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.
Antique Christofle et Cie Silvered Bronze and Crystal Centrepiece, circa 1900
By Christofle
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous early piece of antique Christofle dating to circa 1900. The hefty piece is made from silvered bronze fully marked on the side. The cut...
Crystal, Bronze
Silver-Plated Christofle Paperweight with Poetic Engraving by B. Quentin
By Bernard Quentin, Christofle
Located in Stockholm, SE
This elegant paperweight is a collectible piece created by the French silversmithing house Christofle and designed by B. Quentin in 1983. Crafted in silver-plated metal, it features ...
Stainless Steel
Silver-Plated Catchall Dish by Christofle, France, circa 1970
By Christofle
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Elegant silver-plated catchall dish by Christofle, dating from the 1970s. The piece features an organic leaf-inspired shape with finely engraved veins and a softly undulating rim. It...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini for Christofle, "Cardinale" Silver-Plated Metal Vases, Italy, 1950
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Naples, IT
Set of two “Cardinale” vases in silver-plated metal, designed by Lino Sabattini for Christofle. These sculptural objects from the 1950s stand out for their slender, harmonious forms,...
Silver Plate
Pair of Early 20th Century Plated 3-Arms Candelabras from France by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of early 20th century plated 3-arms candelabras from France by the company Christofle By: Christofle Material: silver, silver plate, metal Technique: silvered, plated, metalwor...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate
$408Sale Price|20% Off
Lino Sabattini Silverware "Cardinale" Vase for Christofle, France, 1956
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
A France Mid-Century Modern design vase model “Cardinale” in silvered metal designed by Italian artist Lino Sabattini for Christofle France in 1956,...
Silver Plate, Metal
Christofle Wine Trolley with Grape Leaves, Silver Plated, late 19th
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
This wonderful wine trolley is adorned with the most delicate grapevine you may find. A system makes possible to modify the inclination of the bottle to gently pour your best red win...
Silver Plate
Small Bronze Vase French Art Nouveau, Christofle et Cie by Emilé Reiber
By Christofle, Emile Reiber
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Bronze Vase, chiseled and partially gilt bronze en relief decorated with grasshoppers and wheat axes. The best of French Art Nouveau, Christofle et Cie...
Brass, Bronze
Rare Christofle Silvered Napoleon Empereur Letter Opener 1970s France
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Christofle silvered Napoleon Empereur letter opener, 1970s, France. Unique and precious details.
Silver Plate
Wonderful Christofle France Art Nouveau / Deco Silver Plate Letter Opener NEW
By Christofle
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Christofle France Art Nouveau / Deco Silver Plate Letter Opener Brand New
Silver Plate
Antique French Victorian Silver Plated Candelabra by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Victorian silver plated candelabra with a cupid standing on a circular base and holding 6 branches (b...
Silver Plate
Christofle French Art Deco Modern Classical Silver Plate Trophy
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco silver plate trophy. Made by Christofle in France, ca 1930. Hemispheric bowl; cover flush with arched finial mounted to raised center. Columnar cork support mounted to same ...
Silver Plate
Pair of Christofle Silver-Plated French Candlesticks
By Christofle
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Pair of Christofle Silver-Plated French Candlesticks An elegant pair of three-armed French candlesticks by Christofle, crafted in a refined neoclassical style. Each candlestick featu...
Metal
Silver-plated paperweight "Jardin d'Eden" collection Marcel Wanders, Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Brussels, BE
Silver-plated paperweight "Jardin d'Eden" collection by Marcel Wanders for Christofle, 2010
Silver Plate
Pair of Antique Six-Light Silvered Bronze Candelabra by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique six-light silvered bronze candelabra by Christofle French, 19th Century Height 67cm, diameter 37cm This superb pair of silvered bronze candelabra are crafted in the ...
Silver, Bronze
Christofle & R Rozet, Agricultural Trophy in Silver Bronze, Early 20th Century
By Christofle
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Green marble base, the label of the agricultural price to which it corresponded is missing The bronze is signed R Rozet (René, 1859-1939) and Christofle & Cie, who collaborated at...
Marble, Bronze
Christofle Sculpture of a Trophy, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver-plated metal sculpture and varnished wood base by Christofle representing an agricultural trophy, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 36cm, D: 23cm Contact us...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Silver Metal Planter by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Christofle Art Nouveau Silver Metal Planter Elegant Art Nouveau silver metal planter with removable tray, intricately designed with a scalloped edge and stands on four curved legs, e...
Metal
Art Nouveau Bronze Chandeliers by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Art Nouveau Bronze Candlesticks by Christofle These Art Nouveau bronze candlesticks, from the prestigious house of Christofle, are distinguished by their intricate design and excelle...
Bronze
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Christofle Silver Platted Bulb Vase
By Christofle
Located in Miami, FL
A silver platted bulb vase by Christofle France Stamped.
Silver Plate
Christofle Silverplate Picture Frame Circa 1970s in New Condition
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
Christofle silverplate French picture frame from the 1970s, in new condition with its original box, with a wood back. It measures 2 3/4'' in height by 2 1/3'' in width by 1/3'' in de...
Silver, Silver Plate
Pot à crayon en métal argenté estampillé Christofle
By Christofle
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Superbe et élégant pot à crayon en métal argenté estampillé Cristofle. Christofle France, circa 2000
Steel
French Art Deco vase by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
French original Art Deco vase by Christofle in brass dinanderie. The model is interesting by its green color and height. Signed at bottom.
Brass
Vintage Boho Christofle "Torsada" Bowls - Set of 4
By Christofle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your serveware collection with this set of 4 vintage Christofle “Torsada” handled bowls, a stunning example of French craftsmanship and boho elegance. Each bowl features the ...
Ceramic
Art Deco Christofle Iron Vase, Patinated Green, France, Circa 1930
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Art Deco iron vase, green, patinated, made by Christofle. Signed Christofle, 10A France, CIRCA 1930.
Iron
Maison Christofle Vase with Chevron/Zig Zag Design in Dinanderie Form
By Christofle
Located in Stamford, CT
A Maison Christofle Vase with Chevron/Zig Zag Design in Dinanderie Form.
Metal
Art Deco Inlaid Bronze Vase by Christofle, France, Circa 1930
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Green patinated bronze vase, with African ornaments and gold and silver inlays. Signed CHRISTOFLE. Exhibited in Paris at the "Colonial Exhibition" of 1931. Henri Bouilhet (1981) “1...
Gold, Silver, Bronze
Pair French Japonisme Ormolu Patinated Bronze & Cloisonné Vases Christofle & Cie
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
A Highly Important Pair of French Japonisme Ormolu, Patinated Bronze & Cloisonné Vases, by Christofle & Cie. Christofle & Cie is a renowned French silver and metalwork manufacturer f...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Pair of Bronze Vases by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair of Gilded Bronze Vases Christofle Circa 1930 This rare pair of Christofle bronze vases epitomizes the pinnacle of French decorative arts from t...
Bronze
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
Christofle Cache-Pot, Patinated Bronze with Faun Decor, Circa 1890
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Cache-pot made of pompeian green patinated bronze with decorations of fauns and gold mercury details. Made by Charles Christofle (1805-1863), in the 19th century, Napoleon 3rd style. Signed CHRISTOFLE ET CIE...
Metal, Bronze