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.

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 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.

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 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

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Late 19th C. French Ormolu Champlevé Enameled Clock Garniture Set by Japy Frères

$17,000 / set

Griotte Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock Mounted by a Classical Female Bronze Bust

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A finely cast gilt bronze clock base mounted with of a classical patinated bronze bust of a maiden

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

Griotte Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock Mounted by a Classical Female Bronze Bust

$9,500

Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Grandfather Clock Circa 1880

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique French Napoleon III ormolu mounted mahogany grandfather clock Circa 1885-1890. This is a

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Grandfather Clock Circa 1880

$60,000

19th Century Gilt Bronze Clock.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

19th century gilt bronze clock. A gilt bronze clock from the 19th century, Napoleon III period

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Gilt Bronze Clock.

$3,800

DENIERES à Paris - Napoleon III Fireplace Surround

By Maison Deniere

Located in Beaune, FR

Gilt bronze fittings from the Napoleon III period dating from the 19th century. Very beautiful

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

DENIERES à Paris - Napoleon III Fireplace Surround

$10,689

French Napoleon III Ormolu and Marble Carriage Clock signed by Ed. Chartier

Located in London, GB

A beautiful French Napoleon III ormolu carriage clock, with all five panels mounted in red marble

Category

1880s French Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Napoleon III Ormolu and Marble Carriage Clock signed by Ed. Chartier

$4,181

Clock in Gilt and Patinated Bronze

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Clock in gilt and patinated bronze, period Napoleon III, 19th century. Good working condition

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Clock in Gilt and Patinated Bronze

$3,325

19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock

By Claude Galle

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock. circa 1810 clock Napoleonic Empire Bronze Dore. La

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock

$6,000 Sale Price

20% Off

French Portico Clock in Rosewood and Satinwood

Located in Alessandria, Piemonte

Antique and elegant French clock, with bronze details and fine inlaid wood, perfectly working

Category

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

Materials

Wood

French Portico Clock in Rosewood and Satinwood

$1,781

Large Napoleon III Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Set, 19th Century

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

. Napoleon III period mantel set, 19th century, in gilt bronze, cloisonné with red and pink enamel, clock and

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Large Napoleon III Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Set, 19th Century

$10,926 / set

Fine Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock – French, 19th Century

Located in Berlin, DE

Elegant and richly detailed Napoleon III, this exceptional French mantel clock dates to the 19th

Category

19th Century Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Fine Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock – French, 19th Century

$4,513

GUICHE Palais Royal - Gilt Bronze Clock with Puttis

Located in Beaune, FR

Very pretty model for this gilded bronze clock from the Napoleon III period in Louis XV rocaille

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

GUICHE Palais Royal - Gilt Bronze Clock with Puttis

$6,413

Gilded Bronze and Sèvres Porcelain Mantel Set, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

19th century Napoleon III period gilt bronze and Sèvres gilt and enamelled porcelain mantel set

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Gilded Bronze and Sèvres Porcelain Mantel Set, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

$9,263 / set

Late 19th Century French Black Marble Mantel Clock

Located in Greven, DE

French Mantel Clock Paris, circa 1870 Black marble with gilt bronze mounts Dimensions: H × W × D

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

Late 19th Century French Black Marble Mantel Clock

$534

Gilt Bronze, Bronze and Marble Clock Set Garniture

Located in London, by appointment only

A fine 19th century clock garniture, the clock with a finely cast and patinated bronze cherub

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

Gilt Bronze, Bronze and Marble Clock Set Garniture

$27,417 / set

Napoleon III Fireplace Set with Bronze Greek Gods and Black Marble

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Beautiful antique fireplace set consisting of a clock and a pair of cassolettes. The black marble

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Napoleon III Fireplace Set with Bronze Greek Gods and Black Marble

$1,187 Sale Price

20% Off

Important Napoleon III Period Cartel, 1870, Dial Signed by Gorini Daleau

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Important Cartel d'époque Napoléon III, 1870, cadran signé par Gorini Daleau, à Poitiers. Bronze

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Important Napoleon III Period Cartel, 1870, Dial Signed by Gorini Daleau

$9,798 Sale Price

25% Off

French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Marble, Ormolu and Bronze Garniture Set

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A handsome and high quality French 19th century Napoleon III period black Belgian marble, ormolu

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Marble, Ormolu and Bronze Garniture Set

$19,800 / set

Large Clock Representing Diana the Huntress with a Putto, 19th Century.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Large clock representing Diana the Huntress with a putto, 19th century, Napoleon III. 19th century

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Large Clock Representing Diana the Huntress with a Putto, 19th Century.

$11,164

French Napoleon III Ormolu Pink Porcelain Clockset

Located in New York, NY

A fine quality Napoleon III Ormolu pink porcelain clockset Origin: French Date: Late 19th

Category

19th Century French Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Napoleon III Ormolu Pink Porcelain Clockset

$12,000 / set

French Silver Desk Clock by Boin-Taburet, Paris, in Original Case

By Boin-Taburet

Located in London, GB

French silver desk timepiece clock very high quality. Napoleon III period. The case of beautifully

Category

1890s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Silver

French Silver Desk Clock by Boin-Taburet, Paris, in Original Case

$4,791

A superb 19th century eight day grande sonnerie carriage clock, circa 1870.

Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

A superb nineteenth century eight day grande sonnerie carriage clock of typical size, c. 1870. The

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass

A superb 19th century eight day grande sonnerie carriage clock, circa 1870.

$5,415

Christophe FRATIN (1801-1864) rare Asian elephant clock, in gilded and patinated

By Christophe Fratin

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

base This beautiful elephant clock was made in the 19th century by the Animalier sculptor Christophe

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Christophe FRATIN (1801-1864) rare Asian elephant clock, in gilded and patinated

$19,003

MONBRO Aîné Son JACQUIER - Bronze and Marble Clock with Puttis, XIXth century

By Monbro Ainé 1

Located in Beaune, FR

Superb clock in white marble and chiseled gilt bronze signed on the enamel dial "MONBRO Aîné Fils

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

MONBRO Aîné Son JACQUIER - Bronze and Marble Clock with Puttis, XIXth century

$5,285

AMAZING GARNITURE SÉVRES 19th Century Napoleon III

Located in Madrid, ES

GARNITURE SÉVRES 19th Century Napoleon III French, composed of a clock and a pair of seven-light

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

AMAZING GARNITURE SÉVRES 19th Century Napoleon III

$11,283

MID 19th CENTURY NAPOLEON III LIRE PENDULUM

Located in Firenze, FI

Splendid and refined lyre clock in gilded bronze, with spring winding. Its decoration with plant

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

MID 19th CENTURY NAPOLEON III LIRE PENDULUM

$3,206

Fireplace Trim, Diane Huntress

Located in Beaune, FR

Superb Napoleon III period fireplace trim. It consists of an imposing clock in gilded and patinated

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Fireplace Trim, Diane Huntress

$14,252

A 19th century bronze silver plated pendule by Christofle Paris.

By Christofle

Located in Wijnegem, BE

known mid 19th century clock by Christofle of this size (85cm!) and design, most likely special order

Category

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

Materials

Silver Plate, Bronze

A 19th century bronze silver plated pendule by Christofle Paris.

$32,661

Napoleon III pedestal with clock

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Napoleon III pedestal with clock Onyx marble column and champleve enamel with golden bonce The

Category

1870s French Empire Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

Napoleon III pedestal with clock

$25,000

Napoleon III-Style Mantelpiece in Statuario Carrara Marble Including a Clock

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

This Napoleon III style mantelpiece was made in Statuary marble in the 19th century. It includes

Category

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

Materials

Statuary Marble

Napoleon III-Style Mantelpiece in Statuario Carrara Marble Including a Clock

$154,399

Mantel Set with a Clock and Two Candelabras, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Mantel set with a clock and two candelabras, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A 19th century

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Mantel Set with a Clock and Two Candelabras, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.

$4,988 / set

Napoleon Wall Clock

Located in Culver City, CA

This french wall/bracket clock has Napoleon astride his steed. The clock rests on a later iron

Category

19th Century French Empire Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass, Iron

Napoleon Wall Clock

$2,500

Bust of Napoleon Clock

Located in San Francisco, CA

A bronze bust of Napoleon as a clock with gilt bronze decorations on a marble base. To the best of

Category

19th Century French Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Bust of Napoleon Clock

$17,500

Impressive Napoleon III Mantle Clock circa 1850

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

This impressive 19th century mantleclock is made of the highest quality ormolu, with an white enamel dial beneath domed glass. Spring driven movement with half hour strike on bell. E...

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Impressive Napoleon III Mantle Clock circa 1850

$45,132

Napoleon III Empire Clock, circa 1860

Located in Redding, CA

A beautiful clock very finely cast, with rare blue and white marble combination and Egyptian motif

Category

19th Century French Empire Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Napoleon III Empire Clock, circa 1860

$12,000

19th Century Napoleon Clock

Located in Marseille, FR

A 19th century gilt bronze Napoleon clock. Movement needs revision but works. Perfect condition.

Category

19th Century French Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Napoleon Clock

$1,140

Napoléon III Clock Garniture, circa 1880

Located in Tongeren, Limburg

A fine clock garniture comprises of a clock and a pair of candelabra, circa 1880, Napoléon III. The

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Napoléon III Clock Garniture, circa 1880

$18,884 / set

Mantel Clock with Napoleon Bonaparte on Horseback

By Hans Muller

Located in Salt Lake City, UT

French Gilt Bronze & Marble Mantel Clock with Napoleon Bonaparte on Horseback. Hans Müller (German

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Mantel Clock with Napoleon Bonaparte on Horseback

$5,750

Gilded Mantel Clock from Napoleon III Time

Located in Marseille, FR

XIXth century gilded clock for mantel embellishment, from the Napoleon III time, in the style of

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Metal

Gilded Mantel Clock from Napoleon III Time

$26,366 / set

Fine Antique Napoleon III Clock Case, circa 1850 s

Located in Cathedral City, CA

This stunning Napoleon III clock case has a black lacquered wood surround, with mother of pearl and

Category

19th Century French Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Fine Antique Napoleon III Clock Case, circa 1850 s

$1,100

Very Large 19th Century Clock Garniture

By Napoléon III

Located in London, GB

A wonderful garniture in marble and ormolu, the central clock face engraved in ormolu and

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Very Large 19th Century Clock Garniture

$14,394 / set

Red Chinoiserie Napoleon Hat Mantel Clock

Located in Buckinghamshire, GB

A George V period mantel clock, having a dome top case, a red ground with raised oriental style

Category

Early 20th Century German Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Red Chinoiserie Napoleon Hat Mantel Clock

$925

Napoleon III Wall Clock Case with Quartz Movement

Located in Tulsa, OK

The pattern of inlay on the clock is made of shell. The signature on the enamelled face is "Millet

Category

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

Materials

Shell, Glass, Wood

Napoleon III Wall Clock Case with Quartz Movement

$1,200

Napoleon III Henri Picard Gold Bronze Figural Mantel Clock, Paris, 1860

By Raingo Frères

Located in Chicago, IL

A Napoleon III Gilt Bronze 8 day French mantel clock, depicting two reclining classical Greco-Roman

Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Napoleon III Henri Picard Gold Bronze Figural Mantel Clock, Paris, 1860

$11,250

Napoleon III Lyra Shaped Mental Clock with Osculating Pendulum

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice Napoleon III Lyra shaped mental clock with osculating pendulum with strass stones

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Napoleon III Lyra Shaped Mental Clock with Osculating Pendulum

$4,988

Bronze Classical Style Clock, Napoleon III Period

Located in Marseille, FR

Napoleon III fireplace clock patinated and gilt bronze, decorated with ancient ruins, busts and

Category

Mid-19th Century French Grand Tour Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Classical Style Clock, Napoleon III Period

$5,344

Napoleon III Bronze and Marble Clock Depicting Minerva as Bringer of Peace

Located in Quechee, VT

This symbolic clock from the Second French Empire is in bronze and marble and has the figure of

Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Revival Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Napoleon III Bronze and Marble Clock Depicting Minerva as Bringer of Peace

$5,440

French Napoleon III Bronze Gilt and Porcelain Mantel Clock

Located in Macclesfield, GB

A very impressive French bronze gilt mantel clock with scrolling leaf, acanthus leaf and decorative

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Napoleon III Bronze Gilt and Porcelain Mantel Clock

$3,948

19th Century, French Napoleon 111 Three-Piece Marble Clock Set

Located in London, GB

High quality French Napoleon 111 three-piece marble clock set dating to 1890s, it is constructed

Category

Late 19th Century Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

19th Century, French Napoleon 111 Three-Piece Marble Clock Set

$4,798 / set

19th Century Napoleon III Knight Clock In Bronze and Marble

Located in Marseille, FR

19th century Napoleon III clock representing a knight. In gilt bronze and marble. Dimensions

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Napoleon III Knight Clock In Bronze and Marble

$2,316

French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and White Marble Clock Set

Located in Firenze, IT

A superb French Napoleon III gilt bronze and white marble set clock set comprising of a pair of two

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and White Marble Clock Set

$4,513 / set

French Napoleon III Bronze Gilt Mantel Clock with Porcelain Panels

Located in Macclesfield, GB

A very good quality French Napoleon III bronze gilt mantel clock with decorative leaf design, swags

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

French Napoleon III Bronze Gilt Mantel Clock with Porcelain Panels

$2,447

Gilded Bronze and Marble Clock Set Napoleon III

Located in Heukelum, NL

Gilded bronze and marble clock set. Napoleon III. France, circa 1870. Restored and in very fine

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Gilded Bronze and Marble Clock Set Napoleon III

$3,503 / set

A Napoleon iii Gilt Bronze Enamel French Mantel Clock Circa 1870

Located in London, GB

Renaissance style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock French, late 19th century This exquisite

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

A Napoleon iii Gilt Bronze Enamel French Mantel Clock Circa 1870

$3,358

French Empire Marble and Onyx Mantle Clock

Located in Salt Lake City, UT

Incised and polychromed with Egyptian figures and hieroglyphs, this French Empire style clock

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Marble

French Empire Marble and Onyx Mantle Clock

$1,800

French Second Empire Bronze Dore Mantle Clock

By H F of Paris

Located in Woodbury, CT

A Napoleon III period gilt bronze encased Second Empire mantle clock. The Roman coin-like plaque

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Second Empire Bronze Dore Mantle Clock

$2,000

French Eight-Day Gilded Mantle Clock

Located in Sheffield, MA

French lyre-shaped ebonized gilt bronze mantel clock with eight-day movement, silvered Roman

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Napoleon Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass, Silver Plate, Bronze

French Eight-Day Gilded Mantle Clock

$3,200

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.
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 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.
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 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.