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

Do you own a piece of Napoleon III furniture and would like to determine its value? Our specialists offer a free 24-hour appraisal of your Napoleon III furniture, providing you with an estimate of its cost on the current market and then guiding you through the process of selling it at the best possible price. They take into account factors such as the age, provenance, state of preservation and rarity of the object to provide an accurate, 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 its estimate was 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

In its early years, Napoleon III furniture was a blend of previous styles. 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 were reused, while the nature-inspired motifs of the Louis XV style were retained.

Seats and armchairs are emblematic of the Napoleon III style. Lightweight chairs in all types of wood, to which straw was added. Upholstered sofas were in vogue at the time. The "fauteuil crapaud" (toad chair) was reinvented at this time: it was made entirely 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 pouffe, 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 always present, and styles are mixed, with many stylistic features from 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.

Appraising Napoleon III period furniture

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

A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your piece. 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 item.