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Empire Mounted Objects

EMPIRE STYLE

From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in ​​Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.

Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.

Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.

Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.

Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Empire
Italian Pair of 19th Century Giltwood Appliqués
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning pair of Italian 19th century giltwood wall appliqués–decorative elements to enhance the architectural program–likely obtained from a church or cathedral as they are flat a...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Gold

Italian Pair of 19th Century Giltwood Appliqués
Italian Pair of 19th Century Giltwood Appliqués

Italian Pair of 19th Century Giltwood Appliqués

$8,400 / set
Napoleon III Crystal Vase, Empire, France 19th Century with Video
By Empire Furniture
Located in Madrid, ES
Napoleon III Crystal Vase - Empire - France 19th century with gilt bronze and diamond padding on the bases. Classic proportions and design. H-35cm. Width: 20cm, Height: 35cm, Depth: ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Napoleon III Crystal Vase, Empire, France 19th Century with Video
Napoleon III Crystal Vase, Empire, France 19th Century with Video

Napoleon III Crystal Vase, Empire, France 19th Century with Video

$3,563
Fine 19th Century European Gilt Bronze Ormolu Monstrance Reliquary
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce fine quality neoclassical Empire style vasiform gilt bronze ormolu church religious relic altar monstrance reliquary. Exquisitely hand-crafted in Continental Europe in the second half of the 19th century, most likely French Napoleon III Period (1852-1870), having a fanned cross crest, above winged angel mask, central oval display...
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Fine 19th Century European Gilt Bronze Ormolu Monstrance Reliquary
Fine 19th Century European Gilt Bronze Ormolu Monstrance Reliquary

Fine 19th Century European Gilt Bronze Ormolu Monstrance Reliquary

$3,350
Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA. A Beautiful Empire style malachite orb on a bronze Doré stand retour d'Egypte of 3 figures of standing...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Malachite, Bronze

Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA
Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA

Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA

$4,720 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Fruit Vase Napoleon III, Empire 19th Century
By Empire Furniture
Located in Madrid, ES
Large fruit vase Napoleon III - Empire 19th Century made of crystal and bronze. A bright crystal flowerpot is mounted on a spiral rod formed by two swimming fish. French tan. Width:...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Large Fruit Vase Napoleon III, Empire 19th Century
Large Fruit Vase Napoleon III, Empire 19th Century

Large Fruit Vase Napoleon III, Empire 19th Century

$2,969
Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 20th century Italian framed bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold detail...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio
Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio

Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio

$285
Pair of neoclassical alabaster and gilded wood columns, early 19th century
Located in Vicenza, IT
Rare and fine pair of decorative columns in neoclassical style, made in the first quarter of the 19th century, probably in the Austro-Venetian area. The work presents a composite str...
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Gold Leaf

Pair of neoclassical alabaster and gilded wood columns, early 19th century
Pair of neoclassical alabaster and gilded wood columns, early 19th century

Pair of neoclassical alabaster and gilded wood columns, early 19th century

$2,138 / set
Pair of French Empire Bronze Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of French Empire bronze candelabra having female attendants in flowing gowns holding gilded torchieres, standing on parcel gilt plinths, 19th century, now mounted as lamps
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire Bronze Candelabra
Pair of French Empire Bronze Candelabra

Pair of French Empire Bronze Candelabra

$6,700
Pair of Continental Faux Painted Malachite Wooden Pyramids
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of continental faux painted malachite wooden pyramids.
Category

1920s European Vintage Empire Mounted Objects

Pair of Continental Faux Painted Malachite Wooden Pyramids
Pair of Continental Faux Painted Malachite Wooden Pyramids

Pair of Continental Faux Painted Malachite Wooden Pyramids

$2,450 / set
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Toucan Brush, Italy, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Toucan brush is a particular vintage object from the 60s. Phenolic resin object, the beak is actually a brush. Good condition, some wear and tear.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Plastic

Toucan Brush, Italy, Mid-20th Century
Toucan Brush, Italy, Mid-20th Century

Toucan Brush, Italy, Mid-20th Century

$249 Sale Price
25% Off
H 7.49 in W 3.94 in D 14.97 in
19th Century Pipe Head
Located in Vosselaar, BE
You just got to love this guy! A wacky looking bearded Indian pipe head. Probably 19th century France. Beautifully carved by a artisan with a sense of humor.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Pipe Head
19th Century Pipe Head

19th Century Pipe Head

$296
H 3.55 in W 1.97 in D 3.94 in
19th Century Bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte
Located in London, GB
French nineteenth century bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte, the bust mounted on socle and pedestal base.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte
19th Century Bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte

19th Century Bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte

$2,177
H 11.42 in W 4.73 in D 3.15 in
19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head
Located in London, GB
19th century carved wooden deer’s head We are proud to offer a delightful example of a 19th century hand carved German deer’s head. This ite...
Category

1880s German Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head
19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head

19th Century German Carved Wooden Deers Head

$3,939
H 22 in W 9 in D 14 in
19th Century Pair of Large (2) Bronze Sculptures Empire
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of (2) monumental Empire bronze sculptures, Paris. Gilded bronze sculptures standing on multi-tiered rectangular bases. Very elegant and decorative, it is a guaranteed eye-ca...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Pair of Large (2) Bronze Sculptures Empire
19th Century Pair of Large (2) Bronze Sculptures Empire

19th Century Pair of Large (2) Bronze Sculptures Empire

$13,838
H 27.56 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Pair of 19th Century Busts
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of 19th century busts. These are 2 19th century Gesso painted busts of 2 archaeologists of the period. Measurements: 69 x 62 x 28 Y 65 x 60 x 30 Good condition.
Category

19th Century English Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Gesso

Pair of 19th Century Busts
Pair of 19th Century Busts

Pair of 19th Century Busts

$1,009 / set
H 27.17 in W 24.41 in D 11.03 in
Head of David, Mid-20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
20th Century resin decorative David head. Carved marble finish. Size: 67x50x42 cm.
Category

1960s Vintage Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Resin

Head of David, Mid-20th Century
Head of David, Mid-20th Century

Head of David, Mid-20th Century

$1,722
H 26.38 in W 19.69 in D 16.54 in
19th C. French Empire or Napoléon III Patinated Gilt Bronze Sarcophagus Mount
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Empire or Napoléon III Patinated and Gilt Bronze Sarcophagus Mount, Egyptian Revival, circa 1800–1860 A finely cast and parcel-gilt French bronze furniture mount in the form ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th C. French Empire or Napoléon III Patinated Gilt Bronze Sarcophagus Mount
19th C. French Empire or Napoléon III Patinated Gilt Bronze Sarcophagus Mount

19th C. French Empire or Napoléon III Patinated Gilt Bronze Sarcophagus Mount

$1,495
H 1.5 in W 8.5 in D 1.5 in
Two Large Malachite Eggs on Brass Stands
Located in Somis, CA
Set of two splendid malachite eggs. Hand crafted and polished, displaying fantastic various natural patterns of swirls and stripes. A stone of transforma...
Category

20th Century Italian Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Malachite

Two Large Malachite Eggs on Brass Stands
Two Large Malachite Eggs on Brass Stands

Two Large Malachite Eggs on Brass Stands

$650 Sale Price / set
63% Off
H 6 in Dm 4 in
19th Century Wooden Rocking Horse
Located in Sheffield, MA
The 19th century charming and rustic rocking horse now mounted on two straight boards is made of handcrafted wood pieces cleverly assembled, and has a leather saddle, reins and stirrups. A great addition for those who collect Early American country antiques...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Wooden Rocking Horse
19th Century Wooden Rocking Horse

19th Century Wooden Rocking Horse

$3,920 Sale Price
30% Off
H 24 in W 40 in D 8 in
Pair 18th Century Italian Urn Appliques
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 18th-Century Italian urn appliques featuring a flute body, and intricately carved acanthus leaves, bead trim, and ribbon adorned handles.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Giltwood

Pair 18th Century Italian Urn Appliques
Pair 18th Century Italian Urn Appliques

Pair 18th Century Italian Urn Appliques

$3,850 / set
H 17.5 in W 15.25 in D 5.5 in
Malachite Egg on Wooden Stand
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning Russian style malachite egg on black wooden stand Late 20th century Measures: 2"W x 2"D x 2.5"H. With stand: 4.75"H. Good original vintage condition. One small missing ...
Category

Late 20th Century Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Malachite

Malachite Egg on Wooden Stand
Malachite Egg on Wooden Stand

Malachite Egg on Wooden Stand

$225
H 2.5 in W 2 in D 2 in
Previously Available Items
Pair 19th Century French Bronze Sphinx on Verde Antico Marble Bases
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of French Empire bronze models of recumbent Sphinxes on Verdi Antico marble bases. The bronze with the warm golden patina of age. The custom ma...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair 19th Century French Bronze Sphinx on Verde Antico Marble Bases
Pair 19th Century French Bronze Sphinx on Verde Antico Marble Bases

Pair 19th Century French Bronze Sphinx on Verde Antico Marble Bases

H 5.5 in W 5.75 in D 3 in
Steinway Retour d Egypte Art Case Piano, 1925
Located in Astoria, NY
Steinway & Sons "Empire" or "Retour d'Egypte" style Rosewood Art Case piano,Model L/O baby grand, serial number 233699, 1925, with warrant decal to sou...
Category

20th Century Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Rosewood

Steinway Retour d Egypte Art Case Piano, 1925
Steinway Retour d Egypte Art Case Piano, 1925

Steinway Retour d Egypte Art Case Piano, 1925

H 37 in W 56.5 in D 6 in
Rare Antique Napoleon Bonaparte in Russia Bronze Marble Sculpture 10"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique turn of the century bronze sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte dressed for his campaign against Russia in the winter of 1812 after the siege of Moscow. The figure is bronze ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Rare Antique Napoleon Bonaparte in Russia Bronze Marble Sculpture 10"
Rare Antique Napoleon Bonaparte in Russia Bronze Marble Sculpture 10"

Rare Antique Napoleon Bonaparte in Russia Bronze Marble Sculpture 10"

H 9.625 in W 6.375 in D 4.625 in
19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Watch Stand
Located in London, GB
A fine quality early 19th century French bronze and ormolu lyre shaped watch stand surmounted by wreath supported by swans flanking central panel depicting rabbit, all raised on engi...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Watch Stand
19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Watch Stand

19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Watch Stand

H 11 in Dm 4.5 in
Pair French 19th Century Bronze Empire Style Head Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful pair of bronze Empire style head ornaments. Most likely once adorned a stunning armoire or table France circa 1800-1850. Measurements individual and include the wooden base.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair French 19th Century Bronze Empire Style Head Ornaments
Pair French 19th Century Bronze Empire Style Head Ornaments

Pair French 19th Century Bronze Empire Style Head Ornaments

H 5.71 in W 2.96 in D 2.17 in
Pair of Late 18th Century French Giltwood Lion Head Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Great couple of carved wooden gilded Empire lion heads France, circa 1800 Weathered Measures: H 24-26cm (9.5-10.25in), W 11cm (4.5in), D 6cm (2.5in) Measurement is with the woode...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of Late 18th Century French Giltwood Lion Head Ornaments
Pair of Late 18th Century French Giltwood Lion Head Ornaments

Pair of Late 18th Century French Giltwood Lion Head Ornaments

H 10.24 in W 4.34 in D 2.37 in
Pair of 19th Century, Italian Bronze and Marble Tazzas
Located in San Marino, CA
A pair of Italian Tazzas. Featuring Gallo Antigo marble bases and bronze urns, circa 1830.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of 19th Century, Italian Bronze and Marble Tazzas
Pair of 19th Century, Italian Bronze and Marble Tazzas

Pair of 19th Century, Italian Bronze and Marble Tazzas

H 13 in W 9 in D 6.5 in
19th Century Hand-Carved Alabaster Marble Napoleon Bust Statue by Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in Lisse, NL
Good quality, handcrafted bust of Napoleon Bonaparte. If you are a collector of good quality antiques having to do with (French) historical figures then this rare and wonderful alabaster bust of Napoleon Bonaparte could be perfect for your collection. This handcrafted sculpture by the prolific artist Emile Pinedo...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Marble, Bronze

19th Century Hand-Carved Alabaster Marble Napoleon Bust Statue by Emile Pinedo
19th Century Hand-Carved Alabaster Marble Napoleon Bust Statue by Emile Pinedo

19th Century Hand-Carved Alabaster Marble Napoleon Bust Statue by Emile Pinedo

H 12.5 in W 7.1 in D 5 in
Hand-Painted Italian Wood Obelisk, circa 1900
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Amazing wood obelisk made in the North of Italy, later repainted in blue and yellow.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

Hand-Painted Italian Wood Obelisk, circa 1900
Hand-Painted Italian Wood Obelisk, circa 1900

Hand-Painted Italian Wood Obelisk, circa 1900

H 25.99 in W 8.27 in D 7.49 in
Pair of Large Early 19th Century French Empire Heads / Furniture Fragments
Located in Buisson, FR
Large hand-carved original period pieces. Great fragments that once adorned a piece of furniture. Beautiful patina, France circa 1810. Weathered. Measurement here below is inclusive...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of Large Early 19th Century French Empire Heads / Furniture Fragments
Pair of Large Early 19th Century French Empire Heads / Furniture Fragments

Pair of Large Early 19th Century French Empire Heads / Furniture Fragments

H 8.25 in W 4.25 in D 3.25 in
Stunning Pair of Large Empire White Marble Obelisks
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of large obelisks in the Empire style dating from the last quarter of the 20th century. They are made of a white 'bianco antico' marble and feature exquisite ormol...
Category

Late 20th Century Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Marble

Stunning Pair of Large Empire White Marble Obelisks
Stunning Pair of Large Empire White Marble Obelisks

Stunning Pair of Large Empire White Marble Obelisks

H 40.95 in W 11.42 in D 11.42 in
Pair of Late 19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Obelisks Signed P.E. Guerin
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of French Empire gilt bronze and malachite obelisks. Signed behind the bronzes P.E. Guerin. Excellent condition large size.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Mounted Objects

Materials

Malachite, Gilt Metal

Pair of Late 19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Obelisks Signed P.E. Guerin
Pair of Late 19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Obelisks Signed P.E. Guerin

Pair of Late 19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Obelisks Signed P.E. Guerin

H 27 in W 7 in D 7 in

Empire mounted objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire mounted objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage mounted objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bronze, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire mounted objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original mounted objects, popular names associated with this style include and Europa Antiques. 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 mounted objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $640 and tops out at $6,838 while the average work can sell for $3,350.

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