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 |
| $1,379 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
$1,495
H 12.5 in W 12 in D 4.75 in
Christofle French Modernist Silver-Plate Hanukkah Menorah, Original Box
By Christofle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Christofle French Modernist Silver-Plate Hanukkah Menorah, Original Box French modernist silver-plated Hanukkah menorah by Christofle, presented in its original fitted Christofle bo...
Silver Plate
$1,380
H 9.44 in Dm 9.44 in
Christofle Silver-Plated Sully Champagne & Ice Bucket (Gallia Collection) 1950s
By Christofle
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant mid-century silver-plated champagne or ice bucket by the venerable French silversmith Christofle. Dating to the 1950s, this large and striking piece belongs to the prestigiou...
Silver Plate
1930s Christofle “Albatros” Silverplate Flatware Set, 51 pcs.
By Christofle
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Elegant Christofle flatware set in the refined “Albatros” pattern, preserved in its original fitted presentation case bearing the retailer’s address: Pavillon de Hanovre, Bd. des Ita...
Silver Plate
$721
H 5.52 in W 7.09 in D 4.73 in
1970s Minimalist Silver Plated Ice Bucket by Lino Sabattini for Christofle
By Christofle, Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage 1970s minimalist ice bucket is a striking example of Mid-Century Modern design, crafted by the renowned Italian designer Lino Sabattini for the prestigious French silver...
Silver Plate
$2,691 / set
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Christofle Osiris & Cluny Crystal Glass Service for Six, 24 Pieces, France 2005
By Christofle
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
An exceptional and remarkably preserved 24-piece crystal glass service by Christofle Paris, presented in its original Christofle boxes and comprising a complete table setting for six. The service combines two distinguished Christofle crystal collections: the sculptural Osiris stemware and the complementary Cluny Old-Fashioned glasses. Created by designer Bernard Yot, the Osiris collection was introduced by Christofle in 1991, drawing its inspiration from the aquatic and botanical world of ancient Egypt. Its distinctive decoration evokes the forms of lotus flowers and papyrus reeds, translated here into an elegant cut-crystal motif rising from the base of each bowl. The Osiris crystal pattern was produced during the period 1999–2005. The service includes three graduated Osiris stemware forms — water, red wine and white wine — creating a beautifully balanced formal table setting. Each glass retains its original Christofle label, an especially desirable detail for collectors and a clear indication that the service has never been used. Completing the ensemble are six Christofle Cluny...
Crystal
$4,123 / set
H 5.71 in W 3.86 in D 1.7 in
Pair of Christofle Silver-Plated "Poison" vases after Émile Reiber, ca 1874
By Christofle, Emile Reiber
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stylized fish standing upright on their crossed tails. The details are rendered in relief, allowing the silver-plated surfaces to alternate between strong reflections and deeper area...
Silver Plate
$18,000
H 7.68 in W 18.12 in D 11.03 in
Charles CHRISTOFLE Napoleon III Silverplate Bronze Centerpiece, 1856
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This exceptional Napoleon III silverplate bronze centerpiece, crafted in 1856 by the renowned French silversmith Charles Christofle, is a superb example of mid-19th century luxury de...
Crystal, Silver Plate, Bronze
$8,995 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Talisman Sienna Brown Christofle Silverplate Flatware Service Set 60 pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Christofle (France) flatware has been crafted by master artisans since 1830. The revolutionary style and character of Christofle dinnerware comes from collaborations with groundbreak...
Silver Plate
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $1,379 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $146-$12,500 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
