Empire Style
Empire furniture — born from Napoleon's patronage and the classical archaeology of Egypt, Greece, and Rome — is the most architecturally bold of the early 19th-century European styles. Dark mahogany, gilded bronze (ormolu) mounts, columnar supports, and figural details including sphinxes, eagles, and lion-paw feet define the French version; American Empire simplifies the formula into a robust domestic style. Austin Auction Gallery sells and appraises Empire furniture.
What it's Worth
American Empire case pieces — sideboards, secretaries, pier tables — in good condition typically bring $600–$4,000. Sleigh beds bring $500–$2,500. Quality American Empire case goods attributed to Philadelphia or Baltimore makers bring $2,000–$10,000+. French Empire pieces with original ormolu mounts bring $2,000–$20,000+ depending on quality and documentation; documented pieces from major ébénistes are museum-quality and bring multiples of these figures. Later Victorian Renaissance Revival pieces in the Empire taste bring less.
American Empire $500–$4,000; quality documented pieces $2,000–$10,000+; French Empire $2,000–$20,000+
