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.
Penguin Silver Plated Bottle Opener for Christofle 1970s
By Christofle
Located in Munich, DE
Christofle Selection silver plated bottle opener modelled as a penguin with blue glass sapphire eyes.
Silver Plate
$1,975
H 85 in W 4 in D 7 in
Art Deco Silver Plate Penguin Water / Bar Pitcher w/Mechanical Beak & Glass Eyes
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A hard to find Art Deco silver plated brass bar or water pitcher in the form a penguin with black glass eyes the hinged head lifts for filling and when tipped forward to pour the hin...
Silver Plate, Brass
Rare Gucci Silver-Plated Brass Penguin Sculpture, Italy, 1970s
By Gucci
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Entirely worked in metal with a silver-plated finish over what appears to be solid brass, this remarkable object is a highly collectible example of Gucci’s refined decorative product...
Silver Plate, Brass
Polished Pewter Penguin-Shaped Decanter Designed by Hugo Leven for Kayserzinn
By Hugo Leven, Kaiserzinn
Located in North Miami, FL
Jugendstil polished pewter penguin-shaped decanter designed by Hugo Leven for Kayserzinn factory By: Hugo Leven, Kaiserzinn Material: pewter, copper, lead, tin, metal Technique: polished, metalwork, cast, hand-crafted Dimensions: 4 in x 8 in Date: 1900-1902 Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau Place of origin: Germany This piece serves as an Jugendstil (german Art Nouveau) style penguin-shaped decanter; with simple, minimalist lines and a smooth surface due its polished material, it has a lid resembling the bird's head at the top which is operated by a hammer-like mechanism that can be pushed down with the thumb to open it. It has a handle on one side to hold it. The Kaiserzinn factory seal can be seen underneath. Around 1890 Engelbert Kayser, then director of the biggest German pewter factory of the 19th century, Kayserzinn, hired designer...
Copper, Lead, Tin, Pewter, Metal
Whimsical Spanish Novelty Silver Penguin, 1910
Located in Braintree, GB
A whimsical and highly detailed Spanish novelty silver penguin, stamped to the underside of its webbed feet. The figure is charmingly modelled standing upright and dressed in shootin...
Silver
Vintage Candle Holder Penguin Chrome Plated Brass Napier Style
By Napier Co.
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage candle holder penguin by Restoration Hardware in chrome plated brass. In the Style of Napier. Dimensions: 7.5" H x 5" W x 4.5" D. 1" diameter candl...
Brass, Chrome
$820
H 7.09 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
"Alfred the Penguin" Bronze, Art Deco Figurine on Portoro Marble, France, 1930
Located in Bochum, NRW
Alfred the Penguin – Art Deco Figurine An enigmatic and elegantly sculpted penguin, this piece pays homage to Alfred, the iconic silent companion fro...
Marble, Bronze, Nickel
Sterling Silver Penguin Champagne Bottle Holder
By Fratelli Lisi
Located in Milan, IT
This is a sterling silver champagne bottle holder playfully modeled after a penguin. Its true-to-life quality is remarkable and makes it a very...
Sterling Silver
"Penguin Charger, " Rare Art Deco Charger in Glazed Aluminum by Bach
By Oscar Bruno Bach
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Striking and rare, this glinting charger featuring a penguin standing atop an Art Deco ledge is composed of a silvery aluminum finished in a subtly iridescent glaze. This piece, alon...
Aluminum
1970 Gucci Silver Metal Italian Penguin Salt and Pepper Shackers
By Gucci
Located in Brescia, IT
Salt and Pepper Shackers Gucci Italy, 1970 Silver metal "Gucci made in Italy" stamped under the base Very Good Condiction Salt: h 14 / w 5 / d...
Metal
Art Deco Bronze Sculpture Bird on Horseshoe by André Vincent Becquerel 1930
By André Vincent Becquerel
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco bronze sculpture bird on horseshoe by André Vincent Becquerel, bronze with green patina on a Belgian black marble base. France 1930. ...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Art Deco Silvered Panther Bookends Maurice Frecourt, France, 1930
By Maurice Frecourt
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stylish pair of Art Deco silvered panther leopard bookends signed by the French artist Maurice Frecourt, circa 1930. The sculptures are mounted on fin...
Marble, Metal
Art Deco Bookends Monkey with Lantern by Max Le Verrier 1925
By Max Le Verrier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco bookends monkey with lantern by Max Le Verrier. Green patinated metal on a Portor marble base. France 1925. This model is called Boubou and illustrated in Mascottes automobiles...
Marble, Metal
Art Deco bronze sculpture of a bird on a wheat stalk by Chattel, France 1930
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco bronze sculpture of a bird on a wheat stalk signed by the French artist Chatill. France 1930. Marked bronze. The sculpture has a green patina an...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Art Deco silvered bronze ibex bookends signed by C. Charles.
By C. Charles
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco silvered bronze ibex bookends signed by C. Charles. With Patrouilleau foundry mark. Silvered bronze on a marble base. France 1925. Literature: The dictionary of sculptors in bronze, James...
Marble, Bronze
Art Deco Monkey Car Mascot with Flag Pole Boubou by Max Le Verrier France 1920
By Max Le Verrier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco monkey car mascot with flag pole Boubou porte drapeau by Max Le Verrier. Metal with original silver patina on wooden base. France 1920/1930. ...
Metal
