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.
$180 / set
H 0.63 in W 4.25 in D 0.75 in
1875 American Set of 8 Sterling Silver Demitasse Spoons by Gorham
By Gorham
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 8 sterling silver demitasse spoons, "Mothers" 1875 pattern by Gorham. Fine Arts & Crafts monogram "MGH". Gilded bowls. 2.55 troy oz. 4.25" x 0.75" x 5/8". We are a family bus...
Sterling Silver
$325
H 3.88 in W 0.88 in D 0.25 in
12 Demitasse Spoons by Whiting Mfg. Co. in the elegant 1891 Louis XV Pattern
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in valatie, NY
12 Demitasse Spoons by Whiting Mfg. Co. in the Elegant 1891 Louis XV Pattern. 6 of the spoons are inscribed 1894 and 6 are initialed LH. All are hallmarked "STERLING PAT. 1891" and w...
Sterling Silver
Silver Set of Twelve Demitasse Spoons in a Fitted Case American, 20th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A silver set of twelve demitasse spoons in a fitted case American, 20th century stylised floral finials in the manner of A. Knox (12) 4.4 in. (11.2 cm.).
Silver
$2,118 / set
H 4.37 in W 0.87 in D 0.2 in
Set of 12 George Shiebler Plant Pattern Sterling Silver Demitasse Spoons
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 12 antique sterling silver demitasse spoons in the Plant pattern by George W Shiebler. A multi-motif pattern, featur...
Sterling Silver
$865 / set
H 0.75 in W 1 in D 5.5 in
Estate Newport Shell Pattern Sterling Silver teaspoons, a set of 10
By Frank Smith Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of ten Estate Sterling silver teaspoons, in the Newport Shell pattern, made by Frank Smith, Gardner, Massachusetts, circa 1910. Frank Smith Silver Company was in the trade fro...
Sterling Silver
$2,848Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 0.38 in W 0.88 in D 4.13 in
Christofle Art Nouveau Silver Spoons, French Sterling Silver Spoons Set of 12
By A la Gerbe d'or
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine quality set of 12 antique sterling silver tea, coffee or dessert spoons attributed to Christofle, circa 1890-1930. Stunning design and craftsmanship. The handles have sophisticated Art Nouveau Pattern different decor, flowers, vine leaves, bunch of grapes, foliage, decor dahlias. The mark “925” on the bowl confirms that it’s sterling silver (.925 purity). The handle shows ornate floral and foliate engraving, typical of early 20th-century American or European silver flatware. The pattern style — squared edges with raised floral decoration — closely resembles Art Nouveau to early Art Deco transitional designs (roughly 1890s–1930s). The spoon shape (slightly deep oval bowl, short handle relative to bowl size) suggests a bouillon or cream soup spoon, not a teaspoon. Presented in its original box by Prestigious silversmith: A La Gerbe...
Sterling Silver
1909 Set of 12 Sterling Silver Teaspoons by Reed & Barton
By Reed & Barton
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 12 sterling silver teaspoons, Chambord 1909 pattern by Reed & Barton. Monogram "MC". 7.60 troy oz. 5 5/8" x 1 3/16" x 7/8". We are a family business that has been a major sou...
Sterling Silver
$795 / set
H 0.38 in W 0.75 in D 3.88 in
Set of 12 Georg Jensen 'Acorn' Gilt Sterling Silver Mocha or Demitasse Spoons
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 12 signed Danish mocha or demitasse spoons. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. In the Acorn pattern. Each gold-washed. Simply a wonderful set of Jensen Acorn spo...
Sterling Silver
Set of Eight German Silver-plate Demitasse Spoons.
Located in Malibu, CA
Set of Eight German Silver-plate Demitasse Spoons. This flatware set is from one of the oldest & finest silverplate manufacturers in Germany. On separate listings, you will find ...
Silver Plate
$1,600
H 5.71 in W 1.19 in D 0.79 in
Set of twelve coffee spoons & sugar shovel in guilloche silver w/ monogram cards
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Set of twelve coffee spoons and sugar shovel in guilloche silver with monogram cards. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 273.09 grams (Se...
Silver
19th Century Christofle Coffee Spoons, Set of 8
By Christofle
Located in Ross, CA
Antique coffee spoons made by Christofle in the second half of the 19th century. The pattern is unique. Each spoon is stamped Christofle and the...
Silver Plate
French Silverplated Art Deco Spoon and Fork Set of 24
Located in Ross, CA
Twenty Four piece French silverplated fork and knife set, in a art deco pattern, all pieces are hallmarked and stamped 84 representing the number of ...
Silver Plate
French Silverplated Art Deco Dessert Set by Apollo- Set of 13
Located in Ross, CA
Vintage French dessert set made by Apollo in France around the 1930's. The set includes one pie / cake shovel and twelve forks, all in an art deco style and hallmarked. The set com...
Silver Plate
Christofle Mid Century Fish Service Flatware Set & Serving Fork, Set of 22
By Christofle
Located in Ross, CA
Christofle fish service flatware set and serving fork designed by Lino Sebatti in France in the late 1950's/ early 1960's. The silverplated flatware i...
Silver Plate
Francois Frionnet French Art Deco Silver Plate Flatware- Set of 49, c. 1930's
By Francois Frionnet
Located in Ross, CA
Set of 49 pieces of French Art Deco flatware in silverplate, each piece hallmarked by the maker Francois Frionnet. Francois Frionnet is one of the master silversmiths of the first ...
Silver Plate
Felix Freres Art Deco Fish Serving Set, c. 1940's
Located in Ross, CA
Three piece fish serving set made by Félix Frères in Toulouse France in the 1940's. Félix Frères was a company founded in Toulouse, France, in 1875. Fork: 5.8 tall Knife: 6.4 tall...
Silver Plate
