Christofle Furniture
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.
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Christofle Furniture
Ormolu
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
20th Century Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Christofle Furniture
Porcelain
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century French Louis XV Christofle Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century French Christofle Furniture
Crystal
20th Century Christofle Furniture
Sterling Silver
20th Century French American Classical Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Christofle Furniture
Metal, Silver Plate
Late 19th Century French Antique Christofle Furniture
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1990s French Louis XVI Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
20th Century French Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Late 19th Century French High Victorian Antique Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Christofle Furniture
Metal
1990s French Modern Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1950s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1990s French Modern Christofle Furniture
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Antique Christofle Furniture
Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1930s French Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
20th Century French Art Deco Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Late 20th Century French Modern Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
20th Century Argentine Art Nouveau Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Late 20th Century French Space Age Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
20th Century Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1980s French Neoclassical Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century French Christofle Furniture
Silver
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Christofle Furniture
Metal, Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1990s French American Classical Christofle Furniture
Crystal, Sterling Silver
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Mid-19th Century French Antique Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate, Bronze
19th Century French Rococo Antique Christofle Furniture
Silver, Bronze
1880s French Victorian Antique Christofle Furniture
Onyx, Bronze
1880s French Antique Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
20th Century French Art Deco Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1940s Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1890s French Louis XV Antique Christofle Furniture
Bronze
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate, Metal
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
20th Century French Christofle Furniture
Silver
20th Century Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Christofle Furniture
Crystal, Bronze
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
1890s Antique Christofle Furniture
Metal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Christofle Furniture
Silver Plate
Christofle furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to Christofle
- Is Christofle real silver?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024To 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.
- Where is Christofle made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Christofle 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.
- What is Christofle known for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Christofle 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To 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.