What defines the French Empire revival style in nineteenth-century furniture?

The French Empire revival style draws inspiration from classical Roman, Greek, and Egyptian motifs, characterised by symmetrical proportions, dark woods, and prominent gilt bronze or ormolu mounts.

What traditional materials and construction methods are used in this type of antique desk?

These desks typically feature a solid timber frame, often mahogany or walnut veneer, complemented by cast ormolu brass mounts, hand-cut dovetail joints in the drawers, and inset leather writing surfaces.

How can one identify an authentic nineteenth-century empire revival desk?

Authentic pieces exhibit period-appropriate construction techniques such as hand-cut dovetailing, traditional joinery, patinated brass hardware, and timber shrinkage consistent with age.

How do you style an antique empire revival desk in a contemporary interior?

Pairing this historic desk with minimalist seating or placing it within a modern study creates a striking contrast that highlights its classical proportions and ornate metalwork.

What is the proper care and preservation routine for antique wood and ormolu furniture?

Maintain wood and metal elements by keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat sources, dusting regularly with a soft dry cloth, and occasionally treating the timber with appropriate wax polish.

sold SA768120

Sorry, but this item has been sold.

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2016

Browse dealers 649 items

About Us

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.
Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Id #SA768120

PDF

SAVE

Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century

Name: Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA768120
Price: 5750 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Regent Antiques

Sold 15 June 2026 · Regent Antiques

This “Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century ” found a buyer.

It was listed by Regent Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Find more for sale

Bronze Mounted Furniture Empire Revival Furniture Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

This is an exquisite French Empire Revival pedestal desk, Circa 1880 in date.

This desk has been beautifully crafted from flame mahogany. The top has a striking gold tooled black leather inset writing surface which has a decorative geometric inlaid satinwood and ebony border around it..

It features beautifully cast gilded ormolu mounts including angels, pharaonic herms above paw feet and swan escutcheons. It is further enhanced with male masks wearing nemes headress's on the sides, making it an incredibly imposing and impressive item of furniture.

The desk features seven drawers for maximum storage, it is freestanding with a beautifully panelled back and comes complete with the original working locks and keys.

This desk will soon become the centrepiece of your furniture collection, there is no mistaking the sophisticated quality and design and it is certain to enhance the style and elegance of any living area, bedroom, or reception.

Condition:

In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, French polished, waxed and releathered in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 76 x Width 150 x Depth 80

Dimensions in inches:

Height 29.9 x Width 59.1 x Depth 31.5

Empire style,

is an early-19th-century design movement in architecture, furniture, other decorative arts, and the visual arts followed in Europe and America until around 1830.

The style originated in and takes its name from the rule of Napoleon I in the First French Empire, where it was intended to idealize Napoleon's leadership and the French state. The style corresponds to the Biedermeier style in the German-speaking lands, Federal style in the United States and to the Regency style in Britain. The previous style was called Louis XVI style, in France.

The Empire style was based on aspects of the Roman Empire. It is the second phase of neoclassicism which is also called "Directoire", after a goverment system.

Furniture typically had symbols and ornaments borrowed from the glorious ancient Greek and Roman empires.

The furniture was made from heavy woods such as mahogany and ebony, imported from the colonies, with dark finishes often with decorative bronze mounts. Marble tops were popular as were Egyptian motifs like sphinxes, griffins, urns and eagles and the Napoleonic symbols, the eagle, the bee, the initials "I" and a large "N."

Gilded bronze (ormolu) details displayed a high level of craftsmanship.

Flame Mahogany

Thomas Sheraton - 18th century furniture designer, once characterized mahogany as "best suited to furniture where strength is demanded as well as a wood that works up easily, has a beautiful figure and polishes so well that it is an ornament to any room in which it may be placed." Matching his words to his work, Sheraton designed much mahogany furniture. The qualities that impressed Sheraton are particularly evident in a distinctive pattern of wood called "flame mahogany."

The flame figure in the wood is revealed by slicing through the face of the branch at the point where it joins another element of the tree.

Our reference: A1114

Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated this French Empire Revival Desk to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions

Height

76cm (29.92")

Width

150cm (59.06")

Depth

80cm (31.50")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA768120

Dealers Internal Reference

A1114

Description

This is an exquisite French Empire Revival pedestal desk, Circa 1880 in date.

This desk has been beautifully crafted from flame mahogany.

“

The top has a striking gold tooled black leather inset writing surface which has a decorative geometric inlaid satinwood and ebony border around it.

Regent Antiques

fig 1. A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. — fig 1. Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century

It features beautifully cast gilded ormolu mounts including angels, pharaonic herms above paw feet and swan escutcheons. It is further enhanced with male masks wearing nemes headress's on the sides, making it an incredibly imposing and impressive item of furniture.

fig 2. A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. — fig 2. Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century

The desk features seven drawers for maximum storage, it is freestanding with a beautifully panelled back and comes complete with the original working locks and keys.

This desk will soon become the centrepiece of your furniture collection, there is no mistaking the sophisticated quality and design and it is certain to enhance the style and elegance of any living area, bedroom, or reception.

fig 3. A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. — fig 3. Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century

Condition:

In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, French polished, waxed and releathered in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 76 x Width 150 x Depth 80

fig 4. A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. — fig 4. Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century

Dimensions in inches:

Height 29.9 x Width 59.1 x Depth 31.5

Empire style,

is an early-19th-century design movement in architecture, furniture, other decorative arts, and the visual arts followed in Europe and America until around 1830.

fig 5. A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. — fig 5. Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century

The style originated in and takes its name from the rule of Napoleon I in the First French Empire, where it was intended to idealize Napoleon's leadership and the French state. The style corresponds to the Biedermeier style in the German-speaking lands, Federal style in the United States and to the Regency style in Britain. The previous style was called Louis XVI style, in France.

fig 6. A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. — fig 6. Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century

The Empire style was based on aspects of the Roman Empire. It is the second phase of neoclassicism which is also called "Directoire", after a goverment system.

Furniture typically had symbols and ornaments borrowed from the glorious ancient Greek and Roman empires.

fig 7. A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. — fig 7. Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century

The furniture was made from heavy woods such as mahogany and ebony, imported from the colonies, with dark finishes often with decorative bronze mounts. Marble tops were popular as were Egyptian motifs like sphinxes, griffins, urns and eagles and the Napoleonic symbols, the eagle, the bee, the initials "I" and a large "N."

fig 8. A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. — fig 8. Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century

Gilded bronze (ormolu) details displayed a high level of craftsmanship.

Flame Mahogany

Thomas Sheraton - 18th century furniture designer, once characterized mahogany as "best suited to furniture where strength is demanded as well as a wood that works up easily, has a beautiful figure and polishes so well that it is an ornament to any room in which it may be placed." Matching his words to his work, Sheraton designed much mahogany furniture. The qualities that impressed Sheraton are particularly evident in a distinctive pattern of wood called "flame mahogany."

The flame figure in the wood is revealed by slicing through the face of the branch at the point where it joins another element of the tree.

Our reference: A1114

Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated this French Empire Revival Desk to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions

Height

76cm (29.92")

Width

150cm (59.06")

Depth

80cm (31.50")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA768120

Dealers Internal Ref

A1114

About the Dealer

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2016

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Regent Antiques Profile Page

Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

PDF

SAVE

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts.

1 / 29

Archive I

Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century

Archive II

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View II

Archive III

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View III

Archive IV

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View IV

Archive V

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View V

Archive VI

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View VI

Archive VII

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View VII

Archive VIII

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View VIII

Archive IX

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View IX

Archive X

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View X

Archive XI

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XI

Archive XII

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XII

Archive XIII

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XIII

Archive XIV

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XIV

Archive XV

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XV

Archive XVI

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XVI

Archive XVII

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XVII

Archive XVIII

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XVIII

Archive XIX

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XIX

Archive XX

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XX

Archive XXI

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XXI

Archive XXII

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XXII

Archive XXIII

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XXIII

Archive XXIV

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XXIV

Archive XXV

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XXV

Archive XXVI

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XXVI

Archive XXVII

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XXVII

Archive XXVIII

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XXVIII

Archive XXIX

A nineteenth-century mahogany writing desk featuring a black leather top, multiple drawers, and intricate ormolu mounts. View XXIX

Regent Antiques

Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Desk C1880 19th Century

Regent Antiques

Email Regent Antiques

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

Cataloguer’s note

FAQs

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories