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Napoleon III Clocks

NAPOLEON III STYLE

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.

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Style: Napoleon III
Color:  Black
Napoleon III Fireplace Set with Bronze Greek Gods and Black Marble
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful antique fireplace set consisting of a clock and a pair of cassolettes. The black marble clock rests on lions' feet and is surmounted by a bronze engraved Medici vase with eight faces of Greek...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Napoleon III Fireplace Set with Bronze Greek Gods and Black Marble
Napoleon III Fireplace Set with Bronze Greek Gods and Black Marble

Napoleon III Fireplace Set with Bronze Greek Gods and Black Marble

Swiss Mantel Clock, Barometer, Moon Phase and Perpetual Calendar, 19th Century
By Aubert & Klaftenberger
Located in Greven, DE
19th century mantel clock with moon phase and perpetual calendar Switzerland, England slate, enamel circa 1870 Dimensions: 41 x 37 x 19 cm Description: Slate case with wi...
Category

1870s Swiss Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Slate

Swiss Mantel Clock, Barometer, Moon Phase and Perpetual Calendar, 19th Century
Swiss Mantel Clock, Barometer, Moon Phase and Perpetual Calendar, 19th Century

Swiss Mantel Clock, Barometer, Moon Phase and Perpetual Calendar, 19th Century

19th Century French Napoleon III Ebony Painted Wall Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique wall hanging clock was crafted in France circa 1870, oval in shape, the clock is ebony hand painted around the perimeter, the time keeper features colorful hand ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Enamel

19th Century French Napoleon III Ebony Painted Wall Clock
19th Century French Napoleon III Ebony Painted Wall Clock

19th Century French Napoleon III Ebony Painted Wall Clock

Fancy Antique Wall Clock, circa 1850
Located in Berlin, DE
Fancy antique wall clock, circa 1850. Octagonal-shaped and black-framed body with glazed door. White dial. Hand-inserted inlaid brass elements in...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Wood

Fancy Antique Wall Clock, circa 1850
Fancy Antique Wall Clock, circa 1850

Fancy Antique Wall Clock, circa 1850

19th Century French musical automaton clock
Located in London, GB
This fine, antique mantel clock is constructed in ebonised wood by the renowned Parisian maker of automata, Xavier Tharin (French, active mid 19th Century). The clock face is set onto a curled, stylized pediment atop the clock case. The face is of white enamel, featuring black Roman numerals and signed 'Tharin a Paris', and is bordered in beaded ormolu. The pediment in which the face is set is decorated with ormolu mounts of stylized acanthus leaf form. The pediment is set onto a rectangular frame of ebonised wood, inside which is set a musical automaton...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

19th Century French musical automaton clock
19th Century French musical automaton clock

19th Century French musical automaton clock

Related Items
Napoleon III Bronze Clock XIXth
Located in Beaune, FR
Large clock in gilded and patinated bronze from the Napoleon III period dating from the 19th century. This clock is of very high quality, complete and in very good condition. Dimens...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Napoleon III Bronze Clock XIXth
Napoleon III Bronze Clock XIXth

Napoleon III Bronze Clock XIXth

H 23.63 in W 31.5 in D 7.09 in
Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine
Located in London, GB
The acclaimed French bronze foundry, Delafontaine, created this remarkable mantel clock. At the time this piece was crafted, in c.1860, the company was directed by Auguste-Maximilien Delafontaine (1813-1892). The firm was famous for its high-quality artistic bronzes, which can today be viewed in major art collections, such as the Louvre in Paris. Shaped like an upside down ‘T’, this gilt bronze...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine
Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine

Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine

H 19.69 in W 23.63 in D 8.27 in
Antique Victorian Walnut Vienna Wall Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian walnut Vienna wall clock having a shaped swan neck top and a superb quality walnut case with turned column...
Category

19th Century German Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Walnut

Antique Victorian Walnut Vienna Wall Clock
Antique Victorian Walnut Vienna Wall Clock

Antique Victorian Walnut Vienna Wall Clock

H 33.47 in W 13.78 in D 7.09 in
19th Century Musical Picture Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large well-detailed musical picture clock. The oil painting on canvas depicts a village scene in Europe with manor home, mountains at sunset in...
Category

1850s European Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

19th Century Musical Picture Clock
19th Century Musical Picture Clock

19th Century Musical Picture Clock

H 36.5 in W 44 in D 8 in
French 19th Century Mantle Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality French late 19th century gilded ormolu and champleve enamel mantel (fireplace) clock. Having urns and a cherub above the eight day clock that chimes...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French 19th Century Mantle Clock
French 19th Century Mantle Clock

French 19th Century Mantle Clock

H 18.51 in W 10.24 in D 6.3 in
Antique Victorian Walnut Case Vienna Wall Clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Antique Victorian walnut case Vienna wall clock having a circular porcelain dial with original hands, Roman numerals and original pendulum in a walnut and ebonised case with bobbing ...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Antique Victorian Walnut Case Vienna Wall Clock
Antique Victorian Walnut Case Vienna Wall Clock

Antique Victorian Walnut Case Vienna Wall Clock

Free Shipping
H 33.47 in W 11.82 in D 6.3 in
Antique Wall Clock From the Interwar Period
Located in Opole, PL
Antique wall clock from the interwar Period We present you a wall clock placed in an oak case with a glazed elliptical lid, which protects the c...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Oak

Antique Wall Clock From the Interwar Period
Antique Wall Clock From the Interwar Period

Antique Wall Clock From the Interwar Period

H 31.89 in W 25.6 in D 7.09 in
French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Wall Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 19th century clock is stunning with its diamond shaped rippling clock frame of ebony painted wood. Mother-of-pearl floral and foliate designs are inlaid in differently stained m...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Porcelain, Hardwood, Mahogany

French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Wall Clock
French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Wall Clock

French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Wall Clock

H 24.5 in W 19.25 in D 5.25 in
Antique Italian Venetian Etched Mirror Wall Clock
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: Height: 25 1/4 in Width: 25 1/4 in Depth: 2 1/2 in This antique Italian Venetian etched hanging wall mirrored clock is made of the highest quality and will bring a mass...
Category

20th Century Italian Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Metal

Antique Italian Venetian Etched Mirror Wall Clock
Antique Italian Venetian Etched Mirror Wall Clock

Antique Italian Venetian Etched Mirror Wall Clock

H 25.25 in W 25.25 in D 2.5 in
Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A stunning Baroque style antique French Cartel wall clock. It is beautifully modelled in gilded bronze in the shape of a shield. To the sides are bold acanthus scrolls with finely fr...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock
Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock

Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock

H 21.75 in W 13 in D 5 in
19th Century Chinoiserie Mantel Clock
Located in Charlottesville, VA
This is a unique clock. We love the red chinoiserie decoration.
Category

19th Century British Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Metal

19th Century Chinoiserie Mantel Clock
19th Century Chinoiserie Mantel Clock

19th Century Chinoiserie Mantel Clock

H 28 in W 16 in D 8 in
French Napoleon III Equestrian Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in Kastrup, DK
French pendulum fireplace mantel clock in chiseled gilded and patinated bronze. The upper part with rock formation depicting an equestrian statue of Emperor Napoleon I on horseback o...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Napoleon III Equestrian Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
French Napoleon III Equestrian Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

French Napoleon III Equestrian Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 21.26 in W 14.18 in D 5.52 in
Previously Available Items
Mantelpiece in Regule, Sea Green Marble, Emile Picault
By Émile Louis Picault
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Mantelpiece in regule, sea green marble, two cassolettes and a clock by Emile Picault (1833-1922). Clock - H: 70 cm, W: 41 cm, D: 20 cm Mantelpiece in...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Marble, Metal

Mantelpiece in Regule, Sea Green Marble, Emile Picault
Mantelpiece in Regule, Sea Green Marble, Emile Picault

Mantelpiece in Regule, Sea Green Marble, Emile Picault

H 27.56 in W 16.15 in D 7.88 in
Black Forest Clock in Carved Oak
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Black forest clock in carved oak, very nice work of the 19th century, 1870 - 1890, Napoleon III period. Measures: H: 50 cm, D: 44 cm, D: 16 cm.
Category

1870s European Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Clock in Carved Oak
Black Forest Clock in Carved Oak

Black Forest Clock in Carved Oak

H 19.69 in W 17.33 in D 6.3 in
Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III
Located in Warsaw, PL
Beautifully decorated clock in the color of walnut with a figure of a woman reading a book, all set on brown marble Details of the movement mechanism: Eight days there is a pendulum...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Marble

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III
Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III

H 25.99 in W 18.12 in D 8.27 in
"VIOLET LE DUC" Style Fireplace Set
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
VIOLET LE DUC" style fireplace set, 1870 composed of a clock and a pair of candelabras in silvered metal and blue enamel plate decorated with attribut...
Category

1870s European Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Metal

"VIOLET LE DUC" Style Fireplace Set
"VIOLET LE DUC" Style Fireplace Set

"VIOLET LE DUC" Style Fireplace Set

H 13 in W 9.85 in D 5.91 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Inlay and Painted Wall Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
This colorful antique wall hanging clock was crafted in France circa 1870; oval in shape, the time keeper has a two-tone black and wood painted around the perimeter, the time keeper ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Enamel

19th Century French Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Inlay and Painted Wall Clock
19th Century French Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Inlay and Painted Wall Clock

19th Century French Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Inlay and Painted Wall Clock

H 24.75 in W 19.5 in D 5 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Two-Tone Marble and Brass Mantel Clock by Japy
By Japy Frères
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique marble clock on a mantel or an office shelf. Crafted in Paris, France circa 1870, the ornate time keeper with decorativ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Marble, Metal

19th Century French Napoleon III Two-Tone Marble and Brass Mantel Clock by Japy
19th Century French Napoleon III Two-Tone Marble and Brass Mantel Clock by Japy

19th Century French Napoleon III Two-Tone Marble and Brass Mantel Clock by Japy

H 18 in W 10 in D 5.5 in
19th Century, French Napoleon III Black and Gilt Painted Tole Wall Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
This feminine wall clock was created in France, circa 1870. Octagonal in shape, the antique tole time keeper features a decorative round brass finial at the top and embellished with ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century, French Napoleon III Black and Gilt Painted Tole Wall Clock
19th Century, French Napoleon III Black and Gilt Painted Tole Wall Clock

19th Century, French Napoleon III Black and Gilt Painted Tole Wall Clock

H 20.5 in W 15 in D 5 in
Napoleon III Black and Rouge Marble Mantle Clock with Multiple Complications
By Vincenti et Cie
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A large and impressive Napoleon III marble mantel (fireplace) clock of pyramidal shape having multiple complications the case is made of black Belgium marble and red French griotte marble. The movement with a visible Brocot escapement runs many complications including a sweep second hand, moon phase, day, week and month calendar; patents and London exhibition medals for 1849 and 1851. Temperature compensated pendulum; the Farhenheit and Celcius thermometers with Paris patents for 1838. These are wonderfully calibrated for such temperature markers as ‘freezing rivers; ordinary bath water...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Marble

Napoleon III Black and Rouge Marble Mantle Clock with Multiple Complications
Napoleon III Black and Rouge Marble Mantle Clock with Multiple Complications

Napoleon III Black and Rouge Marble Mantle Clock with Multiple Complications

H 18.25 in W 21 in D 6.5 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Table Clock in Black Marble and Golden Bronze
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare and fine quality French Napoleon III 1880s black marble and golden bronze table clock. The clock has very good quality bronze. The bronze is finely chiselled on the sides we als...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Napoleon III Table Clock in Black Marble and Golden Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Table Clock in Black Marble and Golden Bronze

19th Century French Napoleon III Table Clock in Black Marble and Golden Bronze

H 9.85 in W 8.67 in D 7.09 in
19th Century, French Napoleon III Black and Gilt Painted Tole Wall Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
This feminine wall clock was created in France, circa 1870. Octagonal in shape, the antique tole clock features a round brass finial at the top. The mechanism inside the timepiece ha...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Brass, Tôle

19th Century, French Napoleon III Black and Gilt Painted Tole Wall Clock
19th Century, French Napoleon III Black and Gilt Painted Tole Wall Clock

19th Century, French Napoleon III Black and Gilt Painted Tole Wall Clock

H 18 in W 15 in D 4.5 in
Mantle Clock Napoleon III, Eugene Cornu Enamel, Cherry and Black Belgian Marble
By Eugène Cornu
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Mantle clock Napoleon III. Eugene Cornu enamel, cherry and black Belgian marble with gold gilt bronze. Paris. 1870 - 1880. Pendule: H 40cm, L 23cm, P 16...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

Mantle Clock Napoleon III, Eugene Cornu Enamel, Cherry and Black Belgian Marble
Mantle Clock Napoleon III, Eugene Cornu Enamel, Cherry and Black Belgian Marble

Mantle Clock Napoleon III, Eugene Cornu Enamel, Cherry and Black Belgian Marble

H 15.75 in W 9.06 in D 6.3 in
19th Century French Black and Green Inlay Marble Mantel Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
Placed this elegant, antique Napoleon III clock on a mantel. Carved in Paris, circa 1880, the time keeper is made of a carved black and green marble with inlay marquetry decor on the...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Clocks

Materials

Marble, Brass

19th Century French Black and Green Inlay Marble Mantel Clock
19th Century French Black and Green Inlay Marble Mantel Clock

19th Century French Black and Green Inlay Marble Mantel Clock

H 16 in W 17 in L 16 in

Napoleon Iii clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III clocks 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 clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original clocks, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Raingo Frères, Ferdinand Barbedienne, and Henri Picard. 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 clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $706 and tops out at $2,500,000 while the average work can sell for $8,006.

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