Napoleon III Wall 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.

Price: $1 to $900

Style: Napoleon III

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 Wall Clocks

Materials

Hardwood, Mahogany, Porcelain, Mother-of-Pearl

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

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

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A stunning 19th century wall clock, diamond in shape, with rippling clock frame of ebony-painted wood. mother of pearl astral and filigree designs is inlaid in differently stained ma...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

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

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Mahogany Portico Mantel Clock

H 20.5 in W 10 in D 5.5 in

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period

Located in Warsaw, PL

This mantel clock is crafted in a neoclassical style of the Napoleon III period (1824-1830). The mantel clock’s pedestal is made from turquoise malachite and golden ormolu. Malachit ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period

H 25.6 in W 20.48 in D 9.85 in

19th Century Napoleon III French Wall Clock

Located in Winter Park, FL

A 19th century French Napoleon III wall clock from Avignon with "oeil de boeuf" shaped glass paned door, ebonized wood frame and clock surround with mother-of-pearl inlay decoration. Enamel face with roman numerals and brass trim. Ten day movement, chiming on the hour, two minutes...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Napoleon III French Wall Clock

H 24 in W 18.5 in D 5.5 in

Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century

By Europa Antiques

Located in Madrid, ES

Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century 50cm x 26cm x 15cm good condition

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century

H 19.69 in W 10.24 in D 5.91 in

19th Century Napoleon III Bronze French Cartel Clock

Located in Berlin, DE

French cartel clock bronze 19th century Napoleon III. Bronze case, matte gold-plated and polished. Pendulum window. Enamel dial with Arabic. Digit...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Napoleon III Bronze French Cartel Clock

H 17.72 in W 9.45 in D 3.15 in

19th Century French Antique, Round Wooden Clock, Napoleon III Wall Décor

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A round, antique French large dimensional clock face with its original clock made of hand painted wood from the Napoleon III period. In good condition, enhanced by detailed carvings....

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Antique, Round Wooden Clock, Napoleon III Wall Décor

No Reserve

H 73.5 in Dm 73.5 in

Gantry Clock French 19th Century Napoleon III

By Europa Antiques

Located in Madrid, ES

Gantry clock French 19th century Napoleon III, in mahogany wood with inlays. Eight-day autonomy mechanism, strikes hours and half hours, white enamel dial with black Roman nume...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Gantry Clock French 19th Century Napoleon III

H 17.33 in W 8.67 in D 4.73 in

19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Wall Clock with Hunt Scene

Located in Dallas, TX

This elegant antique clock was crafted in France, circa 1870, the black and gilt wall time keeper depicts a hand painted bird hunting scene at the top under the original glass door. ...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Wall Clock with Hunt Scene

H 16 in W 12.75 in D 7.5 in

Napoleon III Goddess Diana Mantel Clock, 19th Century

Located in Lisbon, PT

A complete and in working order metal mantel clock with an esteemed figure of the Roman Goddess Diana the Huntress with a nymph by her side, with Carrara marble details and a functio...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Marble, Metal

Napoleon III Goddess Diana Mantel Clock, 19th Century

H 27.17 in W 13.39 in D 7.09 in

19th Century Napoleon III French Wall Clock

Located in Winter Park, FL

A 19th century French Napoleon III wall clock with "oeil de boeuf" shaped glass paned door, ebonized wood frame and clock surround with mother-of-pearl inlay decoration. Paper face w...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Napoleon III French Wall Clock

H 24 in W 18.5 in D 5.5 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 Wall Clocks

Materials

Enamel

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

H 23.25 in W 18.25 in D 5.25 in

Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Located in Warsaw, PL

A beautiful clock made of bronze and malachite in an intense green and blue color. The clock stands on four decorated feet in the shape of paws. At the foot of the dial there is a cu...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

H 27.17 in W 18.51 in D 10.63 in

Previously Available Items

Napoleon III French Wooden Clock

Located in High Point, NC

A wooden clock from 1860s France. A classic circular shape, evocative of French Bistro style, with a wide wooden rim painted a stylish black. Roman numera...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

Napoleon III French Wooden Clock

H 5.5 in W 16.1 in D 16.1 in

19th Century French Napoleon III Painted Wall Clock with Mother-of-Pearl Decor

Located in Dallas, TX

Elegant antique wall hanging clock from France; crafted circa 1870, the oval clock is hand painted around the perimeter; on the facade under the glass top, ...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Glass

19th Century French Napoleon III Painted Wall Clock with Mother-of-Pearl Decor

H 24 in W 19 in D 5 in

French 19th Century Napoleon III Inlay Wall Clock

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A Napoleon III style wall clock, with exceptional mother-of-pearl inlay, from 1850s France. This shapely clock is square in shape, with a wonderfully wavy frame. This frame is hand-c...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Napoleon III Inlay Wall Clock

H 19 in W 19 in D 5.63 in

Napoleon III Black Lacquer and Mother of Pearl Wall Clock

Located in Fayetteville, AR

The intricate mother of pearl inlay and black lacquer finish on this Napoleon III wall clock will make it an excellent accent piece in all decors. With its original pendulum and key...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Wall Clocks

Materials

Brass

Napoleon III Black Lacquer and Mother of Pearl Wall Clock

H 24 in W 18.5 in D 5.25 in

Napoleon Iii wall clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III wall clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage wall clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III wall clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 wall clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $850 and tops out at $80,835 while the average work can sell for $1,398.