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.
$2,432Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Century Walnut and Glazed Liquor Cabinet or Tantalus
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Step into the elegance of 19th-century France with this magnificent antique liquor cabinet, likely crafted from fine walnut wood. Known for its ...
Crystal, Brass
19th Century Napoleon III Liquor Cabinet "Cave à Liqueur" with Crystal Interior
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful Napoleon III period "Cave à liqueur" liquor cabinet with inlaid brass en fruitwood veneer. The cabinet contains four carafes and 12 glasses on a wooden stand with bronze ...
Brass, Bronze
Exquisite Baccarat "Elephant" 'Cave A Liquor' - Exposition Universelle 1878
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
The Magnificent Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor: A Majestic Exploration of a Timeless Masterpiece from the Exposition Universelle of 1878. The Bacca...
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Napoleon III Tantalus with Crystal Decanters and Cordials
Located in Dallas, TX
Create an elegant bar area with this exquisite antique cave à liqueur (Tantalus). Crafted in France circa 1870, this refined portable bar is built of ebonized mahogany with brass inl...
Bronze
19th Century French André-Charles Boulle Style Cave à Liqueur
Located in Dallas, TX
The incredibly intricate brass inlay that embellishes the lid and front façade of this cave à liqueur is reminiscent of the technique utilized by Andre-Charles Boulle while hand-craf...
Metal, Brass
Napoleonic Tantalus Liquor Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
Presenting an exquisite antique French Tantalus liquor cabinet that transports you back to the elegance of the mid to late 1800s. This remarkab...
Brass
19th Century French Cave à Liqueur - Marquetry Wood - Crystal Decanters and Glas
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined 19th century French cave à liqueur, beautifully decorated with intricate marquetry in various woods. The hinged lid is inlaid with the word Liqueurs in elegant script, surr...
Crystal
Antique Napoleon III French Liquor Cellar/ Liqueur Box/ Glass Decanters / 1830
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Exquisite Napoleon III cave à liqueur, crafted in France during the second quarter of the 19th century. The ebonized case is richly inlaid with brass and mother-of-pearl, showcasing ...
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Bronze / Crystal Bottle Cooler on Stand
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This early 20th century French Napoleon III style two-handled bottle cooler, dating to circa 1900, is an exceptional example of gilt-bronze and cut crystal craftsmanship. The cooler ...
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Napoleon III French Liquor Cellar/ Liqueur Box/ Glass Decanters / 1830
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Exquisite Napoleon III cave à liqueur, crafted in France during the second quarter of the 19th century. The ebonized case is richly inlaid with brass and mother-of-pearl, showcasing ...
Metal, Brass
Baccarat crystal cup, royal crown engraved and gilt, original paper sticker
By Baccarat
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Baccarat crystal cup, scarce version enhanced with fine gold on the edges, an engraved and gilt crown of king on the side. Antique cup not signed (before 1936), but the original pape...
Crystal
19th Century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Glass Complete "Cave à Liqueur"
Located in Dallas, TX
Create a bar area with this elegant antique cave à liqueur. Created in France circa 1870 and built of bronze with floral decor in each corner, the decorative liquor box stands on cur...
Crystal, Bronze
Set of Four Napoleon Brandy/Cognac Snifters with Silver Plated Brandy Warmer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of four Napoleon brandy or cognac snifters. The classic Napoleon letter “N” surrounded by a classical laurel wreath. The letter N, laurel wreath a...
Gold Leaf
$11,714 / set
19th Century French Ormolu and Crystal Drinks Set
Located in London, GB
A drinks set of the Napoleon III Period The ormolu rectangular frame, rising from swept feet, with a running arcaded gallery, fitted with a mirror plate base houses a suite of four lead glass crystal stoppered decanters of square form, with floral gilt highlights, and a suite of eight stemmed spirit glasses...
Crystal, Ormolu
19th Century French Marquetry Tantalus Cordial Decanter Set
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 19th century French Napoleon III tantalus, or cave à liqueur, in the style of Charles-Guillaume Diehl. Serpentine form marquetry case is skillfully crafted with mother-of-pea...
Crystal, Brass
$2,101Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Black Rosewood Liquor Case, 1890s, Set of 11
Located in Opole, PL
Antique Black Rosewood Liquor Case, 1890s, Set of 11 Step into the opulence of 19th-century France with this stunning Napoleon III-style liquor case, a tr...
Glass, Rosewood
$3,960Sale Price / set|20% Off
TANTALUS 1860 French Napoleon IIII Liquor Cabined In Precious Woods And Glass
Located in Miami, FL
A French Napoleon III liquor tantalus box. This is a fantastic liquor tantalus cased-box for liquors created in Paris France during the Napoleon III period, back in middle of 1860. ...
Crystal, Gold, Brass
19th Century French Napoleon III Black Lacquer Liqueur Box with Bronze Inlay
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Made of palissander, this lovely Napoleon III period liqueur box is lacquered in black, a method which became popular during Napoleon III's reign. The rose...
Lacquer, Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
19th Century Napoleon III Period Mother-of-Pearl and Marquetry Drinks Box
Located in London, GB
A Fine Napoleon III Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid and Marquetry Drinks Box Of serpentine rectangular form, veneered primarily with burr yew, and tulipwood crossbanding, thuya wood, ebony and mother-of-pearl inlays, the hinged lid set with a mirror on the inside; a mechanism allowing the glass drinks set to rise in tandem with the lid, with four engraved and gilt decanters...
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass, Tulipwood, Yew
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Drinks Box with Decanters and Glasses
Located in London, GB
A Napoleon III Inlaid Cave à Liqueur A decorative and convivial object of the 19th century, the casket finely veneered with walnut, bois noirci, the bevelled glass sides and top wit...
Brass
French Napoleon III Period Ebonized Crystal Cave a Liqueur Service Set
Located in Forney, TX
A charming period Napoleon III Second Empire (1852-1870) brass accented ebonized wood and crystal French cave à liqueur. France, mid-19th century, an object of practical use as well as beauty, add a touch of sophisticated elegance and refinement to your next dinner party with this scarce antique cave à liqueur (petite liquour caddy), featuring an ebonized wooden box-form case inlaid with brass string banding, the locking case opens by turning the original key to release the latch lock mechanism then gently lifting the hinged top and front panel, revealing a richly figured mahogany fitted interior, housing a lovely assembled etched crystal liqueur service, including a pair of hand blown crystal decanters decorated in elegant flowing fiolate vine etchings with matching stoppers, accompanied by eight stemmed cordial drinking glasses with geometric etching patern; the folding panels can stay in the up/open position when in use or for display, or press the hinge mechanism to close the panels, then you can lock it and remove the key to secure the contents, the case is finished on all sides so it can be placed anywhere in the room, all raised on short turned feet. circa 1860 Dimensions: (approx) Closed: 10" High, 8.25" Wide, 7 7/8" Deep; Open: 15.25" High, 8.25" Wide, 10" Deep; 5.5lbs Total **Additional photos available upon request** CONDITION REPORT: Good antique condition with nicely aged warm worn patina and desirable unrestored original finish. Wear consistent with 160 years of age, use, handling and exposure, including retaining antique character marks and charm throughout, worn distressed original ebony finish, with scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, rough spots and very minor chippy paint losses. The imperfections not noticeable in most lighting or at most angles, however we went way out of our way to make sure to capture the flaws in the photos to try and be as transparent and upfront as possible. Please be sure to inspect all the photos. Overall a wonderful assembled set, sturdy, stable, structurally sound, all crystal intact with typical wear but no cracks or damage. Overall a wonderful example, with nothing that detracts from the aesthetics or functionality but only adds to the sophisticated elegance, warmth, antique character, classic refinement, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over very long periods of time! Keywords: cave a liqueur serving set tantalus bar...
Crystal, Brass
$24,850
Baccarat Cave à Liqueur
Located in New Orleans, LA
This striking and rare Napoleon III-period cave à liqueur is masterfully modeled to represent the Cirque d'Hiver, or Winter Circus. Built in Paris in 18...
Crystal
Gilt-Bronze and Cut-Glass Pagoda Decanter Set, Attributed to Baccarat
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Gilt-Bronze and Cut-Glass Pagoda Form Cave à Liqueur, Attributed to Baccarat. The shaped gilt bronze case finely cast with egg and dart moulding, acanthus fronds and musical tr...
Ormolu
19th Century French Napoleon III Burl Walnut Inlaid Complete "Cave a Liqueur"
Located in Dallas, TX
Create an elegant bar area with this complete antique Cave à Liqueur, a refined example of Napoleon III period craftsmanship. Made in France circa 1870, this exquisite tantalus set f...
Brass
19th Century Napoleon III Crystal Liqueur Cabinet ‘Cave À Liqueur’
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A French "Cave à Liqueur" liqueur cabinet with antique crystal carafes and glasses. The cabinet contains four crystal carafes and ten glasses,...
Crystal, Brass, Zinc
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Brass & Wood 'Cannon' Wine Trolley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III Brass & Wood 'Cannon' Wine Trolley France, Circa 1870s Experience the grandeur of the 1870s with this exquisite Napoleon III Brass & Wood 'Cannon' Wine Trolley from F...
Brass
$5,435Sale Price|20% Off
Impressive Boulle Napoleonic Tantalus Liquor Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Impressive Boulle Napoleonic Tantalus Bar Cabinet, 19th Century Very nice and decorative Boulle Tantalus Cabinet. Elaborately crafted cabinet with the so...
Brass
Set of 2 Old Christofle Coaster Silver Plated, circa 1880
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
A very nice and high-quality set of 2 Old Christofle silver-plated, world-famous French factory, each bottle coaster, 19th century. Measures: D 16 cm, H 2.5cm. In 1852 Napoleon II...
Silver Plate
$1,432
H 12.6 in W 11.82 in D 6.3 in
Late 19th Century Victorian Oak and Crystal Tantalus Made by Army & Navy CSL
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique tantalus made by Army and Navy CSL, from England. The stand is made from solid oak, decorated with silver plated mounts and a top m...
Crystal, Silver Plate, Brass
$430Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.67 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
20th Century, French Crystal Whisky Carafe, 1950s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice 20th century French crystal whisky carafe from the 1950s. Beautiful engraved details on the carafe but also on the plug. Very good condition.
Crystal
$18,500 / set
H 11.5 in Dm 5 in
Six-Piece Cut Crystal Liquors Set Four Decanters, Claret & Pitcher, 19th Century
By Baccarat
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a rare and exceptional 19th century crystal drinks set attributed to Baccarat. The service consists of four matching decanters, a claret jug and a matching water pitcher. Eac...
Crystal
$7,500
H 10.5 in W 14.25 in D 11.25 in
Antique French Baccarat Crystal Cave À Liqueur in Satinwood Case circa 1885-1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Superb antique French baccarat crystal and gold bronze Cave À Liqueur in fitted satinwood case, circa 1885-1890.
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century Mahogany Tantalus with Brass Stringing
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a handsome late 19th century French mahogany and tantalus. The top lifts and the front section opens to reveal a central compartment containing four identical crystal decant...
Crystal
19th Century English Tantalus Set with Cut-Glass Decanters, 1880s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century English tantalus set in a rare petite size. A tantalus is a decorative container, typically made of wood and metal. designed to securely...
Crystal, Metal
$2,748
H 14.77 in W 16.15 in D 9.06 in
Charming Carved Walnut Castle Form Liquor Cabinet, Late 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Carved Walnut Castle Form Liquor Cabinet, Late 19th Century This whimsical and architecturally inspired castle-form cabinet is a charming example of late 19th-century craftsmanship,...
Walnut
$3,312
H 13.78 in W 14.57 in D 11.82 in
Antique Victoran Coromandel Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb antique Victorian coromandel, ormolu mounted and cased three decanter tantalus and games compendium, circa 1870 in date. It was skilfully crafted in rare coromandel with a satinwood interior and ormolu mounts. The three cut crystal glass decanters with stoppers, a mirrored back and compartmens containing four cut glass drinking glasses...
Crystal, Ormolu
$2,750
H 10 in W 13.5 in D 10 in
Antique French Brass Inlay Tantalus Box Cordial Decanter Set Liquor Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Brass Inlay Tantalus Box Cordial Decanter Set Liquor Cabinet. Item features beautiful inlay to top of the box. Set includes 4 decanters...
Wood
$1,995
H 10 in W 8.25 in D 7.875 in
French Napoleon III Period Ebonized Crystal Cave a Liqueur Service Set
Located in Forney, TX
A charming period Napoleon III Second Empire (1852-1870) brass accented ebonized wood and crystal French cave à liqueur. France, mid-19th century, an object of practical use as well as beauty, add a touch of sophisticated elegance and refinement to your next dinner party with this scarce antique cave à liqueur (petite liquour caddy), featuring an ebonized wooden box-form case inlaid with brass string banding, the locking case opens by turning the original key to release the latch lock mechanism then gently lifting the hinged top and front panel, revealing a richly figured mahogany fitted interior, housing a lovely assembled etched crystal liqueur service, including a pair of hand blown crystal decanters decorated in elegant flowing fiolate vine etchings with matching stoppers, accompanied by eight stemmed cordial drinking glasses with geometric etching patern; the folding panels can stay in the up/open position when in use or for display, or press the hinge mechanism to close the panels, then you can lock it and remove the key to secure the contents, the case is finished on all sides so it can be placed anywhere in the room, all raised on short turned feet. circa 1860 Dimensions: (approx) Closed: 10" High, 8.25" Wide, 7 7/8" Deep; Open: 15.25" High, 8.25" Wide, 10" Deep; 5.5lbs Total **Additional photos available upon request** CONDITION REPORT: Good antique condition with nicely aged warm worn patina and desirable unrestored original finish. Wear consistent with 160 years of age, use, handling and exposure, including retaining antique character marks and charm throughout, worn distressed original ebony finish, with scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, rough spots and very minor chippy paint losses. The imperfections not noticeable in most lighting or at most angles, however we went way out of our way to make sure to capture the flaws in the photos to try and be as transparent and upfront as possible. Please be sure to inspect all the photos. Overall a wonderful assembled set, sturdy, stable, structurally sound, all crystal intact with typical wear but no cracks or damage. Overall a wonderful example, with nothing that detracts from the aesthetics or functionality but only adds to the sophisticated elegance, warmth, antique character, classic refinement, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over very long periods of time! Keywords: cave a liqueur serving set tantalus bar...
Crystal, Brass
19th Century Italian Parcel Gilt and Rose Glass Liqueur Set Tantalus
Located in Milano, MI
Antique late-19th century Italian exquisite glass liqueur set, consisting of three liqueur bottles, 3 decanters with stoppers, twelve small glasses arrange...
Metal
$1,295
H 10.38 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
Tiffany & Co. Crystal Liquor Decanter, Cut Glass, USA, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Crystal whiskey decanter by Tiffany and Co. Features a vertical arching lines on top of cubic cuts garnishing the lower half of the decanter. ...
Crystal
19th century French Napoleon III Silver Plate Syphon Bottle, 1870s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very beautiful 19th century siphon in silver metal in good condition. Napoleon III style. Embossed floral decoration ring. The top unscrews to let the liquid pass and there is a loc...
Silver Plate
Antique French Tantalus Decanter Bar Set
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century French tantalus having a brass banded hexagon case with beveled glass panels framed in crossbanded and burled mahogany with key on turned feet. The interior h...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 10.63 in W 12.21 in D 9.45 in
19th Century Cave à Liqueur - Napoleon III - Crystal & Marquetry - Complete Set
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Exquisite French Napoleon III cave à liqueur featuring superb marquetry work in a warm blonde tone, adorned with elegant brass trim. This complete set includes 16 crystal glasses and...
Brass
19th Century Napoleon III Liquor Cellar in Ebony with Brass Inlay
Located in Paris, FR
Liquor cellar in brass inlaid ebony with crystal glassware. The top of the box is engraved with the initials of the owner. Front and top sides are decorated with golden rinceau, foli...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 10.5 in W 13 in D 9.75 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Burl Walnut Inlaid Complete "Cave a Liqueur"
Located in Dallas, TX
Create an elegant bar area with this complete antique "Cave à Liqueur"! Created in France, circa 1870, the elegant tantalus set features a beautifully crafted wooden box with intric...
Bronze
Sold
H 11.75 in W 13.5 in D 11 in
Antique French Napoleon III Period Burlwood Box Cave a Liqueur Decanter Set
Located in Forney, TX
A visually striking Napoleon III Second Empire Period (1852-1870) burled amboyna French cave à liqueur & decanter service set. Mid-19th century, France, almost certainly Parisian work, a highly decorative object of practical use as well as beauty, fine quality craftsmanship, detailing and luxurious materials, featuring a breakfront wooden case with canted corners, executed in rare and exotic mottled burl amboyna, precious kingwood, walnut cross-banding, intricate mother-of-pearl, abalone, ebony, kingwood and more checkered string banded inlays, accented with fiolate incised brass trim; having a safety hinged mechanism lift top and front panel, flanked by a pair of hinged swing out door panels, all opening to reveal a stunning interior finished in dark rich violet purpleheart, housing a removable serving tray with ornate gilt-bronze ormolu handled cradle, fitted with fine quality glassware set attributed to the celebrated crystal maker and luxury house Baccarat, comprised of four etched and cut glass decanters in Neoclassical meandering Greek key pattern, with stoppers, and twelve stemmed cordial drinking glasses. circa 1860s Please note, one stopper is the correct matching pattern but it sits low in the decanter. Dimensions: (approx) Closed: 11.75" High, 13.5" Wide, 11" Deep; Open: 19" High, 25.5" Wide, 13" Deep 14lbs total **Additional photos available upon request** CONDITION REPORT: Overall a wonderful example, in good antique condition with nicely aged warm rich patina. Attractive appearance, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Retaining original antique character and charm throughout, wear consistent with 160 years of age and use, including age related separation split to top, possibe evidence of old restorations or fill, typical minor nicks, scuffs, scratches, minor losses, typical wear. The glassware is in original antique condition, with expected wear but no signs of damage, cracks or chips. One stopper sitting low in decanter. Delivered cleaned, waxed, ready for use! Perfectly imperfect, it's easy to find beauty in the flaws, this set pesents well, with nothing that detracts from the display or functionality but only adds to the distinctive wabi-sabi character, charm, sophisticated elegance, warmth, classic refinement, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over very long periods of time! Keywords: After dinner dessert liqueur service set tantalus bar...
Crystal, Brass, Ormolu, Bronze
Sold
H 11.03 in W 15.75 in D 11.03 in
French Black Gold Baccarat Licquor Cabinet Boulle style Marquetry, Napoleon III
By Alphonse Giroux et Cie, Baccarat, André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning French Licquor Cellar Signed by Giroux in Queen style Marqueterie à la Reine, with Marquetry in All Faces. Exceptional licquor cellar in Boulle marquetry style on all sid...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 9.84 in W 7.87 in D 8.27 in
Spectacular liquor chest box casket, tantalus, Napoleon III, bar, 1880, France
Located in Wien, AT
Accompanied by the original glassware, this exquisite liquor chest embodies the opulence and sophistication of the era. The liquor box is an original from...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 11 in W 13.25 in D 9.25 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Rosewood & Brass Inlaid Complete Cave a Liqueur
Located in Dallas, TX
Create an elegant bar area with this complete antique liquor box. Created in France circa 1870, and rectangular in shape with serpentine front, the Tantalus stands on small round fee...
Brass
Pair of Antique Napoleon III Baccarat Crystal Square Decanters
By Baccarat
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of antique French Napoleon III Baccarat crystal square decanters with hand painted gold decor. Very good antique condition.
Crystal
Sold
H 11.82 in W 14.97 in D 11.82 in
Napoleon III Period Blackened Pearwood, Bronze and Glass Liquor Cellar
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful liquor cellar in blackened wood from the Napoleon III period including a removable basket with three carafes and twelve matching gilded glasses decorated with fine gold. Th...
Bronze
Napoleon III Period Bronze and Glass Liquor Cellar
Located in LEGNY, FR
Liquor cellar in bronze and glass from the Napoleon III period. This cellar includes four carafes fitted with blue stoppers and sixteen engraved glasses (a few different glasses). ...
Bronze