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

$1,291

Styles

Materials

Related Creators

Early 20th Century Christofle “Japonais” 37-Piece Silver-Plated Flatware Service

$1,546

H 3.15 in W 16.93 in D 10.24 in

Early 20th Century Christofle “Japonais” 37-Piece Silver-Plated Flatware Service

By Christofle

Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES

A refined early 20th-century silver-plated flatware service by the celebrated French Maison Christofle, presented in the historic Japonais pattern and retaining its fitted period pre...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

Christofle French Modernist Silver-Plate Hanukkah Menorah, Original Box

$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...

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

Christofle Flatware Cutlery Set Talisman Plated Silver & Sienna Lacquer 89 Pces

$18,904 / set

H 0.04 in W 0.04 in D 0.04 in

Christofle Flatware Cutlery Set Talisman Plated Silver & Sienna Lacquer 89 Pces

By Christofle

Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR

Flatware cutlery set "Talisman" made in plated silver metal and Sienne Chinese lacquer by Christofle. Each piece is signed and stamped. Excellent condition. Flatware cutlery set fo...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

Christofle Osiris & Cluny Crystal Glass Service for Six, 24 Pieces, France 2005

$2,692 / 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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Christofle

Materials

Crystal

Christofle Silver-Plated Sully Champagne & Ice Bucket (Gallia Collection) 1950s

$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...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

Christofle Gallia, Paris - Circular Cocktail Tray c.1940

$1,029

H 0.5 in Dm 13.25 in

Christofle Gallia, Paris - Circular Cocktail Tray c.1940

By Christofle

Located in Bath, GB

A lovely Art Deco silver plated tray by the top-notch silversmith, Maison Christofle of Paris. A highly sought-after simple design with a linear border. Signed on the underside wit...

Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

1970s Minimalist Silver Plated Ice Bucket by Lino Sabattini for Christofle

$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 Lino Sabattini, Christofle

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Minimalist Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

1930s Christofle “Albatros” Silverplate Flatware Set, 51 pcs.

$4,468

H 9.06 in W 16.93 in D 10.24 in

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...

Category

19th Century French Art Deco Antique Christofle

Materials

Silver Plate

Browse all Furniture from Christofle

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Christofle Sale Prices

Sold Date

Sold Price

Category

Material

Creation Year

2026	$1,000	Vases	Metal, Silver	Circa 1930
2026	$3,240	Table Lamps	Silver	circa 1930s
2026	$850	Barware	Metal, Chrome, Lucite, Plexiglass	circa 1970
2026	$300	Sterling Silver	Silver Plate	19th Century
2026	$208	Dinnerware and Flatware Sets	Silver Plate	20th Century
2026	$2,079	Fashion Rings	18k Gold, White Gold, Diamond	21st Century
2026	$400	Vases	Crystal	1950s
2026	$5,795	Sterling Silver, Tableware	Sterling Silver	20th Century
2026	$1,450	Serving Pieces	Silver Plate, Crystal	21st Century
2026	$1,418	Barware, Wine Coolers	Silver Plate	circa 1980s
2026	$650	Wine Coolers	Silver Plate	c. 1980
2026	$650	Picture Frames	Sterling Silver	Late 20th Century
2026	$700	Sheffield and Silverplate	Silver Plate	1965
2026	$166	Picture Frames	Silver, Silver Plate, Glass, Wood	1970s
2026	$1,400	Wine Coolers	Metal, Silver Plate	Circa 1930
2026	$175	Picture Frames	Silver, Silver Plate, Glass, Wood	1970s
2026	$200	Porcelain	Porcelain	1990
2026	$675	Wine Coolers	Silver Plate	circa 1930
2026	$345	Serving Pieces	Silver Plate	1950s
2026	$6,951	Sheffield and Silverplate	Silver Plate	1980

$1,291

Average sold price of items in the past 12 months

$146-$12,500

Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

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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.