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Empire Serving Pieces

EMPIRE STYLE

From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in ​​Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.

Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.

Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.

Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.

Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Empire
Large Estate Christofle Empire Style Four Piece Caviar Serving Set
Large Estate Christofle Empire Style Four Piece Caviar Serving Set

Large Estate Christofle Empire Style Four Piece Caviar Serving Set

By Christofle

Located in New York, NY

Fine large and impressive estate Christofle Empire style caviar serving set Pattern: 4224590 Classic French elegance, this superb scarce four piece caviar set epitomizes luxury and refinement. Composed of an outer two handled presentation dish for ice, a crystal bowl for caviar, a cross bar stand for the caviar bowl and a lid. The handles with attractive stylized sea shell motifs, ideal for serving caviar. This fine Christofle caviar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Dagoty Manufacture of Empress Joséphine Wife of Napoleon 1st Swan Cup
Dagoty Manufacture of Empress Joséphine Wife of Napoleon 1st Swan Cup

Dagoty Manufacture of Empress Joséphine Wife of Napoleon 1st Swan Cup

By Dagoty

Located in Paris, FR

This very rare set of 12 delicate cups swan shape with their saucers is signed by Dagoty, one of the favorite manufacturers of Empress Joséphine's first Napoleon wife well known for ...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

French Empire Sterling Silver Salt Cellar Blue Glass Liners Return from Egypt
French Empire Sterling Silver Salt Cellar Blue Glass Liners Return from Egypt

French Empire Sterling Silver Salt Cellar Blue Glass Liners Return from Egypt

French Napoleonic Empire table set "return from Egypt" Made of sterling silver and cobalt blue liners Collectible for it's beauty and hallmarks that were only used during Napoleons E...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Small French Floral Painted Toleware Metal Vanity Tray
Small French Floral Painted Toleware Metal Vanity Tray

Small French Floral Painted Toleware Metal Vanity Tray

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Small French decorated butterfly shaped tray featuring hand colored flowers. We see this versatile piece on a cocktail table or used on a vanity holding you're favorite jewelry or tr...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Set of Four Cut Crystal and Brass Salt & Pepper Cellars, Early 20th Century
Set of Four Cut Crystal and Brass Salt & Pepper Cellars, Early 20th Century

Set of Four Cut Crystal and Brass Salt & Pepper Cellars, Early 20th Century

Located in Knivsta, SE

Set of Four Empire Style Cut Crystal and Brass Salt & Pepper Cellars, Early 20th Century A refined set of four open salt and pepper cellars, executed in faceted crystal and mounted ...

Category

Early 20th Century Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Crystal, Brass

A large painted Empire, 19th Century serving tray in tin plate
A large painted Empire, 19th Century serving tray in tin plate

A large painted Empire, 19th Century serving tray in tin plate

Located in Knivsta, SE

A large and beautiful painted serving tray. Empire, early 19th Century. Made in painted tin plate. Some minor color loss and wear damages, but overall in good condition in relation...

Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Tin

Neoclassical Green and Gilt Faux Marble Samovar Coffee Urn
Neoclassical Green and Gilt Faux Marble Samovar Coffee Urn

Neoclassical Green and Gilt Faux Marble Samovar Coffee Urn

Located in New York, NY

Neoclassical green and gilt faux marble samovar coffee urn. Gilt and green faux marble painted samovar with Greco Roman mask issuing spout on pedestal abov...

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Set of Four Elegant French Silver Open Salt Cellars
Set of Four Elegant French Silver Open Salt Cellars

Set of Four Elegant French Silver Open Salt Cellars

Located in Montreal, QC

Set of four 800 French silver oval open slat cellars decorated with eagle heads, Provincial hallmarks, 1798-1809.

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Egg Box in Lacquered Sheet Metal with Chinese Decor, French Work, 19th Century
Egg Box in Lacquered Sheet Metal with Chinese Decor, French Work, 19th Century

Egg Box in Lacquered Sheet Metal with Chinese Decor, French Work, 19th Century

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This beautiful and rare Egg box is made of lacquered sheet metal with Chinese decor. This is a French work. Executive period - 19th century.

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Sheet Metal

Related Items
Rare Pair of Exeter Sterling Silver Parcel-Gilt Georgian Berry Spoons
Rare Pair of Exeter Sterling Silver Parcel-Gilt Georgian Berry Spoons

Rare Pair of Exeter Sterling Silver Parcel-Gilt Georgian Berry Spoons

By William Woodman

Located in New York, NY

Rare pair of Georgian, sterling silver, parcel-gilt berry spoons, Exeter, England, 1830, William Woodman - maker. Measures: 9" long x 2" wide (at widest point). Vacant cartouche. Bea...

Category

19th Century British Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Christofle, Set of 51 Louis XV Style Silver Plated Flatware
Christofle, Set of 51 Louis XV Style Silver Plated Flatware

Christofle, Set of 51 Louis XV Style Silver Plated Flatware

By Christofle

Located in Paris, FR

Part of flatware Christofle collection "Marly" in silver metal. This set of cutlery with rich decoration of plants in the Louis XV style is composed of ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal, Silver

Vintage Liqueur Set, Bohemian Glass, Early 20th Century
Vintage Liqueur Set, Bohemian Glass, Early 20th Century

Vintage Liqueur Set, Bohemian Glass, Early 20th Century

Located in Roma, IT

Liqueur set is an original decorative object realized in the 1930s in Bohemian glass. This wonderful liqueur set consisting of a carafe and six goblets, clear glass bordeaux...

Category

Early 20th Century Czech Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Art Glass

Edwardian Mother-of-Pearl Handled Silver Butter Knives, Set of Six
Edwardian Mother-of-Pearl Handled Silver Butter Knives, Set of Six

Edwardian Mother-of-Pearl Handled Silver Butter Knives, Set of Six

By Alexander Clark & Co.

Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol

Set of six butter knives in original box with label Alexander Clark London. Made for Goldsmith and Silversmith. Hallmarks Alexander Clark and Co. Handles in mother-of-pearl. Blades e...

Category

Early 20th Century British Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

Suite of 9 Porcelain Plates by Theodore Haviland
Suite of 9 Porcelain Plates by Theodore Haviland

Suite of 9 Porcelain Plates by Theodore Haviland

By Theodore Haviland

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Suite of 9 porcelain dessert plates by Theodore Haviland, Limoges, France. 20th century Measures: H: 1 cm, D: 19 cm. Contact us before orderin...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s
Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s

Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Offered is an absolutely stunning, 1960s Italian giltwood serving tray. Minor patina and paint lost gives this piece a classy statement. A nice addition to any table or room.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray
Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray

Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray

By Christofle

Located in Miami, FL

French Art Deco style silver-plated serving tray from Christofle. This small cocktail tray is hallmarked on the reverse. In very good condition, wear consistent with age, materials...

Category

20th Century French Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s
Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s

Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Offered is an absolutely stunning, 1960s Italian giltwood serving tray. Minor patina and paint lost gives this piece a classy statement. A nice addition to any table or room.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Palms Center Table Serving Piece
Palms Center Table Serving Piece

Palms Center Table Serving Piece

$2,947 / item

H 27.56 in Dm 14.18 in

Palms Center Table Serving Piece

Located in Paris, FR

Serving piece palms center table with 2 plates and base in enameled porcelain. With solid bronze structure and details in vintage finish. Elegant piece.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Bronze

Previously Available Items
MATCH Pewter Rectangular Crudité Bar Serving Tray, Italy
MATCH Pewter Rectangular Crudité Bar Serving Tray, Italy

MATCH Pewter Rectangular Crudité Bar Serving Tray, Italy

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

This charming and versatile Italian pewter tray is perfect as an elegant presentation for crudité, sweets or a valet tray for garnishes in a home bar. The 3 hand-crafted glass insert...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal, Pewter

Small Solid 19th Century Brass Trinket Vanity Bar Tray
Small Solid 19th Century Brass Trinket Vanity Bar Tray

Small Solid 19th Century Brass Trinket Vanity Bar Tray

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Charming antiques brass tray for trinkets or keys in a foyer area or stand alone piece on a coffee or side table. Also functions on a vanity or bar area tray.

Category

Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

19th Century Empire Silver Sauceboat
19th Century Empire Silver Sauceboat

19th Century Empire Silver Sauceboat

Sold

H 6.89 in W 7.68 in D 4.73 in

19th Century Empire Silver Sauceboat

Located in Stockholm, SE

A very elegant and fine silver sauceboat or gravy boat by Paul Duhamel, Stamped by Paul Duhamel, active in Paris 1832-45. The detailed upturned handle is made in the shape of an eagl...

Category

1830s French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

Circa 1900-1920 Miniature Roll Top Breakfast Tureen
Circa 1900-1920 Miniature Roll Top Breakfast Tureen

Circa 1900-1920 Miniature Roll Top Breakfast Tureen

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1900-1920 miniature roll top breakfast or hunt tureen. Charming and complete. For appetizers, etc. Paw feet. Empire taste. Measures: 8 1/4" x 5 1/8" x 4 3/4" H.  

Category

Early 20th Century Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Red And Gold Limoges Porcelain Coffee Service Empire Style Early 20th Century
Red And Gold Limoges Porcelain Coffee Service Empire Style Early 20th Century

Red And Gold Limoges Porcelain Coffee Service Empire Style Early 20th Century

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Elegant coffee service of empire style of the beginning of the 19th century. Made of Limoges porcelain, the service is composed of 10 cups, 10 saucers, a coffee pot, a milk jug and a...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

French Early 19th Century Empire Round Gilt Bronze Centerpiece or Tray
French Early 19th Century Empire Round Gilt Bronze Centerpiece or Tray

French Early 19th Century Empire Round Gilt Bronze Centerpiece or Tray

Located in Berlin, DE

Fine French 19th century Empire gilt bronze centrepiece or tray Round gilt bronze profiled and pearl frieze frame standing on three finely cast acanthus leaf ornament feet holding...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Bronze

Silver Plated Decanter with Claw Feet, Needs a few Restorations, French, 1900
Silver Plated Decanter with Claw Feet, Needs a few Restorations, French, 1900

Silver Plated Decanter with Claw Feet, Needs a few Restorations, French, 1900

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This very nice decanter is made of silver plated bronze and brass with claw feet. It needs a few Restorations. French, circa 1900.

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Bronze

Empire, Sterling Silver-Mounted Two-Piece Fish Set in Original Box, Paris
Empire, Sterling Silver-Mounted Two-Piece Fish Set in Original Box, Paris

Empire, Sterling Silver-Mounted Two-Piece Fish Set in Original Box, Paris

Located in New York, NY

Empire, French, sterling silver-mounted, two-piece fish serving set in original box, Paris, circa 1875. Monogrammed with a script letter B. Original box (which comes with the set) has the same gilt letter B monogram on its lid. Fish serving knife measures over 12 1/2 inches long x 2 inches (at widest point) x 1 inch high when lying flat; serving fork measures 11 inches long x 2 1/2 inches wide (at widest point) x 1 inch high when lying flat. Handles of both pieces are engine turned in design. Blade of knife (which is silver...

Category

1870s French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate, Sterling Silver

Empire serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire serving pieces 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 serving pieces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire serving pieces 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 serving pieces, popular names associated with this style include Christofle, Koch & Bergfeld, and Meissen Porcelain. 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 serving pieces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $336 and tops out at $7,551 while the average work can sell for $1,597.