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.
Large Antique Sheffield Silver Plate Divided Serving Tureen & Dome Cover
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine antique Sheffield silver plate service piece. A rare and complex serving vessel comprising a handled base with removable li...
Sheffield Plate, Silver Plate
Antique Christofle French Silver Plated Tea Strainer
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine French silver plated tea strainer. By Christofle et Cie. With a pierced and scalloped body, curved legs, ball feet and a turned wooden handle. Simply a wonderful, high-lev...
Silver Plate
Antique Georgian English Sheffield Silver Plate Tea Caddy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, period Sheffield Plate tea caddy. With simple streamlined lines of the early 19th century, a shield cartouche, and a ball finial. Simply a wonderful antique Georgian tea caddy...
Silver Plate
Antique 18th C George III Sterling Silver Salt Cellar by Robert Hennell I
By Robert Hennell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Georgian salt cellar. In sterling silver. By Robert Hennell I. With scroll handles, a beaded edge & foot, repousse decoration around ...
Sterling Silver
Signed Antique French Art Deco Silver Plated Tazza or Table Centerpiece
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed French Art Deco period tazza. In silver plate. Apparently marked for Durousseau & Reynaud of Lyon, France. Simply a fine French Art Deco form! Date: Early 20th Cent...
Silver Plate
Antique Scottish Quaich or Drinking Bowl by Robert Sawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Scottish quaich. In sterling silver. Smithed by Robert Sawers of Edinburgh in 1901. The quaich is a 2-handed drinking cup or bowl that was tr...
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Silver Plated Covered Tureen "1907" Platter Dish by Rockford
By Rockford Silver Co
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Victorian Silver Plated Covered Tureen Platter Dish by Rockford. Engraved "1907" ornate scrolling feet, grat style and form. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 6...
Silver Plate
A Rare Early 19th Century Silver Plated Lidded Tureen, France, Circa 1830
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Both the base & lid are engraved with a finely detailed heraldic coat of arms surmounted by a Marquess coronet, the interior retaining it's original and rarely found removable liner. Raised overall upon a stepped circular spreading foot, the underside bearing impressed makers marks (unknown) & town mark for Marseilles, as well as the word ‘PLAQUE’ which is the French term for 19th century silver plated items...
Silver Plate, Copper
A Very Fine 19th Century Silver Plated Lidded Soup Tureen by Elkington & Company
By Elkington & Co.
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very fine & impressively large silver plated soup tureen by Elkington & Company of London with a capacity to hold 4 quarts. The substantial oval body having open handles, richly decorated with embossed & engraved foliate motifs & centered by blank foliate cartouches, the conforming lid bearing engraved heraldic crests. Raised overall upon a stepped oval foot, with the underside bearing impressed factory marks for Elkington & Co., together with date letter for 1884. In extremely good overall condition, and priced competitively in comparison to similar examples in the marketplace. ELKINGTON & COMPANY: George Richards Elkington & Henry Elkington were the first to discover and patent the silver plating process in the 1830's. They were subsequently awarded Royal warrants to several members of the British Royal Family including Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, Queen Mary & King George VI. Elkington & Company were chosen as the suppliers of flatware on board the British Royal Yacht Britannia...
Silver Plate
Vintage English Victorian Style Silver Plated Chafing Dish Warmer on Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage English Victorian Style Silver Plated Chafing Dish Warmer on Stand. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 13.5" H x 18.5" W x 11.5" D.
Silver Plate
Vintage Sheffield Victorian Silver Plated Large Warmer Chafing Serving Dish
By Sheffield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sheffield Victorian Style Silver Plated Large Warmer Chafing Serving Dish. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 12" H x 21" W x 12" D.
Silver Plate
19th Century Silverplate Food Warmer With Revolving Dome
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century silverplate food warmer with revolving dome. The domed lid features intricate floral and foliate engravings, as well as a bone knob that when pushed back reveals two ori...
Silver Plate
