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Napoleon III Furniture

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
Creator: Paul Sormani
Paul Sormani French Dressing Table Amboyna Veneer (Rare). Circa 1870
Located in Incline Village, NV
Paul Sormani (1817-1877) designed and was the maker of this superb quality small dressing table; from his Paris workshop at 10 R. Charlot Park (this was his second workshop---opened in 1867). The attention to detail and intricate design, in addition to selection and application of premium materials and resources are typical of Sormani dedication to excellence, as was recognized by many of his contemporaries during several mid-century Parisean exhibitions. Brass inlaid Fleur de Lis medallion decorates the center; surrounded by beautiful and rare burl Amboyna veneer wood from Indonesia. The surface is bordered by a bold brass application to the serpentine perimeter. A satinwood inlaid border decoration to the surface further enhances the decor. The highly figured veneer design of the surface is further on display to the rectangular 4" skirt support above four elegant cabriole legs with full length linear bold inlaid and applied brass accoutrements to the corners; top to bottom; ending in bronze mounted feet. The special interior is accessed by lifting the top up connected by a pair of decorated and embossed rear hinges; revealing a full surface mirror back and a fitted storage sections with a sliding tray for personal particulars; jewelry, papers, make up, sewing implements, or valuables as may be kept private by locking mechanism which bears the signature and street address of "Paul Sormani, 10 R. Charlot Park". The condition of the table is original, sturdy, and well made with no replacements. Surfaces have a mellow patina displaying warm, age related hues. A small rectangular section to the top surface measuring 2" x 3 1/2", just off the left and front of the center medallion is present. It does not look like a replacement because the grain transcends the section matching perfectly. It simply looks like an early restoration of some kind; possibly done contemporaneously with the manufacture of the table and possibly at the workshop of Sormani Maison because it is done so well. Please note the close up image (#3) of this repair. The base of the interior underneath (see image) is fastened with butterfly wood...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Amboyna

Paul Sormani - Marquetry cabinet, Gilt Bronze From Napoleon III Period, signed
Located in NONANCOURT, FR
Cabinet in marquetry and gilt bronze by Paul Sormani. It opens with two doors and a drawer in the belt and has an ornamentation of chiseled and gilded bronzes. Aleppo breccia marble...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Buffet D'Entre Deux by Paul Sormani
Located in NICE, FR
This beautiful hallway buffet crafted by Paul Sormani at his famous Rue Charlot cabinetry shop in Paris boasts a gracefully curved design on its front and sides. It hails from the Na...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Paul Sormani Signed Parisian Napoleon III Period Glove Box
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce very fine quality Napoleon III Period (1852-1870) gilt bronze ormolu mounted inlaid glove box by important Parisian ébéniste Paul Sormani (1817-1877) Exquisitely hand-cra...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

Paul Sormani Fruitwood Box Dedicated to Marie, Dated 1868
Located in New York, NY
Our fruitwood jewelry chest with bronze mounts and plaque dedicated to Marie comes from the esteemed Parisian cabinet maker, Paul Sormani (1817-1877). Signed and dated on the brass.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Second Empire Period Ormolu Mounted Commode by Sormani
Located in London, GB
Second Empire period ormolu mounted commode by Sormani French, c. 1860 Measures: Height 86cm, width 151cm, depth 65cm This superb commode is ...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Serpentine, Bronze, Ormolu

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Marie Antionette Style Limoge Box
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French Louis XV Style Ormolu, Mounted Commode
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Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Antique French Napoleon III Marquetry Box
Located in Vilnius, LT
Antique 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry box. The walnut burl wooden box is decorated with inlaid brass and mother of pearl with the new brown colour velour textile. The ke...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Antique French Napoleon III Marquetry Box
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French Marquetry Jewelry Box Napoleon III
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
French Marquetry Jewellery Box Napoleon III This Napoleon III Marquetry Jewellery Box features a beautifully inlaid marquetry floral design to t...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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French Marquetry Jewelry Box Napoleon III
French Marquetry Jewelry Box Napoleon III
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Paul Sormani '1817-1866', Louis XVI Games Table
Located in BARSAC, FR
Paul Sormani (1817-1866) Very elegant mahogany and mahogany veneer games table with a so-called "mouchoir" opening. Square in shape, four legs covered with gilt brass fluting and ha...
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Mid-19th Century Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Mahogany

Paul Sormani '1817-1866', Louis XVI Games Table
Paul Sormani '1817-1866', Louis XVI Games Table
H 29.14 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Period Marquetry Cigar Box, Music Box
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Napoleon III period marquetry cigar presentation box is constructed of rosewood and is marked Cigares on the top in lemon wood inlay. Additional i...
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Bronze

Antique French Boulle Napoleon III Marquetry Box
Located in Vilnius, LT
Antique 19th century French boulle marquetry box. The wooden box is decorated with inlaid brass and tortoiseshell. Including key. After high quality renovation. Very good/excellent a...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass

Napoleon III Style French Walnut Table Box
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Eleg...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Walnut, Paper

Napoleon III Style  French Walnut Table Box
Napoleon III Style  French Walnut Table Box
H 3.94 in W 11.03 in D 7.49 in
19th C American Walnut Box With Geometric And Starburst Fruitwood Inlay
Located in Stamford, CT
A very handsome hand crafted walnut box with wonderful geometric inlay of various fruit woods. The top and front with inlaid geometric starbursts. The rectangular desk top box restin...
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Late 19th Century American Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Fruitwood, Walnut

19th Century French Empire Period Walnut Commode
Located in San Antonio, TX
Step into the grandeur of the 19th century with this gorgeous French Empire Period Commode, a masterpiece featuring impressive "ronce de noyer" walnut v...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Previously Available Items
Paul Sormani - Table or Desk in Marquetry and Gilt Bronze, Napoleon III Period
Located in NONANCOURT, FR
Table or desk opening with a frieze drawer in rosewood and violet wood diamond marquetry. Ornamentation of finely chiseled bronzes. The four fluted legs are joined by a very beautifu...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Bronze

19th Century Napoleon III Rosewood Vanities Table by Paul Sormani
Located in Roma, RM
Rare French Vanities table, signed by Paul Sormani (1817 - 1876) , in rosewwod , amboyna , bronze and brass. Signed on the lock "P. Sormani 10 , ...
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1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Bronze

Prestigious Napoleon III Cabinet signed by Paul Sormani et Fils, France, 1878
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and Historical Napoleon III Boulle marquetry cabinet signed by Sormani et Fils, the most prestigious cabinetmakers of Napoleon III and Princess Eugenie for their palaces. Uniqu...
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1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze

Prestigious Napoleon III Cabinet signed by Paul Sormani et Fils, France, 1878
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and Historical Napoleon III Boulle marquetry cabinet signed by Sormani et Fils, the most prestigious cabinetmakers of Napoleon III and Princess Eugenie for their palaces. Uniqu...
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1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze

19th century Boulle marquetry Napoleon III Liquor Cellar, 1865s
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Historical Napoleon IV Cabinet in Boulle Style Signed by Sormani, France
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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1880 '2 Tables Kidney in The Style of LXVI , One is Signed Paul Sormani Paris
Located in Paris, FR
2 kidney with openwork gallery table brass marble top breccia veined, mottled mahogany shelf, drawer mounted mahogany swallowtail, drawn and gilded bronzes are fastened with screws, rich ornamentation with beaded drops, cabochons, clogs has claws dating back to the tablet, signing on lock of the drawer,Paul Sormani Paris...
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1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

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Mahogany

French Etagere Made and Signed by Paul Sormani
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pretty French Napoleon III period 3 tier etagere, the top with an ormolu gallery above a single drawer above 2 further gilt metal mounted shelves supported by well-turned ebonized ...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Napoleon Iii furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Baccarat, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, and Ferdinand Barbedienne. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $2,500,000 while the average work can sell for $3,313.

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