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.
Maison Christofle Black Art Deco Talisman Lacque de Chine Trinket Box – 1986
By Christofle
Located in Tucson, AZ
Designed by Bernard Yot in 1986, this trinket box features the rare Art Deco inspired Talisman pattern. The striking Cloisonne design is the result of a painstaking 22-step process o...
Hermes Vintage H Box
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage rare silver tone metal box featuring a large gold plated H design on top. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Silversmith RAVINET D'ENFER - RD - hallmark. Made in France. I...
Exceptional Hermès Tennis Racquet Shaped Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Tennis Racquet Shaped Vintage item Made of metal The lid is made of transparent plastic on which are drawn lines representing the r...
Exceptional Hermès Pill Box or Candies Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Made of metal "Clou de selle" in front engraved "HERMÈS PARIS" "HERMÈS PARIS" engraved at back Colorway: silvery Perfect to keep pil...
Patek Philippe Lacquered Wood Swiss Watch Presentation Box
By Patek Philippe
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Patek Philippe lacquered wood Swiss watch Presentation Box. It features a hinged front lock closure with metal hardware and an inlaid maker’s logo on the lid. The interior is lined with beige soft leather and includes a watch insert. The lid interior is stamped with a silver gilt Patek Philippe logo. Authentic Patek Philippe in brown wooden wrist watch storage box including case, certificate and booklets in leather pouch. Condition: The lacquered box is in great condition, some light scratches on top of case. Dimensions: 4"H x 9.25"W x 6"D. Outer box: 7" x 10" x 5" Featuring a beautiful Art Deco style wood and embossed with the Calatrava cross, this storage case is sure to impress. Elevate your wristwatch collection with the Patek Philippe Watch Box...
Aet Deco Hand Painted Celluloid Box
Located in New York, NY
Charming Art Deco Celluloid Box from the 1920's with applied "cameo" and hand painted with garlands. Silver painted feet, 1920's USA. 4" x 2.5" x 1.5".
Exceptional Hermès Gold Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Numbered and signed "HERMES PARIS" Made of a round plexiglass disc decorated with a twisted yellow gold wire and a yell...
Charming Peruzzi Silver Cherub Pill Box
Located in New York, NY
Charming Peruzzi Silver Cherub Pill Box of 800 silver. Made by Fratelli Peruzzi circa 1950's with gilt vermeil interior. Signed.
Hermes Silver Tone Cornucopia Metal Matchbox
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Silver-tone metal matchbox featuring a “Cornucopia design” (Horn of abundance) and a leather box that fits into the metal sleeve, engraved Hermes Paris on the bottom. Circa 19...
Hermès Spinning Top Toopy Leather Wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Spinning Top "TOOPY" Rare item Made of smooth young bull leather and mahogany wood (cuir de taurillon lisse et bois d'acajou) "HERMÈS" engraved on th...
Exceptional Hermès Openwork Chiselled Silver Box Case RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely stunning Authentic Hermès Box The design on the lid is beautiful, very fine and delicate Made of openwork chiselled silver box Vinta...
Petite malle Louis Vuitton fushia
By Louis Vuitton
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Petite malle Louis Vuitton en toile Monogram, intérieur fuchsia, fleur peinte à la main. Parfait état, pièce rare, certifiée et décorative. Cette petite malle Louis Vuitton est une ...
Cartier Jewelry Ring Box in Red Leather Gilt Embossed
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Red Leather Gilt Embossed Ring Presentation Storage Travel box. Cartier ring presentation box with outer box Cartier Paris red leather ...