How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?

Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.

How do I identify my antique clock?

To identify your antique clock, search for markings on the back of its movement or case. Once you have located these marks, use trusted online resources to determine who the maker is. From there, you can continue your research to learn more about your clock's age, style and other characteristics. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. Find a wide range of antique clocks on 1stDibs.

How can I spot an antique clock?

To spot whether or not a clock is antique, note if the clockmaker’s name or company is engraved near the center face of the dial. A paper label may also be pasted on the back of the clock. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted antique clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is an antique bracket clock?

An antique bracket clock refers to a portable spring-driven pendulum table clock created in the 17th and 18th centuries. These clocks were equipped with convenient carrying handles and were housed usually in rectangular cases. Shop a collection of antique and vintage bracket clocks from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my antique clock is valuable?

To know if an antique clock is valuable, you'll typically need to have the piece assessed by a certified appraiser or an experienced antiques dealer. The maker and style of the clock will help determine its value (an early American clockmaker’s antique grandfather model, featuring an oak case and decorative carvings, may be very interesting to collectors, for example). Overall condition of your clock also plays a role. Generally, clocks that still work are worth more than those that require repairs. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique, vintage and modern clocks.

Are old antique clocks worth anything?

Yes, some old antique clocks may be worth something. Many collectors look for clocks produced by certain manufacturers, such as the Ansonia Clock Company, the Seth Thomas Clock Company, Jaeger-LeCoultre and the Chelsea Clock Company. In addition to the maker, the type, materials, style and condition of the clock influence its value. Generally, clocks that remain in good working order are worth more than those in need of repairs and restorations. To find out how much your clock may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique clocks.

Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

French Mantel Clocks 19th Century

Bronze Marble Figural Mantel Clocks

1860 French Circa Mantel Clock

French Mantel Ormolu Clock With Candelabra

French Gilt Brass Mantel Clock

French Black Marble Mantel Clock

French Bronze Sculpture And Clock

19th Century Mantel Clock 1860

Category

19th Century European Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Painted and Gilded Bronze Porcelain Mantel Set

$6,526 / set

A Sèvres Biscuit and Gilded Bronze Set, 19th Century.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Clock: h: 30cm, w: 22cm, d: 12cm Candelabra: h: 24cm, w: 22cm, d: 10cm

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

A Sèvres Biscuit and Gilded Bronze Set, 19th Century.

$4,390 / set

Sèvres Porcelain Mantel Set, 19th Century

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Measures: clock - H: 56 cm, W: 25 cm, D: 21 cm. vase - H: 52 cm, W

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Sèvres Porcelain Mantel Set, 19th Century

$10,087 / set

Important Mantel Set in Painted and Gilded Bronze Porcelain

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Important mantel set in painted and gilded bronze porcelain, Napoleon III period, 19th century

Category

19th Century European Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Important Mantel Set in Painted and Gilded Bronze Porcelain

$8,307 / set

Enamelled and Cloisonné Mantelpiece

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Enamelled and cloisonné mantelpiece, Onyx base, movement to be revised, Napoleon III period, 19th

Category

Late 19th Century European Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Enamelled and Cloisonné Mantelpiece

$6,289 / set

Gilded Bronze Mantelpiece, White Marble Base

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Gilded bronze mantelpiece, white marble base, crystal horn, movement to be revised, Napoleon III

Category

Late 19th Century European Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Gilded Bronze Mantelpiece, White Marble Base

$8,900 / set

Marble and Gilt Bronze Mantelpiece

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

A Napoleon III period marble and gilt bronze mantelpiece, 19th century. Clock - H: 56 cm, W: 44 cm

Category

Mid-19th Century European Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Marble and Gilt Bronze Mantelpiece

$9,137 / set

Gilt Bronze Mantel Set, 19th Century

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Gilded bronze fireplace mantel set 19th century, composed of: A Louis XVI style clock representing

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Gilt Bronze Mantel Set, 19th Century

$27,294 / set

19th Century Sèvres Porcelain Mantel Set.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

from the 19th century, consisting of a clock and its two candelabras. Allow for the clock movement to

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Sèvres Porcelain Mantel Set.

$7,713 / set

Mantelpiece in Regule, Sea Green Marble, Emile Picault

By Émile Louis Picault

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Mantelpiece in regule, sea green marble, two cassolettes and a clock by Emile Picault (1833-1922

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Metal

Mantelpiece in Regule, Sea Green Marble, Emile Picault

$8,069 / set

Louis XVI Style Mantelpiece in Bronze

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

A Louis XVI style mantelpiece in bronze and mauve Sèvres Porcelain, including a clock decorated

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI Style Mantelpiece in Bronze

$7,713 / set

Porcelain Mantelpiece, 19th Century

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

, consisting of a clock and two cassolettes, 19th century period Measures: clock - H: 51 cm, W: 33 cm, D: 14

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Porcelain Mantelpiece, 19th Century

$10,087 / set

Gilt Bronze and Cut Crystal Mantel Set, 19th Century

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

(a clock and a pair of baluster vases forming a pendant). Measures: H: 48/30 cm, W: 28 cm, D: 14 cm.

Category

1870s European Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Gilt Bronze and Cut Crystal Mantel Set, 19th Century

$8,307 / set

Gilded Bronze Louis XV Style Mantel Set

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

century period, Napoleon III Measures: Pendulum: Height 40cm, length 30cm Candelabras: Height 40cm

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Gilded Bronze Louis XV Style Mantel Set

$4,153 / set

Important Blue Turquise Marble Mantel Set in Gilt Bronze

By Mathurin Moreau

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Important blue turquise marble mantel set in gilt bronze, Napoleon III period, 19th century, 1880

Category

1880s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Important Blue Turquise Marble Mantel Set in Gilt Bronze

$16,614 / set

A French Napoleon III Ormolu Marble Three Piece Garniture After Clodion C.1870

By Claude Michel Clodion

Located in Tarzana, CA

A French Napoleon III Ormolu & Marble Three Piece Garniture After Clodion C.1870 France, Circa

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

A French Napoleon III Ormolu Marble Three Piece Garniture After Clodion C.1870

$48,000 / set

Mantel Set Signed Le Roy In Gilt Bronze And Sèvres Porcelain

By Le Roy

Located in BARSAC, FR

Magnificent Napoleon III period fireplace set in very finely chiseled gilded bronze and Sèvres

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Mantel Set Signed Le Roy In Gilt Bronze And Sèvres Porcelain

$3,797

Pendulum "Au Jardinier", Gilt Bronze, 19th Century

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Pendulum "Au Jardinier", gilt bronze, 19th century, in working condition, with key Measures: H 22cm, W 16cm, D 9cm.

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Pendulum "Au Jardinier", Gilt Bronze, 19th Century

$4,984

Pendulum In Gilt Bronze, 19th Century, Decor To Astronomy

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Pendulum gilded bronze, 19th century, decor astronomy, in operating condition with its key Measures: H 24cm, W 16cm, W 9cm.

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Pendulum In Gilt Bronze, 19th Century, Decor To Astronomy

$5,102

Green Horn Cartel with Painted Roses and Golden Bronze Rocaille Style

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Green Horn Cartel with Painted Roses and Rocaille Style Gilded Bronze Decoration, surmounted by a Winged Love Holding a Torch. Enamelled dial with Double Numbering, circa 1880. h: ...

Category

1880s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Green Horn Cartel with Painted Roses and Golden Bronze Rocaille Style

$4,272

Green Horn Cartel with Painted Roses and Golden Bronze Rocaille Style

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Green Horn Cartel with Painted Roses and Rocaille Style Gilded Bronze Decoration, surmounted by a Winged Love Holding a Torch. Enamelled dial with Double Numbering, circa 1880 h: 4...

Category

1880s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Green Horn Cartel with Painted Roses and Golden Bronze Rocaille Style

$4,034

Elegant Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Fireplace Trim

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

six arms of lights, XIXth centurie Measures: Clock H : 65cm W : 53cm D : 20cm Candlesticks H

Category

19th Century European Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Elegant Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Fireplace Trim

$15,427 / set

French Garnirure 19th Century in Gilded Bronze Elements and Plates by Sèvres

Located in Madrid, ES

table clock and a pair of five-fire candelabra, decorated with putti, flowers and plant motifs. Clock

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Gold, Bronze

French Garnirure 19th Century in Gilded Bronze Elements and Plates by Sèvres

$2,373

Small Miniature Screen in Gilded Bronze in the Louis XV

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

enamel plates representing a painting of allegorical scenes, a small clock thrones in the middle of this

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Small Miniature Screen in Gilded Bronze in the Louis XV

$7,001

Napoleon III clock set

Located in Kastrup, DK

French clock set with clock and two candelbras, in white marble with gilded bronzes. France, c

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Napoleon III clock set

$7,600

19th Century Clock Napoleon III Signed Farret

Located in Vannes, FR

Beautiful 19th century Clock Napoleon III signed Farret "au jardinier" Period Gilt Bronze.

Category

19th Century Unknown Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Gilt Metal

19th Century Clock Napoleon III Signed Farret

$4,153

TWO FRENCH GOLD INSIGNIA France, Third Republic (1870-1951)

By Europa Clocks

Located in Madrid, ES

, instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. An 18 kt gold sash and breast badge, consisting of a five-pointed

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Gold

TWO FRENCH GOLD INSIGNIA France, Third Republic (1870-1951)

$4,153 / set

"Napoléon on the Eve of the Battle of Austerlitz", Inkwell and Desk Clock, 1880

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

"Napoleon On The Eve Of The Battle Of Austerlitz" Inkwell and desk clock Bronze brown patina

Category

1880s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

"Napoléon on the Eve of the Battle of Austerlitz", Inkwell and Desk Clock, 1880

$3,678

19th Century French Clock Case Cabinet

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

been converted from a tall-case clock, and has a single door with several little adjustable shelves

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

19th Century French Clock Case Cabinet

$4,250

French Bronze and Limoges Enamel Jewelry Vitrine Cabinet with Clock

Located in Queens, NY

A french bronze and limoges enamel jewelry vitrine cabinet with clock, 19th century. Hand

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

French Bronze and Limoges Enamel Jewelry Vitrine Cabinet with Clock

$12,000

French Gilt Bronze and Bone Clock and Candelabra, c. 1860

Located in Queens, NY

Nineteenth century French clock set and mounted on gilt bronze and framed by two boar's tusks

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Gold Leaf, Bronze, Metal

French Gilt Bronze and Bone Clock and Candelabra, c. 1860

$9,000

Napoleon III French Wooden Clock

Located in High Point, NC

A wooden clock from 1860s France. A classic circular shape, evocative of French Bistro style, with

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Metal

Napoleon III French Wooden Clock

$395

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III

Located in Warsaw, PL

Beautifully decorated clock in the color of walnut with a figure of a woman reading a book, all set

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III

$6,526

19th Century Napoleon III Wall Clock

Located in Winter Park, FL

A 19th century French Napoleon III wall clock. Octagonal ebonized wood frame with mother-of-pearl

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble

19th Century Napoleon III Wall Clock

$1,500

19th Century Enamel And Bronze Napoleon Clock

Located in Hoddesdon, GB

A Handsome 19th century, French Napoleon III mantle Clock of fine quality. Black enamel & Gilt

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

19th Century Enamel And Bronze Napoleon Clock

$753

Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Wall Clock

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

This 19th century clock is stunning with it's diamond shaped rippling clock frame of painted wood

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Napoleon III Mother of Pearl Wall Clock

$1,095

Napoleon III Bronze Antique Mantel Clock of Psyche, France, 19th Century

Located in Shippensburg, PA

ormolu mounts resting over lion paw feet with winged returns. The white dial of the clock retains an

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Napoleon III Bronze Antique Mantel Clock of Psyche, France, 19th Century

$2,550

French 19th Century Napoleon III Wall Clock

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

This 19th century clock is stunning with its rippling, shaped clock frame of ebonized wood. Mother

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood

French 19th Century Napoleon III Wall Clock

$1,290

19th Century Napoleon III French Wall Clock

Located in Winter Park, FL

A 19th century French Napoleon III wall clock from Avignon with "oeil de boeuf" shaped glass paned

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Napoleon III French Wall Clock

$1,175

French Wall Clock Napoleon III Style

Located in Vienna, AT

Napoleon III style French wall clock, in black painted frame carved with roses, alabaster dial with

Category

Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Wood

French Wall Clock Napoleon III Style

$980

19th Century Napoleon III Bronze French Cartel Clock

Located in Berlin, DE

French cartel clock bronze 19th century Napoleon III. Bronze case, matte gold-plated and polished

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Napoleon III Bronze French Cartel Clock

$1,519

Napoleon III Style Boulle Marquetry Clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th century boulle marquetry clock.

Category

19th Century French Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Napoleon III Style Boulle Marquetry Clock

$7,800

A Handsome Napoleon III 19th Century Portico Clock.

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A Napoleon III Cut Brass Inlaid Ebonized Portico Clock, Third Quarter 19th Century. The circular

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass, Enamel

A Handsome Napoleon III 19th Century Portico Clock.

$1,450

Wall Clock Century French, Napoleon III, 19th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Wall clock Century French -Napoleon III. 19th Century Darkened wooden box. Applications and

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Wall Clock Century French, Napoleon III, 19th Century

$2,373

Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Mantel Clock

By Richond Frères

Located in Paris, FR

Gilt and sculpted bronze mantel clock featuring a young cupid seated on a rock playing various

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Mantel Clock

$3,916

Large 19th Century Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Wall Clock

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A rare Napoleon III "Oeil De Boeuf" wall mounted cartel clock. The case is made black ebonized pine

Category

1860s Belgian Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

Large 19th Century Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Wall Clock

$4,509

19th Century Bronze Mantle Clock

Located in Berlin, DE

A 19th century mantle clock, the white enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals and elaborate

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Bronze Mantle Clock

$2,400

19th Century, French Napoleon III Painted Tole Wall Clock

Located in Dallas, TX

This feminine colorful clock was created in France, circa 1870. Octagonal in shape, and made of

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century, French Napoleon III Painted Tole Wall Clock

$1,400

19th Century Giltwood Mantle Clock

Located in Berlin, DE

A French giltwood mantle clock with plaster cast putti and two porcelain panels depicting a putti

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Plaster, Porcelain, Wood

19th Century Giltwood Mantle Clock

$3,600

19th Century Napoleon III Tortoiseshell Boulle Clock Pendule

By André-Charles Boulle

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

inlaid with enameled Roman numerals. This clock is made in the French Napoleon III period, circa 1860

Category

Mid-19th Century French Régence Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass, Bronze

19th Century Napoleon III Tortoiseshell Boulle Clock Pendule

$4,153

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period by P.Buhrf

Located in Warsaw, PL

A late Victorian French four glass and brass mantel clock with open jewelled escapement.Eight day

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period by P.Buhrf

$2,966

Napoleon III period marble, silvered and gilt bronze clock set

Located in London, GB

By Dechaume and Delafontaine, in the Persian style, comprising a central clock with a pair of

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Napoleon III period marble, silvered and gilt bronze clock set

$20,538

19th Century Napoleon III Salon Clock Pendule Fireplace Clock

Located in Berlin, DE

Architectural salon clock pendule fireplace clock Napoleon III, circa 1850-1870, Paris. Fire

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Napoleon III Salon Clock Pendule Fireplace Clock

$7,666

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Mahogany Portico Mantel Clock

Located in Dallas, TX

Keep time in your office, study, or atop your mantel with this elegant antique potico clock

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Mahogany Portico Mantel Clock

$1,400

Table Clock Napoleon III, France, Second Half of the 19th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Gilded wood and metal. Desk clock with architectural structure, consisting of a stepped base

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Metal

Table Clock Napoleon III, France, Second Half of the 19th Century

$652

Napoléon III Black and Green Marble Clock Garniture with Gilded Bronze Ornaments

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This magnificent Napoléon III clock set comprises a stunning mantle clock and two matching

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

Napoléon III Black and Green Marble Clock Garniture with Gilded Bronze Ornaments

$4,610

19th Century, French Napoleon III Black and Gilt Painted Tole Wall Clock

Located in Dallas, TX

This feminine wall clock was created in France, circa 1870. Octagonal in shape, the antique tole

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century, French Napoleon III Black and Gilt Painted Tole Wall Clock

$1,600

Decorative Objects Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Decorative Objects

Napoleon III Decorative Objects

19th Century Decorative Objects

Metal Decorative Objects

Decorative Objects on Sale

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Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of napoleon clock antique clocks available for sale. The range of distinct napoleon clock antique clocks — often made from metal, bronze and stone — can elevate any home. Napoleon clock antique clocks have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Louis XVI, Neoclassical and Louis XV napoleon clock antique clocks are consistently popular styles. Napoleon clock antique clocks have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Japy Frères, Henri Picard and Raingo Frères are consistently popular.

How Much are Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks?

Prices for napoleon clock antique clocks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, napoleon clock antique clocks begin at $395 and can go as high as $188,500, while the average can fetch as much as $5,509.

A Close Look at Napoleon-iii Furniture

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.

Finding the Right Clocks for You

A sophisticated clock design, whether it’s a desk clock, mantel clock or large wall clock for your living room, is a decorative object to be admired in your home as much as it is a necessary functional element. This is part of the reason clocks make such superb collectibles. Given the versatility of these treasured fixtures — they’ve long been made in a range of shapes, sizes and styles — a clock can prove integral to your own particular interior decor.

Antique and vintage clocks can whisk us back to the 18th and 19th centuries. When most people think of antique clocks, they imagine an Art Deco Bakelite tabletop clock or wall clock, named for the revolutionary synthetic plastic, Bakelite, of which they’re made, or a stately antique grandfather clock. But the art of clock-making goes way back, transcending continents and encompassing an entire range of design styles and technologies. In short, there are many kinds of clocks depending on your needs.

A variety of wall clocks can be found on 1stDibs. A large antique hand-carved walnut wall clock is best suited to a big room and a flat background given what will likely be outwardly sculptural features, while Georgian grandfather clocks, or longcase clocks, will help welcome rainswept guests into your entryway or foyer. An interactive cuckoo clock, large or small, is guaranteed to bring outsize personality to your living room or dining room. For conversation pieces of a similar breed, mid-century modern enthusiasts go for the curious Ball clock, the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the studio of legendary architect and designer George Nelson.

Minimalist contemporary clocks and books pair nicely on a shelf, but an eye-catching vintage mantel clock can add balance to your home library while drawing attention to your art and design books and other decorative objects. Ormolu clocks dating from the Louis XVI period, designed in the neoclassical style, are often profusely ornate, featuring architectural flourishes and rich naturalistic details. Rococo-style mantel clocks of Meissen porcelain or porcelain originating from manufacturers in cities such as Limoges, France, during the 18th and 19th centuries, exude an air of imperial elegance on your shelves or side tables and can help give your desk a 19th-century upgrade.

On 1stDibs, find a range of extraordinary antique and vintage clocks today.

Questions About Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.
How do I identify my antique clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
To identify your antique clock, search for markings on the back of its movement or case. Once you have located these marks, use trusted online resources to determine who the maker is. From there, you can continue your research to learn more about your clock's age, style and other characteristics. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. Find a wide range of antique clocks on 1stDibs.
How can I spot an antique clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To spot whether or not a clock is antique, note if the clockmaker’s name or company is engraved near the center face of the dial. A paper label may also be pasted on the back of the clock. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted antique clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is an antique bracket clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
An antique bracket clock refers to a portable spring-driven pendulum table clock created in the 17th and 18th centuries. These clocks were equipped with convenient carrying handles and were housed usually in rectangular cases. Shop a collection of antique and vintage bracket clocks from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my antique clock is valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
To know if an antique clock is valuable, you'll typically need to have the piece assessed by a certified appraiser or an experienced antiques dealer. The maker and style of the clock will help determine its value (an early American clockmaker’s antique grandfather model, featuring an oak case and decorative carvings, may be very interesting to collectors, for example). Overall condition of your clock also plays a role. Generally, clocks that still work are worth more than those that require repairs. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique, vintage and modern clocks.
Are old antique clocks worth anything?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024
Yes, some old antique clocks may be worth something. Many collectors look for clocks produced by certain manufacturers, such as the Ansonia Clock Company, the Seth Thomas Clock Company, Jaeger-LeCoultre and the Chelsea Clock Company. In addition to the maker, the type, materials, style and condition of the clock influence its value. Generally, clocks that remain in good working order are worth more than those in need of repairs and restorations. To find out how much your clock may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique clocks.