Christofle Marly Pattern Knife
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Flatware and Serving Pieces
Gold, Gold Plate
People Also Browsed
2010s American Cocktail Rings
Pink Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
20th Century French Vanity Items
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s European Victorian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1990s Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
20th Century American Contemporary Brooches
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century French Artist Cufflinks
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Vanity Items
Diamond, Jade, Natural Pearl, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary More Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century French French Provincial Sheffield and Silverplate
1990s French Louis XV Tableware
Silver Plate
Vintage 1940s French Louis XV Tableware
Silver Plate
1990s French Louis XV Tableware
Silver Plate
1990s French Louis XV Tableware
Silver Plate
1990s French Louis XV Tableware
Silver Plate
Christofle for sale on 1stDibs
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.
Finding the Right tableware for You
While it isn’t always top of mind for some, antique and vintage tableware can enhance even the most informal meal. It has been an intimate part of how we’ve interacted with our food for millennia.
Tableware has played a basic but important role in everyday life. Ancient Egyptians used spoons (which are classified as flatware) made of ivory and wood, while Greeks and Romans, who gathered for banquets involving big meals and entertainment, ate with forks and knives. At the beginning of the 17th century, however, forks were still uncommon in American homes. Over time, tableware has thankfully evolved and today includes increasingly valuable implements.
Tableware refers to the tools people use to set the table, including serving pieces, dinner plates and more. It encompasses everything from the intricate and elaborate to the austere and functional, yet are all what industrial product designer Jasper Morrison might call “Super Normal” — anonymous objects that are too useful to be considered banal.
There are four general categories of tableware — serveware, dinnerware, drinkware and, lastly, flatware, which is commonly referred to as silverware or cutlery. Serveware includes serving bowls, platters, gravy boats, casserole pans and ladles. Most tableware is practical, but it can also be decorative. And decorative objects count as tableware too. Even though they don’t fit squarely into one of the four categories, vases, statues and floral arrangements are traditional centerpieces.
Drinkware appropriately refers to the vessels we use for our beverages — mugs, cups and glasses. There is a good deal of variety that falls under this broad term. For example, your cheerful home bar or mid-century modern bar cart might be outfitted with a full range of vintage barware, which might include pilsner glasses and tumblers. Specialty cocktails are often served in these custom glasses, but they’re still a type of drinkware.
Every meal should be special — even if you’re using earthenware or stoneware for a casual lunch — but perhaps you’re hosting a dinner party to mark a specific event. The right high-quality tableware can bring a touch of luxury to your cuisine. Young couples, for example, traditionally add “fine china,” or porcelain, to their wedding registry as a commemoration of their union and likely wouldn’t turn down exquisite silver made by Tiffany & Co. or Georg Jensen.
It’s important to remember, however, that when you’re setting the dining room table to have fun with it. Just as you might mix and match your dining chairs, don’t be afraid to mix new and old or high and low with your tableware. On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage and antique tableware to help elevate your meal as well as the mood and atmosphere of your entire dining room.