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.
$12,500 / set
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Delafosse by Christofle France Silver Plate Flatware Set 12 Service 137 Pieces
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Delafosse by Christofle silver plated flatware set of 137 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, 9 3/4", 12 dinner size forks, 8 5/8", 12 luncheon knives (some blade we...
Silver Plate
$7,650 / set
H 18 in W 18 in D 18 in
Printania by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service Set 106 Pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
With a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. R...
Silver Plate
$39,529 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
French 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 175 Pieces in Large Fitted Chest
Located in Big Bend, WI
Outstanding monumental French 950 silver dinner size high quality Louis XV style Flatware set - 175 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Size Knives, pointed, 9 7/8" 12 Large Dinner Size Forks, 8 1/4" 12 Luncheon Knives, pointed, 8 1/4" 12 Luncheon Forks, 7" 12 Teaspoons, 5" 11 Place Soup Spoons, 7 1/8" 12 Demitasse Spoons, 4 3/8" 12 Fish Forks, 3-tine, 7 1/8" 11 Fish Knives, flat handle all-sterling, 8 1/4" 11 Dinner Spoons, 8 1/4" 11 Pastry Forks, 3-tine, 5 5/8" 11 Ice Cream Spoons, gold-washed, 5 1/4" 12 Oyster Forks, 5 1/8" 1 Large Vegetable Spoon, 10" 1 Berry Spoon, 8 1/4" 1 Fish Serving Fork, 3-tine, 9 1/2" 1 Fish Servers, flat handle all-sterling, 10 3/4" 1 Oyster Ladle, 9 1/2" 1 Gravy Ladle, 6 7/8" 1 Large Cold Meat Fork, 10" 1 Flat Handle Master Butter, 6 5/8" 1 Hollow Handle Master Butter, all-sterling, 8" 1 Salad Set, gold-washed, all-sterling, 9 1/2" 1 Pie Server, flat handle all-sterling, 10 1/2" 1 Soup Ladle, 12" 1 Roast Carving Set, 2-pc, 12 1/2" 1 Lamb Shank holder w/stainless implement, 8 1/2" 1 Sugar Tong, 5 1/4" 1 Cheese Knife w/stainless blade, 8" 1 Sugar Sifter Ladle, gold-washed, 6 1/2" 1 Tea Caddy Spoon, 5 5/8" 1 Sardine Fork, 5 3/4" 1 Petit Four Server...
Sterling Silver
$41,025 / set
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
Lauzun by Puiforcat Sterling Silver Flatware Set French 77 Pcs with Fitted Box
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Jean Elysée Puiforcat was a French silversmith, sculptor and designer. Puiforcat is is considered the "most important French Art Deco silversmith." These handcrafted utensils show...
Sterling Silver
$4,226
H 4.34 in W 14.77 in D 12.21 in
Christofle : "Orly", 113 pieces Cutlery set by Lino Sabatitni - 1957
By Christofle
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
"Orly" 113 pieces cutlery set by Christofle in its original wood boxes 5wood and paper branded) designed by Lino Sabattini in 1957 Wood box dimensions : H 11 cm x W 37.5 cm x D 31 c...
Metal, Silver Plate
$319Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 1.58 in W 8.27 in D 7.88 in
Christofle Vintage Special Cutlery Set with original Box
By Christofle
Located in Mérida, YU
Vintage Christofle set with 3 Forks and a spoon with original box.
Silver Plate
$10,500 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Fidelio by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service 12 Set 175 pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
With a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. Mon...
Silver Plate
$3,706Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 12.21 in W 20.87 in D 13.39 in
Christofle flatware silver-plated metal cutlery set, "Gabon" model
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
Christofle flatware in silver-plated metal, "Gabon" model, created in 1937 by Christian Fjerdingstad for the 1937 Paris International Exhibition, presented at the Christofle Pavilion...
Metal
$8,900 / set
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Debussy by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 66 Pieces
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
Debussy by Towle sterling silver Flatware set, 66 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 9" 12 forks, 7 1/2" 12 salad forks, 6 1/2" 12 teaspoons, 6" 1...
Sterling Silver
$7,749 / set
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
Orleans by Watson Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner Size Rare
By Watson Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
Beautiful Orleans by Watson sterling silver flatware set of dinner size 56 pieces. This scarce, circa 1915, pattern is a lost art in sterling flatware! This set includes: Eight dinn...
Sterling Silver
