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Napoleon III Tray Tables

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
19th Century Hand painted curved Dutch Tray Table
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful Metal Tray Table, on stand . Hand painted flowers in Gold . In the middle a Bird .Love the curves on the tray ,and on the stand ,beathiful .
Category

1880s Dutch Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Hand Painted Tole Tray with Flowers and Foliage
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique tray was created in Normandy, France, circa 1870, round in shape, the colorful tray features hand painted flowers and leaves in the white an...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Tôle

Rococo Style Silver Plated Sideboard Mirror Tray, Wine Tray
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Rococo Style Silver Plated Sideboard Mirror Tray, Wine Tray This is a delightful piece, the tray has an irregular oval shaped frame with feet and handles, it is heavy for its size, ...
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19th Century Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of 19th century tray tables with lacquer trays
Located in Leimen, DE
Pair of beautiful Napoleon III tray tables from the second part of the 19th century, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and historical charm. These tables feature a Louis XVI style walnut base, providing a classic and refined aesthetic. The tops of the tables are adorned with metal lacquer decor trays...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Trolley With Swan Necks, Silver-plated Metal, 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Trolley or table on wheels in silver-plated metal, with 2 trays (the top one is removable, to facilitate serving); the sockets are in the shape of 'swan necks' Traces of use XXth c...
Category

20th Century European Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Napoleon III Oval Tole Tray with Hand Painted Medallion
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique tray was created in France, circa 1870. Oval in shape, the large black tole platter is embellished by hand painted gilt decor around the lip, and a colorful hand painted center medallion depicting a romantic picnic in the park with horses and dog. The colorful tray...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Tôle

Tahan Paris Signed French Napoleon III Period Convertible Wine Cooler Tray Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and striking antique French Napoleon III Second Empire Period (1852-1870) convertible rafraichissoir wine cooler drinks table by the ébéniste to the Emperor Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan (1813-1892) Crafted by Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan, the esteemed cabinetmaker to Napoléon III, this wine table is a remarkable example of 19th-century European artistry, ingenuity, and fine craftsmanship. Executed in timeless Louis XV style, ebonized fruitwood featuring sophisticated Boule style Queen marquetry with inlays of mother of pearl and brass, adorned with ornate patinated bronze mounts, having a pierced brass galleried top fitted with a cartouche shaped handled serving tray, lifting to reveal a spacious open well with removable ice bin metal liner. Over an elegant scalloped apron, rising on long shapely cabriole legs affixed with eye-screws to accommodate the serving tray converting it to a stretcher style lower shelf, terminating on casters. circa 1860 Signed, retaining the original metal label that reads "TAHAN FOURNISSEUR DE L’ EMPEREUR Paris" (Tahan Supplier of the Emperor) to the interior compartment. Could also be used a bar cart, tea service table...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Oval Brass Tray
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique tray on a coffee table, or in a master bathroom to display beauty products. Crafted in France, circa 1870, and oval in shape...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Butler Tray in Lacquered Wood with Asian Decor, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Butler tray from the end of the 19th century Napoleon III period Very beautiful lacquered wooden tray with Asian decoration the tray is of course removable Beautiful patina and ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Lacquer

19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Tole Tray
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique oval tole tray was crafted in France, circa 1870, the colorful platter with side handles, features an oval center medallion with coastline scene, cliffs, trees, ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Tôle

19th Century French Lacquered Tray
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French tole lacquered tray
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Napoleon III Oval Tole Tray with Hand Painted Medallion
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant antique tray from France, circa 1870; oval in shape, the large black tole platter is embellished by hand painted gilt decor around the lip, and a colorful winter scenery in t...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Tôle

19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Oval Tole Tray with Family Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique tray was crafted in France, circa 1870; oval in shape, the black tole platter is embellished by hand painted gilt decor around the lip, and features a colorful l...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Tôle

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite and Silvered Bronze Étagère Jewellery Case Table
Located in London, GB
Lapis lazuli, malachite and silvered bronze étagère jewellery case table Italian, 19th Century Height 95cm, width 41cm, depth 29cm The finest ma...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Bronze

Related Items
19th Century Mahogany Serving Tray
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century mahogany serving tray Hand made serving tray from solid mahogany with brass hardware. The oval tray has four handles along four drop-down sides. The tray sits a...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Mahogany Serving Tray
19th Century Mahogany Serving Tray
H 37.5 in W 39.5 in D 30 in
19th Century English Mahogany & Satinwood Etagere Tray Table
Located in London, GB
This is a truly exceptional antique English Edwardian mahogany and satinwood marquetry oval two tier 'etagere', in the manner of Edwards & Roberts, circa 1890 in date. Crafted from the best flame mahogany, note the wonderful grain to the wood and the beautifully inlaid decoration with musical trophies within scrolling foliage and kingwood crossbanding. Masterfully inlaid with Sheraton influences, this etagere has an elegant refined look. The removable glass bottomed tray can be used to serve drinks, etc. It is raised on elegant square section tapering outswept legs with a shaped cross stretcher. The craftsmanship and finish are second to none. THE BOTANICAL NAME FOR THE MAHOGANY THIS ITEM IS MADE OF IS SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA AND THIS TYPE OF MAHOGANY IS NOT SUBJECT TO CITES REGULATION. Condition: In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 84 x Width 89 x Depth 55 Dimensions in inches: Height 33.1 x Width 35.0 x Depth 21.7 Edwards & Roberts was founded in 1845, and had premises at 21 Wardour Street London. By the 1892 they occupied more than a dozen buildings in Wardour Street, where they continued to trade until the end of the century. They became one of the leading London cabinet makers and retailers working in a variety of styles, both modern and revivalist. Their business also involved retailing, adapting and restoring the finest antique furniture and there are many examples of their earlier furniture with later embellishments bearing their stamp. Edwards & Roberts specialised in marquetry, inlay and ormolu. Marquetry is decorative artistry where pieces of material (such as wood, pewter, or brass silver) of different colours are inserted into surface wood veneer to form intricate patterns such as scrolls or flowers. The technique of veneered marquetry had its inspiration in 16th century Florence. Marquetry elaborated upon Florentine techniques of inlaying solid marble slabs with designs formed of fitted marbles, jaspers and semi-precious stones. This work, called opere di commessi, has medieval parallels in Central Italian "Cosmati"-work of inlaid marble floors, altars and columns. The technique is known in English as pietra dura, for the "hardstones" used: onyx, jasper, cornelian, lapis lazuli and colored marbles. In Florence, the Chapel of the Medici at San Lorenzo is completely covered in a colored marble facing using this demanding jig-sawn technique. Techniques of wood marquetry were developed in Antwerp and other Flemish centers of luxury cabinet-making during the early 16th century. The craft was imported full-blown to France after the mid-seventeenth century, to create furniture of unprecedented luxury being made at the royal manufactory of the Gobelins, charged with providing furnishings to decorate Versailles and the other royal residences of Louis XIV. Early masters of French marquetry were the Fleming Pierre Golle and his son-in-law, André-Charles Boulle, who founded a dynasty of royal and Parisian cabinet-makers (ébénistes) and gave his name to a technique of marquetry employing brass with pewter in arabesque or intricately foliate designs. Etagère is a piece of light furniture which was extensively made in France during the latter part of the 18th century. It consists of a series of stages or shelves for the reception of ornaments or other small articles. Like the what-not it was very often cornerwise in shape, and the best Louis XVI examples in exotic woods are exceedingly graceful and elegant. In modern usage, an étagère is often used to refer specifically to a long-legged shelf unit that fits over a bathroom toilet...
Category

1890s English Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Fornasetti Round Tray Città di Carte Hand-Colored on Metal
Located in MILANO, IT
Like all Fornasetti accessories, the tray is handcrafted using original artisan techniques. This tray is silk-screened by hand, painted by hand and covered with a smooth lacquer. Mea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century French Art Populaire Carved Walnut Tray Table with Glass Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Behold, the timeless elegance of this exquisite "art populaire" tray, perfect for transporting dishes to your table with grace and style. Hand carved in France circa 1920, this wonde...
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut, Fabric

Red Lacquered Pedestal Tray/Table from Thailand, Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A small pedestal tray table, hand-crafted in Thailand, circa 1920. Teak and bamboo finished in black and red lacquer, with mirror and colored stone insets. Turned base. 16 inches...
Category

1920s Thai Vintage Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Shagreen Tray with Dark Wood Handles by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Wood, Shagreen Stingray

Elegant and Striking Japanned Tray or Cocktail Table French, Mid-20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Elegant and striking Japanned tray or cocktail table, French, mid-20th century, of Louis XV style in brilliant vermilion with gold. The top is hand paint decorated in Japanese manner...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

1900 Edwardian Silver-plate Serving Tray by Leonard
By Leonard Collection
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This exquisite silverplate serving tray dates back to 1900, boasting a stunning scrollwork design adorned with shells. Stamped with the "Leonard Silverplate" mark on the bottom, this...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Silver Plate

Early 20th Century Mahogany Serving Tray W/ Walnut Inlay, C.1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th century mahogany serving tray w/ walnut inlay c.1910 A fine antique serving / bar tray for your favorite bottles and glasses Measures: 24" long x 14" wide Brass h...
Category

Early 20th Century English Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

English Silver Plate Tray Tables on Faux Bamboo Stands
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Elegant pair of English silver plate tray tables on ebonized faux bamboo stands with silver gilt accents. The legs are conjoined with X-form cross stretchers and are slightly splayed on the ends. Made in the English chinoiserie revival...
Category

20th Century English Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Silver

19th Century English Mahogany Butler's Tray Table
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century English Mahogany Butler's folding Tray Table. Newer Base Measures 32" in width, 19.5" in depth and stand 34.75". Tray is 3.25" in height.
Category

19th Century American Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

20th Century Asian Handcrafted Brass Tray Table with Folding Base
Located in Doylestown, PA
Asian handcrafted engraved brass tray table, 1920-30s. The tray is decorated with varying intricate hand carved floral and animal habitat scenes surrounding central calligraphy. The tray grips and sits securely on a midcentury metal faux bamboo foldable base...
Category

20th Century Asian Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Previously Available Items
19th century Napoleon III hand-painted & gilt tole tray, chinoiserie style
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
French large oval tole service tray decorated with chinoiseries style scene (fine gold gilt palace scenes) on a vivid red background. Mid 19th century fine work circa 1850 (early Nap...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Tôle

19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Oval Tole Tray with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique tole tray on a coffee table or hang it on a wall. Crafted in France, circa 1870, and oval in shape, the colorful platter is decorated with a hand painted c...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Tôle

19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Romantic Scene Oval Tole Tray
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique tole tray on a coffee table, in a master bathroom, or hang it on a wall. Crafted in France, circa 1870, and oval in shape,...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Tôle

19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Landscape Scene Oval Tole Tray
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique tole tray on a coffee table or hang it on a wall. Crafted in France, circa 1870, and oval in shape, the colorful platter i...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Tôle

French Walnut Napoleon III Period Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Oval Tray
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very beautiful French Walnut Napoleon III period mother-of-pearl inlay oval tray. Butterfly and flowers mother-of-pearl details, some few losses but very good general condition. ...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Tole Tray with Bird Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1860 and rectangular in shape, the large and colorful platter features a pierced gallery around the edges and is decorated with hand painted bird motifs perched on branches. The antique tray table...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Tôle

19th Century Napoleon III Lacquered Wood and Painted Tray, 1870s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful Napoleon III black lacquered wood and painted tray from the 1870s. Birds painted in nice colors. Good quality. Can be used as a tray table.
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Napoleon III Black and Gilt Tole Tray with Pastoral Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique tray was created in France, circa 1870, rectangular in shape, the black tole platter is embellished by hand painted gilt decor around the lip, and features a col...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Tôle

Napoleon III French Metal Toleware Tray Hand Painted with Gold Paint
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. The "...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

English circa 1800s Black Lacquered Papier Mâché Tray on Stand Mappin Brothers
Located in Chicago, IL
A fine English turn-of-the-century papier mâché, black lacquered and gilt stenciled oval tray, on a black faux bamboo newer base. Mappin & Webb is now 245-years old and is currently ...
Category

1880s English Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Paper

19th Century French Hand Painted Tole Tray with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique tray was created in Normandy, France, circa 1870; round in shape, the colorful tray features hand painted flowers and leaves in the pink, wh...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Tôle

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Mustard and Black Tole Tray
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine room with this elegant antique table tray; crafted in France, circa 1860 and oval in shape with side handles, the tole platter is de...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Tray Tables

Materials

Tôle

Napoleon Iii tray tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III tray tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tray tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, tôle and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III tray tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 tray tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $225 and tops out at $43,356 while the average work can sell for $675.

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