Although he started his career as a jeweler in 1830 — after apprenticing with his copper jeweler brother-in-law years earlier — Charles Christofle (1805–63) recognized that Second Empire France had an untapped audience for luxury silverware and tableware.
Gold and silver gilt had been the high-end standard in the 18th century, yet society after the Industrial Revolution demanded a more affordable, but still refined, approach. So in the 1840s, Christofle cornered the market on electrolytic gilding and silver plating, dominating the hold on patents in the country for over a decade. His work soon attracted the attention of Louis-Philippe I and then Napoleon III, under whom he was named Fournisseur de l’Empereur, cementing the prestige of his brand.
While Christofle created decadent centerpieces and tableware for the French palaces — as well as prominent clients like the Orient Express — the company’s electroplating of silverware that was far less expensive than that made by silversmiths attained widespread popularity. At a time when many who could not afford gold or silver still used wooden utensils, Christofle was a game changer for at-home dining. An appearance at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago furthered the company’s reach to American consumers who would soon rival the manufacturer’s European clientele.
The 20th century saw Christofle adapting to changing tastes in its offerings, such as the Aria collection, which debuted in 1985 with column-like lines on its flatware designed by Bernard Yot, and the playful egg-shaped silverware container introduced in 2015 that opens to reveal a full flatware set. The company also now sells barware, home accessories and even jewelry, harkening back to its roots. Now almost two centuries old, Christofle maintains its reputation as a leading flatware and silverware company under the ownership of the Chalhoub group, its utensils gracing tables in homes, hotels and restaurants all over the world.
Shop authentic Christofle serveware, ceramics, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.
Gio Ponti Horse Silver Sculpture with Lino Sabattini for Christofle
By Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Hanover, MA
1978 Gio Ponti designed silver plated horse sculpture, titled "Cavallo", edition Lino Sabattini for Christofle, 2008. Very good condition. Comes with original Christofle box and non-...
Silver Plate
Game center piece Bronze, c. 1860 Christofle goldsmith to Emperor Napoleon III
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
An exceptional centerpiece signed Christofle artwork is silver-plated bronze with a very nice patina. The artistic part is a work of achievement; the base is pierced, composed of bra...
Bronze
19thC French Solid Silver Bull On Stand, Christofle, Paris c.1860
By Christofle
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century French solid silver figural statue, beautifully modelled depicting a resting bull on an ebony base. The sculptural figure is modelled to the highest quality, undoubtedly by one of the best French sculptors and silversmiths of the period. Hallmarked French silver (Minerva 950 standard), unsigned, but attributed to Pierre-Louis Rouillard and Eugene Capy, Christofle, Paris, c.1860. (for a similar sculpture see, Sotheby's, 19th century Furniture, Sculpture, Ceramics, Silver & Works of Art, 22nd April 2010, New York, lot 48) The story of the firm Christofle began in 1830 when Charles Christofle (1805 - 1863) arrived in Paris from Lyons to join his brother-in-law’s jewellery firm. When his brother-in-law died in 1837, Charles took over the business which became, within a few years, one of the most successful and popular silver brands of the last two centuries. The turning point for the firm arrived in 1841 when, with the financial help of his sister Rosine Bouilhet, Charles bought from George and Richard Elkington the license to import and use in France their revolutionary electroplating system and started employing very skilled craftsmen and designers such as Mathurin Moreau (1821 - 1912) and Èmile Reibere (1826 - 1893). The first royal appointment arrived in 1844 when Louis Philippe ordered new tableware for his palaces. In 1855 Charles received from the Emperor Napoleon III the commission for a gold-plated dinner service for the Elysée Palace and a more than 1200 pieces service for the Tuileries palace. Charles Christofle also promoted his business exhibiting at the International Fairs and gaining important commissions from abroad including the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the Emperor Maximilian of Mexico...
Silver
Christofle Sculpture of a Trophy, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver-plated metal sculpture and varnished wood base by Christofle representing an agricultural trophy, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 36cm, D: 23cm Contact us...
Bronze
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
H 4 in Dm 11.75 in
Napoleon III Patinated Bronze & Ormolu Crown, France, Circa 1870
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III Patinated Bronze & Ormolu Crown, France, Circa 1870 A rare and unusual Napoleon III patinated bronze and ormolu crown from France, circa 1870. This distinctive work fea...
Bronze, Ormolu
Lino Sabatinni For Christofle / Gallia, Paris - Ice Bucket, c.1960
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous ice minimalist / modernist silver plated ice bucket, I believe in the Windsor pattern, designed c.1960 by the world famous Lino Sabatinni, the preeminent figure in modern...
Silver Plate
Solid Russian Malachite Lion
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Malachite lion - perfectly suited for a desk object / sculpture or paperweight. A perfect gift for anyone who loves organic, yet chic pieces.
Malachite
19th Century French Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French sculpture features a young drummer, captured in a moment of intense focus and energy. Rendered in rich patinas of bronze, the figure is dressed in historical...
Bronze
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.
Bronze
$2,988 / set
H 1.97 in W 9.45 in D 9.45 in
12-Piece Art Deco Silver-Plated Knife Rests Set in the Manner of Christofle
By Christofle
Located in London, GB
A 12-piece Art Deco silver-plated knife rests set in the manner of Christofle French, Early 20th Century Case: 5cm high x 24cm wide x 24 in depth. Elephant: 3cm high x 9cm wide x ...
Silver, Silver Plate
$313
H 7.09 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in
Mid-Century Modern Silver Paper Weight & Paper Cutter by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Silver Paper Weight & Paper Cutter by Christofle
Silver
Red Coral Sculpture~ Napoleon III Bronze Doré Fragment
Located in Houston, TX
Red coral branch mounted on a 19th-Century French bronze doré fragment. This is a lovely objet d'art to add to your collection or cabinet. During the Renaissance, Cabinets of Art an...
Coral, Bronze
$675
H 3.38 in W 2 in D 2 in
Lalique Crystal Female Figurative Sculpture, from Paris, France, circa 1970s
By Lalique
Located in New York, NY
A French Lalique crystal female figurative sculpture piece, circa 1970's, France. A nude crystal female figure sculpture on black glass ba...
Crystal
$336
H 3.55 in Dm 5.12 in
Lino Sabattini for Christofle Fleuron Silver Plated Apple-Shaped Butter Box, 70s
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Roma, IT
A box that recalls a work by René Magritte, an apple and a bowler hat come together in this silver plated box from the 1970s produced by Fleuron Christofle. A butter dish or a caviar...
Silver Plate
Late 19th C Effigy of Mephistopheles on a Bronze Dresser Tray
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th C Effigy of Mephistopheles on a bronze dresser tray. Leaning into the tray with a contemplative pose and conniving expression. Best known for his role in Faust. Caught in h...
Bronze
$360Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.75 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Italian Old World Desk Top Globe With Figural Brass Base 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Italian desk globe, dating to the 19th century, featuring an 'Old World' style map and presented on a decorative figural brass base. The terrestrial globe displays cartogr...
Brass
Christofle Silver Plated Lumiere D’Argent Owl Figurine
By Christofle
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Lumière d'Argent Little Owl. Lumière d'Argent Collection, near 36 pieces created by Christofle between 1987 and 1994 in its Saint-Denis manufacturing site. The different animals are ...
Silver Plate
Christofle Silver Plated Dragon Figurine
By Christofle
Located in Mérida, YU
Vintage Christofle of France silver plated Chinese dragon, highly detailed with perforated body, in excellent condition. Excellent condition
Silver Plate
Sold
H 10.24 in W 23.63 in D 6.3 in
Horse Sculpture 'Cavallo' by Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini for Christofle, 1978
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle, Gio Ponti
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Chic modern abstract horse sculpture in silver plate called "Cavallo," by legendary designer Gio Ponti, manufactured by metalsmith Lino Sabatt...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 1.58 in W 1.38 in D 1.38 in
Christofle Silver Plated Owl with Topaz Heart - New in Box - Mothers' Day
By Christofle
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Beautiful small Christofle silver plate topaz heart owl figurine or paperweight. Marked: Christofle, maker's marks. Comes with box. Was never displayed, kept in the box. Measuremen...
Silver Plate
Christofle Silver Plated Lumiere D’Argent Owl Figurine
By Christofle
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Christofle silver plated lumiere “curious” owl figurine. Its whole body is reticulated and its pair of eyes are highlighted by onyx like enamel ...
Silver Plate
Christofle, France Silver Plated Rooster Sculpture/Figurine
By Christofle
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a pierced silver plated Christofle Lumiere D’Argent collection small proud rooster sculpture/figurine with enameled black eyes. The rooster has inscribed Christofle, France i...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 1.58 in W 12.6 in D 11.03 in
Art Deco Set of 12 Silvered Animal Knife Rests Sandoz for Gallia Christofle 1930
By Christofle
Located in Antwerp, BE
A set of 12 Art Deco silver plated animal knife rests by Sandoz for Gallia in original case and with original paper, France, 1930. Size of the case: H. 4 cm x L. 32 x. W. 28 cm. H...
Metal
Christofle Lumiere Collection Fish Figurine
By Christofle
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Christofle Lumiere collection fish figurine with black onyx eyes, realistic pierced scale body and fins. Measures: 3.125 x 1.75 inches. Full Christofle m...
Sold
H 5.32 in W 11.03 in D 8.67 in
Art Deco Gallia, Christofle "DOG" Fox Terrier Centerpiece, France, 1930
By Christofle, Gallia
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
A very rare and superb silver plated cakes or fruits tray "Dog" by Christofle, circa 1930. Handle shaped of fox terrier. Sparsely produced, this nice object is very hard to find. Ve...
Bronze
Sold
H 4 in W 4.75 in D 2.5 in
Pair of Gio Ponti "Uccelli" Silver Sculptures by Lino Sabattini for Christofle
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle, Gio Ponti
Located in Hanover, MA
Gio Ponti collaborated with Lino Sabattini on a menagerie of silver decorative objects including the Uccello (bird) for Christofle in 1978. One comes with original Christofle box...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 11 in W 24 in D 10 in
Gio Ponti Horse and Foal Silver Sculpture with Lino Sabattini for Christofle
By Christofle, Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini
Located in Hanover, MA
1978 Gio Ponti designed silver plated horse sculptures, titled "Cavallo", edition Lino Sabattini for Christofle. Excellent condition. Comes with original Christofle boxes and non-ta...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 1.58 in W 12.6 in D 11.03 in
Art Deco Set of 12 Animal Knife Rests by Sandoz for Gallia, Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Antwerp, BE
Very nice complete set of 12 silver plated animal knife rests in the original case. Lovely design by Sandoz for Gallia Christofle. Size of the case: H 4 cm x L 32 x. W 28 cm. H 1....
Metal