Skip to main content

Napoleon III Desk Sets

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.

to
2
12
1
10
1
260
254
222
219
75
51
14
13
12
12
9
9
8
7
6
4
4
2
7
6
4
2
2
10
2
10
8
2
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
12
12
12
1
Style: Napoleon III
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...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

French Walnut Burr Campaign Writing Slope Brass Inlay 19th C
French Walnut Burr Campaign Writing Slope Brass Inlay 19th C

French Walnut Burr Campaign Writing Slope Brass Inlay 19th C

19th Century Wooden Letter Rack - Napoleon III
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique letter rack, made of Black ebonized wood, with brown patinated brass trims. Made in the late Napoleon III period in France, around 1870-1880. Bombay shaped fron...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

19th Century Wooden Letter Rack - Napoleon III
19th Century Wooden Letter Rack - Napoleon III

19th Century Wooden Letter Rack - Napoleon III

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...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Italian Writing Box with Macassar Veneer and Silver Mounts
19th Century Italian Writing Box with Macassar Veneer and Silver Mounts

19th Century Italian Writing Box with Macassar Veneer and Silver Mounts

Antique French Boulle Writing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Edged In Brass From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this French Boulle Writing Box. The Writing Box of small form having a square shaped body veneered in ebonise...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Antique French Boulle Writing Box
Antique French Boulle Writing Box

Antique French Boulle Writing Box

Napoleon III Gutta Percha Desk Accessory Pen Holder, circa 1880
By Travail Francais
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Napoleon III Gutta Percha pen holder was handcrafted in France, circa 1880. The antique desk accessory is exquisitely crafted with different molded designs on each side a...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Resin

Napoleon III Gutta Percha Desk Accessory Pen Holder, circa 1880
Napoleon III Gutta Percha Desk Accessory Pen Holder, circa 1880

Napoleon III Gutta Percha Desk Accessory Pen Holder, circa 1880

Calligraphy Box, XXth century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Calligraphy Box, XXth century. Calligraphy box with 2 brushes, dry ink, ink plate and small porcelain container with spoon in the original box. H: 4 cm, W: 17 cm, D: 10 cm.
Category

20th Century Chinese Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Textile

Calligraphy Box, XXth century
Calligraphy Box, XXth century

Calligraphy Box, XXth century

Wood Pen Holder, Black and gold Color Japan 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Wood Pen Holder, Black and gold Color Japan 19th Century
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Wood Pen Holder, Black and gold Color Japan 19th Century
Wood Pen Holder, Black and gold Color Japan 19th Century

Wood Pen Holder, Black and gold Color Japan 19th Century

Three Solid Mahogany Display Stands, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Three solid mahogany display stands, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Three Napoleon III period solid mahogany display stands, 19th century, 1 large stand plus two others forming ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Three Solid Mahogany Display Stands, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Three Solid Mahogany Display Stands, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.

Three Solid Mahogany Display Stands, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.

Gilt-Metal Mounted and Enamel Banded Agate Desk Seal
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). 19th century banded agate seal...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Agate

Gilt-Metal Mounted and Enamel Banded Agate Desk Seal
Gilt-Metal Mounted and Enamel Banded Agate Desk Seal

Gilt-Metal Mounted and Enamel Banded Agate Desk Seal

Pair of 18th Century Italian Holy Water Fonts
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of 18th Century Italian Holy Water Fonts. In good condition. Perfect for Soap Dishes. Unique set purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us wit...
Category

18th Century French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Marble

Pair of 18th Century Italian Holy Water Fonts
Pair of 18th Century Italian Holy Water Fonts

Pair of 18th Century Italian Holy Water Fonts

Napoleon 3 wall-mounted letter tray
Located in Nivelles, BE
Napoleon 3 wall-mounted letter holder in boiled pulp cardboard, finely painted with orchid flowers.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Paste

Napoleon 3 wall-mounted letter tray
Napoleon 3 wall-mounted letter tray

Napoleon 3 wall-mounted letter tray

19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful walnut desktop box which opens into a writing slope. Decorated on the outside with 2 decorative inlaid tunbridge ware bands. Box opens out to a beige fabric writing slo...
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe
19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe

19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe

Related Items
Hermès Equestrian Desk Pen / Pencils Holder, Silver-plated, Desk Accessorie
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Designed and crafted in France in the 60s, it is a polished silver-plated pen and pencil holder, which can also double up as a paper weight. The surface of the piece has aged beautif...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Hermès Equestrian Desk Pen / Pencils Holder, Silver-plated, Desk Accessorie
Hermès Equestrian Desk Pen / Pencils Holder, Silver-plated, Desk Accessorie

Hermès Equestrian Desk Pen / Pencils Holder, Silver-plated, Desk Accessorie

H 3.55 in W 5.71 in D 1.97 in
Fantastic 19th Century French Dore Bronze Mounted Blue Opaline Crystal Box
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A Fantastic 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Dore Bronze Mounted Blue Opaline Crystal Box. The box is composed of two sections of French opaline crystal which are mounted to a fa...
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Fantastic 19th Century French Dore Bronze Mounted Blue Opaline Crystal Box
Fantastic 19th Century French Dore Bronze Mounted Blue Opaline Crystal Box

Fantastic 19th Century French Dore Bronze Mounted Blue Opaline Crystal Box

H 2.75 in W 6 in D 4.5 in
Orientalist Silver and Gold Gilt Bronze 19th Century Box
Located in Rochester, NY
Orientalist silver and gold gilt bronze box. Continental. 19th century. Original key and velvet lining.
Category

19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Orientalist Silver and Gold Gilt Bronze 19th Century Box
Orientalist Silver and Gold Gilt Bronze 19th Century Box

Orientalist Silver and Gold Gilt Bronze 19th Century Box

H 3.75 in W 9.5 in D 5.5 in
Chinese Burled Brush Pot, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Carefully carved from a cypress tree burl, this late 19th-century burlwood vessel is known as a brush pot, a container traditionally used to hold select calligraphy brushes in a scho...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Burl

Chinese Burled Brush Pot, c. 1900
Chinese Burled Brush Pot, c. 1900

Chinese Burled Brush Pot, c. 1900

H 11 in W 8 in D 7.5 in
19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique bronze sculpture of man reading a letter or proclamation. Marble base, 19th century. Unsigned.
Category

19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"
19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"

19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"

H 9 in W 7 in D 6 in
Antique Anglo-Indian Fluted Writing Box With Secret Drawers. Early 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful writing box made from a tropical hardwood Fabulous shape and plain fluted carving. It gives it a modernist appearance Probably Sri Lankan 3 secret drawers* Replaced lea...
Category

Early 19th Century Sri Lankan Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Antique Anglo-Indian Fluted Writing Box With Secret Drawers. Early 19th Century
Antique Anglo-Indian Fluted Writing Box With Secret Drawers. Early 19th Century

Antique Anglo-Indian Fluted Writing Box With Secret Drawers. Early 19th Century

H 5.5 in W 16 in D 9 in
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Bone Handle
Located in Somis, CA
Beautiful Chinese calligraphy brush with handmade bone handle. A beautiful brush that is perfect for making art or as an design element. Bone ferrule and h...
Category

2010s Chinese Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Bone

Chinese Calligraphy Brush Bone Handle
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Bone Handle

Chinese Calligraphy Brush Bone Handle

H 12 in W 1.5 in D 1.5 in
Antique Brass Bound Writing Box With Secret Drawers. English C.1830
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful tropical hardwood writing box or slope Fabulous colour and figure in the wood Working secret drawers* Original brass topped ink bottle Replaced leather No Key Free U...
Category

1830s English Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Antique Brass Bound Writing Box With Secret Drawers. English C.1830
Antique Brass Bound Writing Box With Secret Drawers. English C.1830

Antique Brass Bound Writing Box With Secret Drawers. English C.1830

H 5.5 in W 11.75 in D 9 in
Art Deco Bakelite Desk Writing Accessory, 5 pieces in box, France 1930s
By Travail Francais
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Art Deco Bakelite desk accessories writing set dates from the 1930s. The set is built of five pieces in its original box: a letter opener, paper cutter, pen holder, mec...
Category

1930s French Vintage Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Metal, Brass

Art Deco Bakelite Desk Writing Accessory, 5 pieces in box, France 1930s
Art Deco Bakelite Desk Writing Accessory, 5 pieces in box, France 1930s

Art Deco Bakelite Desk Writing Accessory, 5 pieces in box, France 1930s

H 1.38 in W 10.25 in D 5.13 in
Exquisite Victorian Walnut & Black Leather Campaign Writing Slope
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Exquisite Victorian Hand-Crafted Burr Walnut Writing Slope With Black Tooled Leather Interior With Secret Compartment SLOPE 23 Brass front ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Exquisite Victorian Walnut & Black Leather Campaign Writing Slope
Exquisite Victorian Walnut & Black Leather Campaign Writing Slope

Exquisite Victorian Walnut & Black Leather Campaign Writing Slope

H 6.11 in W 13.59 in D 9.06 in
Calligraphy Brush with Goat Bone and Hair
Located in Somis, CA
Very unique, one of a kind Chinese calligraphy brush with the fine goat hair, decorated with a beautiful natural goat tail bone. Goat hair is prized for its fine quality, essential f...
Category

2010s Chinese Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Bone, Goat Hair

Calligraphy Brush with Goat Bone and Hair
Calligraphy Brush with Goat Bone and Hair

Calligraphy Brush with Goat Bone and Hair

H 9.5 in W 1.75 in D 1.75 in
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Olive Jasper Barrel Beads
Located in Somis, CA
Beautiful single Chinese calligraphy brush with handmade olive jasper barrel beads. An unique brush that is perfect for making art or as an design element....
Category

2010s Chinese Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Stone

Chinese Calligraphy Brush Olive Jasper Barrel Beads
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Olive Jasper Barrel Beads

Chinese Calligraphy Brush Olive Jasper Barrel Beads

H 12 in W 1.5 in D 1.5 in
Previously Available Items
Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Incense Burners.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of 19th century gilt bronze and marble incense burners. Pair of 19th century incense burners, Napoleon III period, gilt bronze and marble. ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Incense Burners.
Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Incense Burners.

Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Incense Burners.

H 16.54 in W 9.45 in D 7.88 in
c. 1865 French Napoleon III Table Top Writing Desk Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
French, circa 1865, Napoleon III table top writing desk box. Burl amboyna, ebony & boulle inlays. Opens to undulating divided stationary compartment &...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Velvet, Burl

c. 1865 French Napoleon III Table Top Writing Desk Box
c. 1865 French Napoleon III Table Top Writing Desk Box

c. 1865 French Napoleon III Table Top Writing Desk Box

H 6.5 in W 11.75 in D 10.25 in
Circa 1850 French Burl Elm and Brass Mounted "Ecritoire" Traveling Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Introducing the ecritoire de voyage, a beautiful and functional travel desk hand-carved in France circa 1850. Constructed with a gorgeous burl elm exterior and brass elements reflecting the Napoleon III period (known as Second Empire) during which it was made. Second Empire pieces drew inspiration from multiple periods, and in this particular case, the ecritoire features motifs from the Empire period, which coincided with the reign of Napoleon III’s uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte. The elder Napoleon favored themes found in ancient civilizations, such as Rome, Greece, and Macedonia, reflecting his belief that he was a contemporary of the likes of Caesar, King Leonidas...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Metal, Brass

Circa 1850 French Burl Elm and Brass Mounted "Ecritoire" Traveling Desk
Circa 1850 French Burl Elm and Brass Mounted "Ecritoire" Traveling Desk

Circa 1850 French Burl Elm and Brass Mounted "Ecritoire" Traveling Desk

H 7 in W 15 in D 11.875 in
Special writing Set, inkwell, bronze, silvered, Napoleon III, ~1880, France
Located in Wien, AT
Very decorative writing set, of the last third of the 19. century - Napoleon III. Made out of (probably fire gilded) bronze with richly designed décor with patinated and silver-plate...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Special writing Set, inkwell, bronze, silvered, Napoleon III, ~1880, France
Special writing Set, inkwell, bronze, silvered, Napoleon III, ~1880, France

Special writing Set, inkwell, bronze, silvered, Napoleon III, ~1880, France

H 5.91 in W 12.99 in D 7.87 in
Cloisonné Bronze Desk Set, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cloisonné bronze desk set, 19th century A cloisonné bronze desk set composed of a pair of candlesticks, an inkwell, a penholder, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Measures: Candle...
Category

1870s European Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Cloisonné Bronze Desk Set, 19th Century
Cloisonné Bronze Desk Set, 19th Century

Cloisonné Bronze Desk Set, 19th Century

H 7.88 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Gilt Bronze And Enamel Cloisonné Office Set End of XIXth Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Gilt Bronze And Enamel Cloisonné Office Set End of XIXth Century " Set composed of a desk set inkwell with paper cutter, paper press, letter holder pair of cup in capital and clo...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Gilt Bronze And Enamel Cloisonné Office Set End of XIXth Century
Gilt Bronze And Enamel Cloisonné Office Set End of XIXth Century

Gilt Bronze And Enamel Cloisonné Office Set End of XIXth Century

H 11.03 in W 10.24 in D 5.91 in
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Marble Inkwell
Located in Paris, FR
Marble and gilt bronze Empire style writing case. It is composed of two containers with removable glass cups. The lids are decorated with foliage and braids. In the centre, there is ...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Marble Inkwell
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Marble Inkwell

Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Marble Inkwell

H 7.88 in W 15.75 in D 7.49 in
Napoleon III Desk Inkwell in Boulle Marquetry, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III inkwell in Boulle style Marquetry in a special Queen's style marquetry composition of Brass and mother of pearl in all facades even on its back. It rests on 4 bronze fee...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Napoleon III Desk Inkwell in Boulle Marquetry, France, 19th Century
Napoleon III Desk Inkwell in Boulle Marquetry, France, 19th Century

Napoleon III Desk Inkwell in Boulle Marquetry, France, 19th Century

H 4.73 in W 8.67 in D 5.91 in
Early 20th Century Cloisonné Bronze Desk Set in Napoleon III Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Early 20th century cloisonné bronze desk set in Napoleon III style. Measures: Inkwell - H 10 cm, W 26 cm, D 16 cm Tampon - H 6, W 13 cm, D 7 c...
Category

Early 20th Century European Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century Cloisonné Bronze Desk Set in Napoleon III Style
Early 20th Century Cloisonné Bronze Desk Set in Napoleon III Style

Early 20th Century Cloisonné Bronze Desk Set in Napoleon III Style

H 6.3 in W 10.24 in D 4.73 in
Inkwell in Meissen Porcelain, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Inkwell in Meissen porcelain, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Measures: H 19 cm, W 36 cm, D 16 cm.
Category

1870s German Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Inkwell in Meissen Porcelain, 19th Century
Inkwell in Meissen Porcelain, 19th Century

Inkwell in Meissen Porcelain, 19th Century

H 7.49 in W 14.18 in L 7.49 in
Inkwell in Gilded and Cloisonné Bronze and Onyx
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Inkwell in gilded and Cloisonné bronze and onyx, 19th century, Napoleone III period. Measures: H 17 cm, W 37 cm, D 22 cm.
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Inkwell in Gilded and Cloisonné Bronze and Onyx
Inkwell in Gilded and Cloisonné Bronze and Onyx

Inkwell in Gilded and Cloisonné Bronze and Onyx

H 6.7 in W 14.57 in D 8.67 in
Cloisonné and Enameled Bronze Set, Signed F. Barbedienne
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cloisonné and enameled Bronze set, signed F. Barbedienne, 19th century, Napoleone III period. Composed of 2 goblets, a pair of girandole with Bohemian and cartel crystal goblets. ...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Cloisonné and Enameled Bronze Set, Signed F. Barbedienne
Cloisonné and Enameled Bronze Set, Signed F. Barbedienne

Cloisonné and Enameled Bronze Set, Signed F. Barbedienne

H 15.36 in W 10.24 in D 5.12 in

Napoleon Iii desk sets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III desk sets 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 desk sets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III desk sets made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy 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 desk sets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $503 and tops out at $4,677 while the average work can sell for $1,664.

Recently Viewed

View All