Christofle

French

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.

Average Sold Price

$1,802

Styles

Materials

Related Creators

Silver Plate and Crystal Barware Cocktail Martini Pitcher with Stirrer Spoon

$850

H 9.07 in W 7.07 in D 4.32 in

Silver Plate and Crystal Barware Cocktail Martini Pitcher with Stirrer Spoon

By Christofle

Located in Atlanta, GA

Christofle designed and crafted this elegant barware Martini cocktail pitcher in France, circa 1940. The modernist bar mixer features a molded crystal jug topped with a silver plate,...

Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Silver Plate

Christofle Frances "Le Grillon" Silver-Plated Steel Crumb Sweeper

$378

H 6.7 in W 5.91 in D 2.76 in

Christofle Frances "Le Grillon" Silver-Plated Steel Crumb Sweeper

By Christofle

Located in Valladolid, ES

A refined and exquisite crumb sweeper from the prestigious French house of Christofle, model "Le Grillon," made of silver-plated steel with a handle hallmarked with the Christofle ha...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

1930s Silver Plated Champagne Bucket, "Gallia" Collection by Christofle

$848Sale Price|32% Off

H 8.08 in Dm 9.65 in

1930s Silver Plated Champagne Bucket, "Gallia" Collection by Christofle

By Christofle

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This exquisite silver-plated champagne bucket, crafted by Christofle as part of their esteemed Gallia collection, epitomizes timeless elegance and sophistication. Designed in the cov...

Category

Early 20th Century Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

Christofle 'Grand Hotel Paris' Silver-Plated Oval Tray, circa 1920s

$1,195

H 1 in W 16 in D 10.75 in

Christofle 'Grand Hotel Paris' Silver-Plated Oval Tray, circa 1920s

By Christofle

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Christofle 'Grand Hotel Paris' Silver-Plated Oval Tray, circa 1920s A gleaming relic of French luxury hospitality, this silver-plated oval serving tray by Christofle is engraved Gra...

Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

Large Estate Christofle Empire Style Four Piece Caviar Serving Set

$1,450

H 5 in Dm 8.5 in

Large Estate Christofle Empire Style Four Piece Caviar Serving Set

By Christofle

Located in New York, NY

Fine large and impressive estate Christofle Empire style caviar serving set Pattern: 4224590 Classic French elegance, this superb scarce four piece caviar set epitomizes luxury and refinement. Composed of an outer two handled presentation dish for ice, a crystal bowl for caviar, a cross bar stand for the caviar bowl and a lid. The handles with attractive stylized sea shell motifs, ideal for serving caviar. This fine Christofle caviar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Empire Christofle

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

84-Piece Set Silver-plated Tableware - Christofle - Art Deco

$2,244 / set

H 9.45 in W 0.79 in D 0.79 in

84-Piece Set Silver-plated Tableware - Christofle - Art Deco

By Christofle

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A beautiful set of silver plated tableware, complete for 12 persons, made by the French brand Christofle. The set dates from circa 1930 and is nicely designed in Art Deco style. The...

Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

"Pebble of Peace" Silver Plated Paperweight by Christofle of France

$325

H 0.75 in W 3.25 in D 2.25 in

"Pebble of Peace" Silver Plated Paperweight by Christofle of France

By Christofle

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage "Pebble of Peace" silver plated paperweight by Christofle of France, circa 1980s. Beautiful design and great weight on this piece that measures 3.25"W x 2.25"D x .75"H. Sig...

Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

Christofle, Paris, Champagne Bucket / Wine Cooler, Folio

$1,435

H 8.25 in W 10 in D 8 in

Christofle, Paris, Champagne Bucket / Wine Cooler, Folio

By Christofle

Located in Bath, GB

A fine and very smart champagne bucket / wine cooler made by the top-notch French silversmith, Christofle of Paris. The design is "Folio" made in the 1980s, a modernist design with a nod to the Art Deco era a design that is most fashionable today. Excellent condition and looking like it has rarely been used. Spanning 10" handle to handle x 8" x 8 1/8" tall. Just back from our silversmith's workshop where it has been professionally cleaned and polished, restoring it to it's former glory. Beginning in 1830, when Charles Christofle...

Category

1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

Browse all Furniture from Christofle

Shop Now

Christofle Sale Prices

Sold Date

Sold Price

Category

Material

Creation Year

2026	$1,450	Centerpieces	Metal, Silver Plate	circa 1930
2026	$1,600	Barware	Silver Plate, Sterling Silver	1930's
2026	$12,500	Sterling Silver, Tableware	Sterling Silver	20th Century
2026	$1,400	Sheffield and Silverplate	Silver Plate	1920s
2026	$412	Sheffield and Silverplate	Silver Plate	unknown
2026	$750	Vases	Metal, Silver Plate	circa 1950
2026	$250	Barware	Metal, Silver Plate	1960's
2026	$165	Barware	Silver Plate	20th Century
2026	$560	Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche	Silver Plate	20th Century
2026	$300	Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche	Silver Plate	1950 c
2026	$300	Tableware	Silver Plate	n/a
2026	$1,400	Candelabras	Silver Plate	circa 1990
2025	$1,500	Platters and Serveware	Silver Plate	1950-1959
2025	$3,000	More Dining and Entertaining, Tableware	Silver Plate	circa 1935
2025	$300	Sheffield and Silverplate	Silver Plate	1940s
2025	$200	Vases, Sheffield and Silverplate	Silver Plate	1930s
2025	$1,665	Wine Coolers	Silver Plate	C. 1950
2025	$1,200	Letter Openers	Silver	1974
2025	$1,720	Platters and Serveware, More Dining and Entertaining	Silver Plate	circa 1935
2025	$225	Sheffield and Silverplate	Silver Plate	circa 1990

$1,802

Average sold price of items in the past 12 months

$146-$32,000

Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

Creators Similar to Christofle

Charles Schneider

Shop All Charles Schneider

Saint Clément

Shop All Saint Clément

Durand

Saint Louis

Louis Süe

Gallia

André Mare

Travail Francais

Shop All Travail Francais

Ceramique d'Art de Bordeaux

Shop All Ceramique d'Art de Bordeaux

Christofle furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Christofle furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Christofle furniture, although silver editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Christofle were created in the Art Deco style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Lalique, Cartier, and Charles Schneider. Prices for Christofle furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $92 and can go as high as $150,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,668.

Questions About Christofle

Where is Christofle made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Christofle is made in France. This company is renowned for its luxury tableware and flatware and has been based in Paris, France since it was founded in 1830. Browse a collection of authentic Christofle pieces from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you identify a Christofle?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
To identify a Christofle, examine it closely in search of the maker's marks. Prior to 1935, Christofle typically marked its silverware with a balance and the initials “OC.” Later pieces will generally display a chess piece with the same initials. Examples of these marks are available on the official Christofle website for you to compare to the markings on your piece. For further assistance making an identification, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Christofle silver wares.
What is Christofle known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
Christofle is known for designing luxury silverware and tableware. 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. 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 the roots of founder Charles Christofle, who got his start as a copper jeweler apprentice. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of Christofle pieces.
Is Christofle real silver?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
Yes, Christofle is real silver. The French silversmith produces pieces out of sterling silver that are roughly 93% pure silver and 7% copper. In addition, Christofle offers silver-plate items, which have a thin layer of 99.9% fine silver over a base metal. Explore a selection of Christofle silver wares on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Christofle cutlery?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
To identify Christofle cutlery, look for maker’s marks. Depending on the age of your piece, the marking may be "GC," "CC" or "Christofle." Alternately, pieces from the Gallia line may only say "Gallia." If you wish to learn the style name of your silverware, compare it to images shared by trusted online resources. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also be of assistance. Explore a diverse assortment of Christofle silverware on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Christofle silverware?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
To identify Christofle silverware, first find its maker's mark. On pieces produced before 1935, you'll normally find a balance stamp along with the initials “OC.” Later pieces show a chess piece along with the “OC” initials. The official Christofle website has a reference page with images of its various markings that can assist with the identification process. To determine what pattern your silverware is, examine images posted in identification guides found on various trusted online resources. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also be of help in identifying Christofle silverware. Explore a large collection of Christofle silver on 1stDibs.