

Gilt Bronze Box With Miniature Of Napoleon Bonaparte, 19th Century

$563

Gilt Bronze Box With Miniature Of Napoleon Bonaparte, 19th Century

Located in Bilzen, BE

Gilt bronze box with miniature of Napoleon Bonaparte painted on porcelain from the 19th century. 7.5 x 9.5 cm, height 3.4 cm

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Pill Box Empire style handpainted Sterling Silver fine hand engravings Salimbeni
Pill Box Empire style handpainted Sterling Silver fine hand engravings Salimbeni

Pill Box Empire style handpainted Sterling Silver fine hand engravings Salimbeni

$781

Pill Box Empire style handpainted Sterling Silver fine hand engravings Salimbeni

By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Shaped pill box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with a hand-painted miniature with fired enamel by the painter Romano Buccioni in the Louis XVI Empire style of the second hal...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Egg White with blue garlands in Russian Art Nouveau style Sterling Silver Salimb
Egg White with blue garlands in Russian Art Nouveau style Sterling Silver Salimb

Egg White with blue garlands in Russian Art Nouveau style Sterling Silver Salimb

$9,565

Egg White with blue garlands in Russian Art Nouveau style Sterling Silver Salimb

By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Egg White with blue garlands is in 925/1000 sterling silver. Egg White with blue garlands has fired enamels on guilloché and design engraved by hand. Egg White with blue garlands i...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Early 20th century burr yew desktop box with clock
Early 20th century burr yew desktop box with clock

Early 20th century burr yew desktop box with clock

$759

Early 20th century burr yew desktop box with clock

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Early 20th century burr yew desktop box with clock circa 1920. Empire revival burr yew cigar box with clock.  Strung and inlaid to outer edges, decorated with an ormolu mount to the...

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Boxes

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Empire Miniature Commode
19th Century French Empire Miniature Commode

19th Century French Empire Miniature Commode

$1,800

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 Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Mahogany Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box w Antique Glass Empire early 19th century
Mahogany Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box w Antique Glass Empire early 19th century

Mahogany Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box w Antique Glass Empire early 19th century

$390

Mahogany Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box w Antique Glass Empire early 19th century

Located in Sweden, SE

Rectangular shape mahogany veneered casket made in first half of 19th century presumably in Europe. Cast glass vessels are intact at their original place. Candy sugar bowl along with...

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Glass, Cut Glass, Mahogany

Early 19th Century Gold and Enamel Box, Swiss Work
Early 19th Century Gold and Enamel Box, Swiss Work

Early 19th Century Gold and Enamel Box, Swiss Work

$11,836

Early 19th Century Gold and Enamel Box, Swiss Work

Located in Paris, FR

Rectangular box with three tones of gold and royal blue enamel. The hinged lid is embellished with a multicolored gold medallion in relief featuring a bouquet of roses and tulips, se...

Category

Early 19th Century Swiss Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold

Vintage Marble Lidded Box with Brass Accents and Dolphin Handle
Vintage Marble Lidded Box with Brass Accents and Dolphin Handle

Vintage Marble Lidded Box with Brass Accents and Dolphin Handle

$197

Vintage Marble Lidded Box with Brass Accents and Dolphin Handle

Located in Hamburg, DE

This cylindrical marble box with a lid is a sophisticated decorative piece that blends vintage charm with historical design influences. Crafted in the 1970s, it features a lightly pa...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Marble

Early 19th Century Russian Lacquer Painted Snuffbox Trinket Box
Early 19th Century Russian Lacquer Painted Snuffbox Trinket Box

Early 19th Century Russian Lacquer Painted Snuffbox Trinket Box

$175

Early 19th Century Russian Lacquer Painted Snuffbox Trinket Box

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

18th century Russian snuffbox or pillbox featuring an elaborate painting on the lid of a turkey and children. Very versatile piece that could also hold jewelry or small trinkets. Thi...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Antique French Playing Card Box, Rosewood & Brass Inlays, Circa 1860
Antique French Playing Card Box, Rosewood & Brass Inlays, Circa 1860

Antique French Playing Card Box, Rosewood & Brass Inlays, Circa 1860

$2,331

Antique French Playing Card Box, Rosewood & Brass Inlays, Circa 1860

Located in Münster, DE

Large casket, rosewood solid and veneered, France circa 1860/70, brass handle embedded in the lid, brass inlays, nice division inside (originally for tokens and cards), restored cond...

Category

1860s French Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Brass

Onyx Marble Gold Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Onyx Marble Gold Gilt Bronze Inkwell

Onyx Marble Gold Gilt Bronze Inkwell

$3,800

Onyx Marble Gold Gilt Bronze Inkwell

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful onyx and gold gilt bronze inkwell [ink well] box in the Empire style, circa 19th century, Europe. In addition to its intended use, piece makes a gorgeous standalone decor...

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Russian Silver Niello Tobacco Box, Moscow, circa 1820-1830
Russian Silver Niello Tobacco Box, Moscow, circa 1820-1830

Russian Silver Niello Tobacco Box, Moscow, circa 1820-1830

$950

Russian Silver Niello Tobacco Box, Moscow, circa 1820-1830

By Gustav Klingert

Located in Sarasota, FL

Russian silver niello tobacco box with finely etched pastoral scenes and interior gold wash. The box is marked on inside with "84" for Russian si...

Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Silver

Table Box miniature fire-enameled Aleksej Nikolaevic Romanov Salimbeni.
Table Box miniature fire-enameled Aleksej Nikolaevic Romanov Salimbeni.

Table Box miniature fire-enameled Aleksej Nikolaevic Romanov Salimbeni.

$12,669 / item

Table Box miniature fire-enameled Aleksej Nikolaevic Romanov Salimbeni.

By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Rectangular table box with inward corners in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent enamel fired on guilloche and a fine round miniature in the centre, diameter cm. 4....

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

19th Century Lacquered Papier-mâché Snuff Box with Parrot and Lady
19th Century Lacquered Papier-mâché Snuff Box with Parrot and Lady

19th Century Lacquered Papier-mâché Snuff Box with Parrot and Lady

$296Sale Price|68% Off

19th Century Lacquered Papier-mâché Snuff Box with Parrot and Lady

By Stobwasser

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Early 19th century hand painted black lacquered Papier-Mâché snuff box or vanity box Crafted in Austria in the early 1800's, the decorative box features a hand painted scene of a yo...

Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Paper

Small Square Brass Box With Angel Insignia, America Early 20th Century
Small Square Brass Box With Angel Insignia, America Early 20th Century

Small Square Brass Box With Angel Insignia, America Early 20th Century

$125

Small Square Brass Box With Angel Insignia, America Early 20th Century

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Small Square Brass Box With Angel Insignia, America Early 20th Century. This Empire style box makes a wonderful addition to a collection of these classic brass boxes. This box is ve...

Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Boxes

Materials

Brass

Egg style Faberge Dark Brown Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Egg style Faberge Dark Brown Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni

Egg style Faberge Dark Brown Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni

$1,518

Egg style Faberge Dark Brown Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni

By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Small egg in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché, Russian Empire style inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé, late 19th century, early 20th...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Table Box Enamel Miniature Moscow Kremlin and Red Square Salimbeni
Table Box Enamel Miniature Moscow Kremlin and Red Square Salimbeni

Table Box Enamel Miniature Moscow Kremlin and Red Square Salimbeni

$32,361

Table Box Enamel Miniature Moscow Kremlin and Red Square Salimbeni

By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Rectangular shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine hand-engravings fire enameled hand-painted like lapis lazuli stone and beautiful hand-painted enameled ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

X-Small Egg style Faberge Yellow Enamel hand painted wreaths Salimbeni
X-Small Egg style Faberge Yellow Enamel hand painted wreaths Salimbeni

X-Small Egg style Faberge Yellow Enamel hand painted wreaths Salimbeni

$1,339

X-Small Egg style Faberge Yellow Enamel hand painted wreaths Salimbeni

By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

X-Small egg in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché and hand-painted miniature of garlands in Russian Art Nouveau style, inspired by the eggs of Carl F...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Box engraving on the lid and hand-painted floral miniature Salimbeni
Box engraving on the lid and hand-painted floral miniature Salimbeni

Box engraving on the lid and hand-painted floral miniature Salimbeni

$7,671

Box engraving on the lid and hand-painted floral miniature Salimbeni

By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine fire-enameled engraving on the lid and hand-painted floral miniature in 18th century French Empire style. Dimension...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

19th Century Jewelry Box in Leather with Diamond Pattern
19th Century Jewelry Box in Leather with Diamond Pattern

19th Century Jewelry Box in Leather with Diamond Pattern

$360Sale Price|20% Off

19th Century Jewelry Box in Leather with Diamond Pattern

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Small Rectangular Leather Jewelry Box on small brass balls with diamond pattern.

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Boxes

Materials

Brass

Sterling Silver Box Striped Fire Enameled Salimbeni
Sterling Silver Box Striped Fire Enameled Salimbeni

Sterling Silver Box Striped Fire Enameled Salimbeni

$8,013

Sterling Silver Box Striped Fire Enameled Salimbeni

By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Sterling silver Jewel box with Rectangular rounded corners gold plated with translucent fire enamel stripes on guilloche and hand engraved with late Russian Empire style ornament app...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Small Egg style Faberge Enamel hand painted wreaths Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Small Egg style Faberge Enamel hand painted wreaths Sterling Silver Salimbeni

Small Egg style Faberge Enamel hand painted wreaths Sterling Silver Salimbeni

$1,604

Small Egg style Faberge Enamel hand painted wreaths Sterling Silver Salimbeni

By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Small egg in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché and an hand-painted miniature of garlands in Russian Art Nouveau style, inspired by the e...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Box handpainted miniature on guilloche and musical movement by Reuge S.A. inside
Box handpainted miniature on guilloche and musical movement by Reuge S.A. inside

Box handpainted miniature on guilloche and musical movement by Reuge S.A. inside

$13,140

Box handpainted miniature on guilloche and musical movement by Reuge S.A. inside

By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Octagonal box in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold plated with translucent fired enamels and featuring a handpainted monochrome miniature on guilloche of a sailing ship on the lid, depi...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Egg Purple Red enamel with tripod Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Egg Purple Red enamel with tripod Sterling Silver Salimbeni

Egg Purple Red enamel with tripod Sterling Silver Salimbeni

$3,259

Egg Purple Red enamel with tripod Sterling Silver Salimbeni

By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Egg Purple Red enamel is in 925/1000 sterling silver. Egg Purple Red enamel has fired enamels on guilloché has fired enamels on guilloché and design engraved by hand. Egg Purple Red...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Empire boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire boxes 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 boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original boxes, popular names associated with this style include Franco Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni, Ivan Ivanovich Futikin, and Olle Hermansson. 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 boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $170 and tops out at $88,000 while the average work can sell for $1,480.

More Ways To Browse

Thai Lacquer Box
18th Century Spanish Box
Antique Ancient Key
Antique Counter Box
Antique Tibetan Boxes
Antique Travel Vanity Case
Antique Vintage Metal Box
Art Deco Enamel Vanity Cases
Baccarat Casket Box
Blue Lacquer Box
Burled Wood Box
Coffre Fort
Crab Box
Cuba Cigar
Dutch Brass Box
Green Marble Box
Indian Marquetry
Japanese Inro Box
View All Popular Boxes Searches