Skip to main content

Napoleon III Sterling Silver

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.

1
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
10
7
3
1
Style: Napoleon III
Creator: Jules Piault
J. Piault – large 19th century solid silver serving tray
By Jules Piault 1
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Large rectangular solid silver tray with two handles, with rich engraved and chiseled decoration on an amati background, of Renaissance inspiration, of chimeras, flowered scrolls, le...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Related Items
Victorian Silver Candle Snuffer with Tray 19th Century English
Located in North Miami, FL
This 2 part candle snuffer is from the late 19th century Victorian. The snuffer shears are sterling silver except for the part that puts out the flame. It has many hallmarks. The tra...
Category

1880s English Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver

Solid Silver Tray, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Solid silver tray, 19th century. Hallmark Minerva. Weight : 847g
Category

19th Century Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique Silver Serving Cutlery, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Serving Cutlery is a pair of a precious decorative object realized in silver 800 by French manufacturer in the 19th century. The lot consist in two ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Vintage Silver Serving Cutlery - England Late 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Silver Serving Cutlery is a couple of a precious decorative object realized by English manufacturer in the 19th century. The lot consist in t...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Silver Tray with Embedded Silver Coins 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Silver tray with embedded silver coins. European work from the late 19th century. Measures: 30 x 25 x 8 cm.
Category

19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

19th Century Sterling Silver Tray
Located in Vista, CA
Gorgeous sterling silver tray with interior gadrooned border and central cartouche and floral motif.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century Sterling Silver Tray
19th Century Sterling Silver Tray
H 14 in W 17 in D 2 in
Large Antique 19th Century Indian Solid Silver Kutch Trophy Cup
Located in London, GB
A large antique 19th century Indian Silver Kutch trophy cup with twin cast handles, the body is profusely chased with the typical repousse' foliage, also depicting flowers and animal...
Category

1880s Indian Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Dutch Silver Fish Serving Spoon with Agate
Located in Delft, NL
A 19th century Dutch silver fish serving spoon with agate A silver fish serving spoon with an agate handle, made in 1865 by the silversmit...
Category

Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Agate, Silver

Antique Large William IV Silver Tray Salver by Paul Storr 1820 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful English antique William IV sterling silver tray, or salver, by the world famous silversmith Paul Storr. It has clear hallmarks for London 1820 the makers mark of Paul Storr. It is typical of his work with the octafoil shape and the exquisitely detailed reeded rim, and it is raised on four delightful foliate and scroll feet. The centre is engraved with a shield shaped coat of arms which I have had researched. The Marital Arms of Knollis and Hallifax The armorial bearings as engraved upon this George IV Large English Sterling Silver Footed Salver by Paul Storr hallmarked London 1820 are those of the family of Knollis with Hallifax in pretence. These armorial bearings denote the marshalling of a marital coat showing the arms of the husband over the entire surface of the shield, whilst the arms of the wife (as an heraldic heiress) are placed on a small shield (known as an escutcheon of pretence) centrally on the husband’s arms. They may be blazoned as follows: Arms: Quarterly 1st and 4th Azure crusily of cross crosslets a cross moline voided or (for Knollys) 2nd and 3rd Gules on a chevron argent three roses of the field barbed proper (for Knollys) over all an escutcheon of pretence Or on a pile engrailed sable between two fountains barry wavy of six argent and azure three cross crosslets of the first (for Hallifax) Crest: An elephant argent [differenced with a mullet1 ] (for Knollys) Motto: In utrumque paratus [Prepared for either] (for Knollys) These armorial bearings undoubtedly commemorate the marriage of The Honourable and Reverend Francis Knollis2 (baptised 3rd January 1743 died 27th February 1826), 1 The cadency mark for a third son of a family. 2 Francis appears to have preferred this spelling of his family’s surname. It is spelt as it is to be pronounced. of Burford in the County of Oxfordshire and of Eastleach Martin in the County of Gloucestershire and Mary Hallifax (baptised 5th March 1753 buried 18th December 1830). Francis and Mary were married at the Parish Church of St Mary, Ewell in the County of Surrey on the 9th June 1772. Francis was the third son of Charles Knollys (the titular 5th Earl of Banbury) 3 and his wife, Martha Hughes, whilst Mary was the daughter of The Reverend James Hallifax, of Ewell aforesaid and his wife, Elizabeth Chardavoyn. 3 Francis’s father claimed to be the 5th Earl of Banbury. A claim that continued to be pursued by the family until William Knollys, the titular 8th Earl of Banbury (born 1763 died 1834) was forced to discontinue its use by a resolution of the House of Lords which rejected his claim to the earldom in 1813. The crest surmounts a detailed dedication: This piece of plate was presented to the Honourable Rev Knolls by the inhabitants of the town and immediate neighbourhood of Burford on his completing the fiftieth year of his incumbency as the vicar of Burford. In testimony of their high respect 11th April 1821 There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector. Condition: In excellent condition with clear hallmarks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 3 x Width 36 x Depth 36 Weight 1.52 kg Dimensions in inches: Height 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 2 inches x Depth 1 foot, 2 inches Weight 49 troy oz Paul Storr born in London England in 1771, was to become one of the most talented silversmiths of the nineteenth century. Today his legacy of exceptionally well crafted silver, found worldwide in museums and private collections, leaves one in awe when compared to that of his contemporaries.After having served a seven year apprenticeship from the age of 14, he began his career in 1792 when he went into a brief partnership with William Frisbee. This did not last and in 1793 a new mark, (his initials ‘P S’) was entered. By the beginning of the nineteenth century he had established himself as one of London’s top silversmiths producing, amongst others, commissions for Royalty. In 1801 he married Elizabeth Susanna Beyer with whom he was to have ten children. In 1807 Paul Storr entered into a working relationship with Philip Rundell and by 1811 was a partner, and managing the workshops for Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. During this period he kept his own marks and separate workshop. However it was through Rundell, Bridge & Rundell who were appointed Goldsmith in Ordinary to George III in 1804 that his reputation as a master silversmith grew. His talents lay in being able to transform ideas and designs from Rundell, Bridge & Rundell’s designers, William Theed...
Category

1820s English Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Large William IV Silver Tray Salver by Paul Storr 1837 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful English antique William IV sterling silver tray, or salver, by the world famous silversmith Paul Storr. It has clear hallmarks for London 1837 the makers mark of Paul Storr and is also engraved Storr & Mortimer 36, they were Goldsmiths and Jewellers to Her Majesty’ (1822-1839). It is typical of his work with the octafoil shape and the exquisitely detailed foliate and acorn rim. It is raised on four delightful foliate and scroll feet. The centre is engraved with a shield shaped coat of arms encompassing the lion rampant which I have had researched: The Arms of the Family of King The arms as engraved upon this William IV English Sterling Silver Footed Salver by Paul Storr hallmarked London 1837 are those of the family of King. They may be blazoned as follows: Arms: Sable a lion rampant between three crosses formy fitchy argent Undoubtedly this salver was in the possession of a gentleman who was member of a family bearing the name of King. There are a number of variants of these armorial bearings being borne by King families. Very often the lion is of a different tincture but the field of the shield is invariably remains ‘sable’. Similar arms and crest were recorded by Sir Edward Bysshe, Clarenceux King of Arms in his Visitation of the County of Kent of 1663 to the family of King, of Bromley. The tinctures of both arms and crest of King, of Bromley were slightly different to those engraved upon this tureen in that the Visitation family’s arms were ‘Sable a lion rampant ermine between three crosses paty fitchy or’ 1 and the crest ‘A lion’s gamb erect and erased sable holding a cross paty fitchy or’(see illustration below). These arms and crest were granted by Sir Edward Walker, Garter King of Arms on the 20th February 1660 – 61; and yet another Kentish family of King, of Bellevue who were created Baronets within the Baronetage of Great Britain in 1792 bore for their arms ‘Sable a lion rampant erminois between three crosses paty fitchy or’. Their crest being the same as the family of King, of Bromley. There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector. Please see potos of the 2nd Baronet Timothy Shelley, 1753-1844 and Castle Goring, his home. Condition: In excellent condition with clear hallmarks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: height 4 x width 44 x depth 44 Weight 1.96 kg Dimensions in inches: height 2 inches x width 1 foot, 5 inches x depth 1 foot, 5 inches Weight 63 troy oz Paul Storr born in London England in 1771, was to become one of the most talented silversmiths of the nineteenth century. Today his legacy of exceptionally well crafted silver, found worldwide in museums and private collections, leaves one in awe when compared to that of his contemporaries.After having served a seven year apprenticeship from the age of 14, he began his career in 1792 when he went into a brief partnership with William Frisbee. This did not last and in 1793 a new mark, (his initials ‘P S’) was entered. By the beginning of the nineteenth century he had established himself as one of London’s top silversmiths producing, amongst others, commissions for Royalty. In 1801 he married Elizabeth Susanna Beyer with whom he was to have ten children. In 1807 Paul Storr entered into a working relationship with Philip Rundell and by 1811 was a partner, and managing the workshops for Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. During this period he kept his own marks and separate workshop. However it was through Rundell, Bridge & Rundell who were appointed Goldsmith in Ordinary to George III in 1804 that his reputation as a master silversmith grew. His talents lay in being able to transform ideas and designs from Rundell, Bridge & Rundell’s designers, William Theed...
Category

1830s English Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Silver Serving Tray, 800 Silver
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic 800 silver serving tray is in fine condition and has a embossed elephant in the center of the tray. Polishes up very nicely. Great cocktail t...
Category

20th Century American Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

19th Century Victorian Solid Silver Presentation Shovel, Barnard, c.1892
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th century Victorian solid silver presentation shovel, exceptionally large, the solid silver blade is engraved "Presented to Mrs Theobald, by the workmen of St Cuthbert's L...
Category

19th Century English Antique Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Napoleon Iii sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sterling silver created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III sterling silver made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sterling silver, popular names associated with this style include Franco Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni, A. Aucoc, and Lapparra Orfèvre Argentier. 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 sterling silver differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $431 and tops out at $49,124 while the average work can sell for $3,814.

Recently Viewed

View All