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
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.
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Style: Napoleon III
Napoleon III Gutta Percha Desk Accessory Pen Holder, circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding testament to 19th-century craftsmanship, this exceptional Napoleon III Gutta Percha pen holder was masterfully designed at the end of the 19th Century. The piece was m...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Latex
Pocket Magnifying Glass in fired enamel two-tone stripes on guilloche Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Personal pocket magnifying glass in 925/1000 silver with translucent enamel in two-tone stripes on guilloche and hand-engraved in the French Empire Napoleon III style, second half of...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
NAPOLEON III Antique 1870 French Desk Tray Set In Gray Marble And Gilt Ormolu
$1,488Sale Price|25% Off
NAPOLEON III Antique 1870 French Desk Tray Set In Gray Marble And Gilt Ormolu
By Napoléon III
Located in Miami, FL
A Napoleon III desk set in marble and ormolu. This is a beautiful and flamboyant desk tray set created in Paris France during the Napoleon III per...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Gold, Ormolu
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. Dimensions : H: 4 cm, W: 17 cm, D: 1...
Category
20th Century Chinese Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Textile
Saint-Louis Bedside Water Carafe & Pair of Bottles
Located in Atlanta, GA
Saint-Louis Bedside Water Carafe comprising of a plate, carafe and glass, with finely chiseled ormolu fittings. Additionally, a pair of matching bottles with faceted crystal stoppers...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
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
19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe
$886Sale Price|49% Off
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
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Napoleon III Style Silvered Metal Desk Planter with Pietra Dura Inlay
$672Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.5 in W 12.5 in D 4 in
Napoleon III Style Silvered Metal Desk Planter with Pietra Dura Inlay
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare silvered metal desk or tabletop planter inlaid with 12 framed Pietra Dura panels of inlaid colorful flowers on a black base, complete with its ...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets
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Italian Artist Piero Dorazio Paper weight for Saint Louis France
By Saint Louis, Piero Dorazio 1
Located in Milan, IT
Italian Artist Piero Dorazio Paper weight for Saint Louis France. Signed and Numbered: Saint Louis France 62/350 Dorazio
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1990s French Napoleon III Desk Sets
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Marble Desk Pen Holder Organizer
Located in New York, NY
A substantial marble desk pen/pencil/marker holder organizer, in the modern style, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century. Organizer can hold small pieces of paper, ...
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Mid-20th Century Napoleon III Desk Sets
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Vintage Wood Pen Holder and Lighter Set, Italian Design, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage wood pen holder and lighter is an original object realized in the 1970s. Original wood and metal. Made in Italy. The set includes: a geometr...
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1970s Italian Vintage Napoleon III Desk Sets
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Metal
Napoleon III Patinated Bronze & Ormolu Crown, France, Circa 1870
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
H 4 in Dm 11.75 in
Napoleon III Patinated Bronze & Ormolu Crown, France, Circa 1870
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III Patinated Bronze & Ormolu Crown, France, Circa 1870 A rare and unusual Napoleon III patinated bronze and ormolu crown from France, circa 1870. This distinctive work fea...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
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Edwardian Sterling Silver and Blue Guilloche Enamel-Mounted Magnifying Glass
By George Hope
Located in New York, NY
Large, Edwardian, sterling silver and blue guilloche enamel-mounted magnifying glass, Birmingham, England, 1906, Geo. Hope - maker. Measures almost 9 inches long x 3 3/4 inches diame...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Metal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Inkwell from France, C. 1840
Located in Dallas, TX
This piece of nineteenth-century French elegance is sure to be the envy of any collector. The Napoleon III gilt bronze inkwell is a prized find, crafted in circa 1840 France with int...
Category
1840s French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Metal, Bronze
PAIR OF 19th Century French CHENETS Louis XVI Style
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF 19th Century French CHENETS Louis XVI style, in gilded metal. Dim.: 29 x 13 x 5 cm good conditions
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Metal
19th Century Giltwood Watch Holder
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully carved figural giltwood pocket watch stand.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets
Vintage 1980s Gucci Desk Set Accessories - Leather Pen + Paper Holder & Tray
$775
H 1.13 in W 4.38 in D 6.38 in
Vintage 1980s Gucci Desk Set Accessories - Leather Pen + Paper Holder & Tray
By Gucci
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice 1980s Gucci - Italy designed leather desk accessories set, includes pen holder, note paper holder and small tray. The leather pieces have the classic green and red stripe, with ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Ceramic, Leather, Suede
Staffordshire Dalmatian Pen Holder, Circa 1960's
Located in High Point, NC
Vintage 1960's pen holder in the form of a Dalmatian made in the Staffordshire region of England. The Dalmatian is recumbent, with front legs crossed in an elegant fashion, and sitt...
Category
1960s English Vintage Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Ceramic
Set of 3 Chinese Calligraphy Brushes with Porcelain Handles
$95Sale Price / set|45% Off
H 10 in W 1 in D 1 in
Set of 3 Chinese Calligraphy Brushes with Porcelain Handles
Located in Somis, CA
A set of 3 beautiful porcelain handle Chinese calligraphy brushes. The handles with hand painted round and oval porcelain balls of longevity motifs and basketweave, in classic, timeless blue and white...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Previously Available Items
18th Century Italian Marble Holy Water Fonts in Napoleon III Style
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
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
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
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
Circa 1850 French Burl Elm and Brass Mounted "Ecritoire" Traveling Desk
Sold
H 7 in W 15 in D 11.875 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
Special writing Set, inkwell, bronze, silvered, Napoleon III, ~1880, France
Sold
H 5.91 in W 12.99 in D 7.87 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
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
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
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 Desk Inkwell in Boulle Marquetry, France, 19th Century
Sold
H 4.73 in W 8.67 in D 5.91 in
Napoleon III Desk Inkwell in Boulle Marquetry, France, 19th Century
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
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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...
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Early 20th Century European Napoleon III Desk Sets
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Bronze
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.
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1870s German Antique Napoleon III Desk Sets
Materials
Porcelain
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.
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