Rating and value of Napoleon III furniture (armchairs, cupboards, desks)

Do you own a piece of Napoleon III period furniture and would like to determine its value? Our specialists graciously offer a 24-hour appraisal of your Napoleon III furniture, provide you with an estimate of its cost on the current market and then guide you in making a sale at the most advantageous price possible. They take into account factors such as the age, provenance, state of preservation and rarity of the object to provide an accurate and well-documented estimate.  

Rating and value of Second Empire furniture

Second Empire furniture is highly prized on the auction market. It is a blend of the cabinetmaking styles that once prevailed in France. The price at which it sells on the art and auction market ranges from €10 to €35,000, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to your Napoleon III period furniture. In 2021, a commode with precious wood marquetry ventaux, stamped with a C, by René Michel and Antoine Robert Gaudreaus, sold for €35,000 whereas it was estimated at between €20,000 and €30,000.  

Order of value of Napoleon III furniture from the most basic to the most prestigious

Characteristics of Napoleon III period furniture

Napoleon III furniture, in the early years when it was heard, was a blend of previous styles. Thus, cabinetmakers associated a style with each room or living space. Furniture was generally inspired by the Louis XIV and Antoine Boulle styles, but Louis XV was reserved for living rooms, Louis XVI for bedrooms (more sober), and the Renaissance style for dining rooms. Over time, a stylistic identity emerged: blackened pearwood, mother-of-pearl inlays, mirrors and upholstered seats. The fluted legs of the Louis XVI style are reused, while the nature-inspired motifs of the Louis XV style are retained.

Seats and armchairs are the emblematic furniture of the Napoleon III style. Lightweight chairs are made of all kinds of wood and to which straw is added. Upholstered sofas were in vogue at the time. The "fauteuil crapaud" (toad chair) was reinvented at this time: it was entirely made of fabric, and enjoyed the success it hadn't had so much under the Restoration. The chauffeuse is also emblematic of the Second Empire style, as is the round pouf, which is refined and blends into the décor.

Reasons to auction Napoleon III furniture

Napoleon III furniture is appreciated by collectors for its elegance. Gilding is still present, and styles are blended, with many stylistic features of the past. The Napoleon III period brought about a synthesis in cabinet-making, which was also designed for the architectural revival of the period in Haussmann-style apartments. As a result, Napoleon III furniture is sought-after at auction, its value is fairly stable and the objects are generally successful.

The stamp

A stamp on a piece of furniture can considerably increase its value, depending on the artist who made it, the workshop, and the date of manufacture.

Have a Napoleon III period piece of furniture appraised

If you own a Napoleon III piece of furniture or any other piece of cabinetry, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form. 

A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of your piece's market value. If you are considering selling your piece of cabinetry, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price for your work, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each object.