Empire Furniture

Pair of French Empire mahogany ram's head armchairs attributed to celebrated French furniture maker Jacob Desmalter ( 1770 - 1841 ). Circa 1805. 30" h x 25.5" w x 25" d Se...

16th-century antique Flemish tapestry pillow 25'' X 21''. Empire and traditional.

Gorgeous pair of carved walnut gondola chairs featuring dolphins. Crafted in the grand Napoleonic French empire taste with a curved crestrail and intricately carved splat centered by...

Direct from France: Direct from a private chateau near Paris, a stunning 184pc. gold plated sterling silver (vermeil) flatware set by internationally known French silversmiths "Societe Parisienne d'Orfevrerie" complete with original 6-drawer storage cabinet and 16 magnificent serving pieces, superb condition - circa 1911 and no monograms. The annals of 19th century French silverware bear witness to numerous illustrious workshops, yet few achieved the remarkable synthesis of technical mastery, artistic innovation, and aristocratic prestige as the Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie. Founded by Odiot during the flourishing years of the Second Empire, this distinguished Parisian firm carved its legacy through exceptional creations in gold-plated 950 sterling silver, known as vermeil, particularly in the realm of flatware. While maintaining its distinct identity, the firm's close association with the legendary Odiot dynasty - through shared master craftsmen, parallel design philosophies, and overlapping aristocratic patronage - positioned it among the foremost creators of luxury tableware in nineteenth-century Europe. The Early Years: The emergence of Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie coincided with a period of remarkable innovation in French decorative arts during the mid-nineteenth century. Though lacking the multi-generational heritage of the Odiot dynasty, which traced its origins to 1690, SPO rapidly ascended to prominence by adopting and adapting the exacting standards that had made Odiot synonymous with excellence in European silverware. This connection manifested most significantly through the migration of skilled artisans between workshops, as numerous master silversmiths who had trained in Odiot's ateliers brought their expertise to SPO's benches. These craftsmen carried with them not only technical knowledge but also the aesthetic sensibilities that defined French high silverwork during this golden age. What set Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie apart was its particular specialization in vermeil, the art of gold-plating sterling silver. While Odiot certainly produced vermeil pieces among its vast output, SPO made this technique a defining characteristic of its production, particularly in flatware. The process demanded extraordinary precision, involving the plating of 950 sterling silver - an alloy of exceptional purity containing 95% fine silver - with a substantial layer of 24-karat gold. This marriage of precious metals created tableware that combined the structural integrity and luminous quality of silver with the sumptuous warmth of gold, resulting in pieces that glowed with rich, deep radiance. The technical challenges of this process were considerable, requiring perfect preparation of the silver surface and meticulous control of the gilding bath to ensure even, durable coverage that would withstand generations of use. Master Craftsman in Vermeil: The foundation of SPO's flatware excellence lay in its uncompromising approach to materials and technique. In an era when many manufacturers had begun adopting the 925-sterling standard for economic reasons, SPO remained steadfast in its use of 950 silver, a purer alloy that offered superior workability and a distinctive luminous quality. This higher silver content not only enhanced the metal's natural brilliance but also provided greater resistance to the stresses of daily use, ensuring that pieces maintained their structural integrity over decades of service. The gold plating process itself represented a triumph of French electrochemical innovation, with SPO's craftsmen perfecting a technique that deposited a substantially thicker and more durable layer of gold than conventional gilding methods. Each component in an SPO flatware service represented countless hours of skilled labor, beginning with the careful forging of blanks that would be transformed through a series of specialized processes. Master chasers employed repoussé techniques to create intricate decorative motifs on handles, working from the reverse side to produce low-relief designs of floral arrangements, mythological scenes, or geometric patterns. Engravers then refined these elements, adding delicate details that brought the designs to life with astonishing realism. The functional elements of each piece received equal attention, with blades and bowls carefully balanced for optimal weight distribution and ergonomic comfort. A single place setting might require weeks of work from multiple specialists, each contributing their expertise to create a harmonious whole. The most elaborate commissions incorporated personalized elements that transformed functional tableware into bespoke works of art. Aristocratic clients frequently requested custom monograms or family crests, often executed in exquisite detail with additional embellishments of enamel or precious stones. These personalized touches not only demonstrated the owner's status but also served as a testament to SPO's ability to accommodate the most discerning tastes. The firm's workshops maintained extensive pattern books containing hundreds of design variations, allowing for nearly infinite customization while maintaining the cohesive aesthetic that defined SPO's output. A Favorite of European Royalty: Like its esteemed counterpart Odiot, Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie enjoyed considerable favor among European royalty and aristocracy, particularly during the reign of Napoleon III. The Second Empire court's appetite for lavish tableware created ideal conditions for SPO's ascent, with the firm's vermeil flatware becoming a particular favorite for state banquets and diplomatic gifts. The inherent qualities of vermeil - its resistance to tarnishing in humid conditions and its opulent visual appeal - made it especially desirable among the international elite who frequented Paris during this period of unprecedented luxury. Among SPO's most illustrious commissions was a comprehensive twelve-place vermeil service created for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. This magnificent ensemble exemplified the rococo revival style favored by the imperial court, with each piece featuring elaborate rocaille scrollwork intertwined with naturalistic vine motifs. The service's attention to detail extended to its specialized pieces, including fish servers with delicately pierced blades and sauce ladles with perfectly balanced handles. Another significant patron, Tsar Alexander II of Russia, commissioned a vermeil flatware service featuring Cyrillic monograms and subtle references to traditional Russian decorative arts, demonstrating SPO's ability to adapt its designs to diverse cultural preferences. The firm's clientele extended beyond imperial courts to include the rising financial and industrial elites of the period. American magnates touring Europe, British aristocrats refreshing their country estates, and the newly wealthy bourgeoisie of Paris all sought SPO's creations as tangible symbols of their refined taste and social standing. This broad appeal stemmed from SPO's unique position at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and innovative production techniques, allowing it to meet the exacting standards of old-world aristocracy while satisfying the practical demands of modern entertaining. Awards and Accolades: The excellence of Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie's creations received formal recognition at the great international exhibitions that served as showcases for industrial and artistic achievement throughout the nineteenth century. The 1855 Paris Exposition Universelle marked a watershed moment for the firm, where its exhibition of vermeil flatware earned a gold medal and lavish praise from the international jury. Contemporary accounts particularly noted the flawless execution of the gilding and the ergonomic perfection of each piece, with one critic remarking that the flatware seemed to "anticipate the hand's movements before being lifted." Subsequent appearances at the 1862 London International Exhibition and the 1867 Paris World's Fair further cemented SPO's reputation as a leader in luxury flatware...

Empire Miniature Urn in Gilt and Dark Patinated Bronze, 1820s A refined and beautifully proportioned miniature urn in finely chased gilt and dark patinated bronze, executed in the E...

This Empire-style tea service, from Sologne, is a real jewel of the 20th century. Composed of 15 pieces in fine porcelain, each element is delicately decorated with fine gold, testif...

French empire sconce / wall lamp Yellow marble glass shades Brass wall piece and brass arm B22 bulb holder / Bayonet Weight: 0.95 kg / 2.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps...

Early 19th Century French Empire Walnut Console with Ebonized Marble Top & Bronze Dore Details, ca. 1810

A classic pair of French Empire period open armchairs in well figured and carved mahogany; each with a square back topped by a bow shaped carved frieze featuring folliate rosettes and downscrolled arms. Where the arms join the chair rail there are carved anthemians and palmettes. These two chairs are presented in the green Empire fabric...

A pair of armchairs made in Sweden during the Karl Johan period 1810-1840. Frame made in mahogany with gilded details. Upholstered in a durable outdoor Rogers and Goffigon stripe.  

This exquisite sideboard, crafted by the renowned Dessin Fournir company in the mid-20th century, exemplifies superb craftsmanship and elegant design. Constructed from beautifully gr...

19th Century, French Wood Travel Desk Measures: cm H 103 x W 52 x closed D 9. Open D 59 cm This particular travel desk was made in France, in the earl...

A French Empire style marble-top mahogany bedside cabinet (nightstand - end table) with elegant beautifully aged warm rustic patina. circa 1870 Hand-crafted in France in the secon...

Foyer French Empire mirror in original condition. Brass around the top and the bottom part of the column. Two small side drawers as well as middle glass shelf with the storage. Top p...

Classical French Empire gilt bronze, patinated metal and gilt wood six light chandelier. 19th Century Well proportioned central gilt and patinated bronze Empire tazza with a large gi...

A beautiful French oval white and gold pierced Paris Porcelain compote basket tazza bowl in the Empire style, circa late 19th century, France...

Elegant French Empire commode featuring richly figured flame mahogany veneers, a black marble top, three spacious drawers with gilt-bronze circular pulls, and imposing columnar sides...

French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze scalloped edge double inkwell on 4 claw feet with crystal wells and handles.

This exquisite lidded bonbonnière was crafted in Italy during the first half of the 20th century and showcases the elegance of fine materials and skilled craftsmanship. Made from a f...

Ultra elegant classical Empire style dark green tôle with oil reservoir encircled by bronze band raised on cloven hoof tripod feet over incurved base. Once an oil lamp later converte...

Pair of large French Empire style mahogany armchairs reupholstered in Ralph Lauren silk/linen fabric.

Empire chest of drawers, circa 1800/10, cherry, plum, and apple wood veneered on oak, three drawers with a central lock in the middle drawer, original hardware and lock. Hand-poli...

Antique 19th century French tapestry pillow. Tribal and traditional.

Great fun for a gardening afficionado - a delightful desk accessory wether you're planning a beautiful garden, tending a beehive, ordering new seeds for the season or wish for a an uplifting reminder at your work space of the bounty and beauty of nature... France, 19th century This fabulous antique French gilt bronze inkstand has a beehive central well with a hay stack cover, several bees on the surface, flanked by two bronze baskets with covers laden with fruit, flowers and wheat sheaves, at the base of one sits a bird leaning over a large basket with a container for sand in the shape of a large bunch of wheat tied with a rope and a bird perched on top as a cover. The back of this fantasy is composed of a group of garden implements which include a sickle, a spade, a trowel, a scythe, ring pliers and a pitch fork tied with an attractive bow and hung with garlands of flowers, masses of grapes, wheat forming a support for a quill. The base designed as naturalistic wood logs topped with rustic wood...

19th century Italian gilded and painted console table from the Empire period in it's original condition. Ca 1810, Italy.

A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...

Empire Canopy bed France Napoleon III From the 19th Century, In mahogany wood with appliqués in gilded bronze and classical figures. Fluted columns with Corinthian capitals. Ceilin...

A circa 1900 Swedish Empire chandelier with Cobalt blue glass inset, with 6 lights

This mantle clock is by a well-respected Paris maker in a fashionable style. The oval base supports a vase shaped clock case in turn supported by winged dolphin heads and flanked by ...

Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A powerful and elegant pair of French Empire candlesticks, masterfully cast in gilt bronze with fine neoclassical detailing. Th...

Antique American Empire Classical Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Cornucopia Arm Sofa. Item features carved paw feet with leafy cornucopia carvings, carved top rail, great antique sofa. Cir...

This vintage miniature wood box has six drawers and lots of character and patina. Some of the drawers are lined in faux marbleized paper. We see this wonderful piece being used to st...

This luxurious French Empire-style sofa has been reupholstered in a soft cream-colored fabric and features unique dragon-shaped armrests. The sofa dates from the 19th century and has...

Important & Rare Pair of French Empire Period (circa 1805) Ormolu Ewers with Winged Maidens, Cupid Busts, Masks,and Vert de Mer Marble Bases, Attributed to Claude Galle The pair...

nfuse your home with timeless sophistication with this Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa. Its ebonized wood frame features exquisite carvings that highlight the skill and craftsmanship...

Decorative and finely executed French Charles X mantel clock in ormolu. The clock is surmounted by a seated Roman general, possibly Horatius, dressed in classical armour and drapery...

Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...

Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique American Empire Neoclassical Carved Mahogany Sofa with Gold Fabric. Item feat...

A fine French Empire day bed or window seat from the late 19th century featuring an elegant frame of patinated walnut often associated with the L...

French Empire style small bronze bust of Napoleon on bronze square shaped pedestal base (signed DUBRAND) (19th Cent.)

19th century Swedish birch circular center table circa 1870. This empire circular table, often know as a drum table due to it's rotating capabilities lends itself to be the perfect ...

This antique figural candlestick holder is crafted in gilt bronze (ormolu) and is attributed to French production of the 19th century. The piece features a finely detailed sculptural...

Elegant cup and saucer, of the model 'Litron' with elaborate gilt decoration of vine leafs Good condition;  Tiny fleebites to the rims and little loss of gold. Unmarked, but most l...

AN EMPIRE ORMOLU BUST OF HOMER After the Antique The bearded bust of Homer on a rectangular clock decorate with lyres and gryphon heads on the side

An early nineteenth century Grand Antique Marble column, the dramatic brecciated shaft on turned socle base. Likely French.

An antique French pair of Egyptian women figure candle holders made of hand crafted marble and patinated bronze, in good condition. The candle sticks are resting on an urn-shaped base. The particularized Parisian décor...

A Monumental and Quite Rare Pair of 19th Century Russian Empire Ormolu Mounted Malachite Obelisks with Maiden Ormolu Mounts. Each obelisk is complete with four sides which terminate upwards to a triangular point. The bases are fitted with ormolu mounts which include hand-chased and hand-chiseled maidens holding flaming torches in either hand and on the other panel decoration of a vine with a winged bow. On top of the large ormolu mounts are smaller mounts which depict child masks in wings. Underneath and on top of the square base are ormolu mounts which depict acanthus leaves flourishing throughout with hand-chased and hand-chiseled fluted veins. The entire body of the obelisk is veneered with the most incredible and highest quality antique Russian malachite...

French Rouge Griotte Marble Paperweight, Late Empire Period, 1830–1840 A beautifully proportioned French paperweight from the late Empire period, crafted in richly veined Rouge Grio...

Superb Gilded Bronze France Empire floor lamp ,Exceptional casting take a look at her beathiful bronze feet . Very nice quality lamp .

Pair of Empire-style wall lamps, probably gilded bronze. Good condition. Thank you.

Vintage French Empire style crystal basket chandelier with acanthus finial. Constructed with a bronze frame adorned with faceted crystal beads. Originated in the late 19th century.

A pair of Empire / Biedermeier plum wood from circa 1815, newly upholstered with new fabric in classicist style. The armrests, backrest and seat are upholste...

Large mirror made of mahogany, the mirror itself consists of two panels in a large mahogany frame with two candleholders on each side. Originates...

Elegant Table Lamp in gilded and dark patinated bronze. Originally an Empire Candelabra from the 1820s converted into a table lamp in the early 20th Century. The lampshade in black ...

Antique Empire maple and brass bed. This bed, which has already survived almost two centuries, is in excellent condition: solid and sound, the inlaid illustrations are of exceptiona...

An English porcelain potpourri vessel with gold gilt god-like heads and lion paw feet, Empire design, by Crown Derby, circa early-19th century, England. Red makers' mark date range c...

French Empire-style (19/20th Century) mahogany queen size bed with gilt bronze trim and upholstered panel on headboard (includes: headboard, fo...

Pair of Antique 19th-Century Italian Empire Gilded Lamps in Carved Wood, centerpiece, made with early-1800s finials, vases on hexagonal plinth with vegetable pastille carving frames,...

Early 19th Century Children’s Portraits Oil on Canvas, A Pair Charming pair of Danish Early 19th Century paintings oil on canvas. Thes...

A beautiful pair of French Empire or Louis Philippe style four-drawer dressers or chests of drawers By Thomasville USA, Late 20th Century Gorgeous burl wood, with thick beveled ma...