Christofle Clocks
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.
to
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
Height
to
Width
to
2
2
2
133
72
51
40
37
Creator: Christofle
A 19th century bronze silver plated pendule by Christofle Paris.
By Christofle
Located in Wijnegem, BE
A spectacular 19th century bronze silver plated pendule by Christofle Paris.
This is the only known mid 19th century clock by Christofle of this size
(85cm!) and design, most likely...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Clocks
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Christofle, "President" Table Clock, France 1980s
By Christofle
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb "Président" model table clock from the Christofle factory in France. Created in the 80s. Art Deco style. Base and columns in silver-plated metal, hallmarked by the manufacture...
Category
1980s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Clocks
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
Related Items
1980s Postmodern Table Clock attr. to Shohei Mihara for Wakita
By Shohei Mihara
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With a chrome frame, black and white face, and geometric hands in green, red, and yellow, this amazing 1980s desk clock has all of the hallmarks of great 1980s Memphis-inspired postm...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Christofle Clocks
Materials
Chrome
Seiko Ship's Nautical Analog Clock, 1980s
Located in Nantucket, MA
From a decommissioned Japanese ship, black Seiko analog clocks with brushed nickel faces. Battery mechanism updated and an easy opening on the back side. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Industrial Christofle Clocks
Materials
Metal
Radical Memphis style table clock, lacquered metal, 1980s
Located in taranto, IT
Radical Memphis style table clock, produced in the early 1980s, postmodern, made of lacquered metal, with red circular dial on black background.
It is part of a stock of clocks from...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Christofle Clocks
Materials
Metal
1980s Postmodern Pendulum Desk Clock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic postmodern vintage desk, mantel, or shelf clock with a round base, diagonal case, geometric hands, and a pendulum oval-shaped ‘ring’ above the base of the clock that keep...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Christofle Clocks
Materials
Plastic
Antique 19th Century French Ormolu Bronze Garniture, G. J. Levy, Paris c.1870
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century French garniture, cast bronze in ormolu, a striking ensemble featuring a pair of seven-light candelabras and a mantel clock. The clock is adorned with foliage an...
Category
1870s French Other Antique Christofle Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
H 26.38 in W 7.88 in D 21.66 in
Postmodern Wall Clock, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Wall Clock, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989.
Additional information:
Materials: Metal, Wood
Color: Black
Styles: Memphis, Postmodern
Item Type: Vint...
Category
20th Century Post-Modern Christofle Clocks
Materials
Metal
19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock
By Claude Galle
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Clock. circa 1810 clock Napoleonic Empire Bronze Dore. La Liseuse" clock after Reiche, by Claude Galle & Grand Girad. Signed in Paris
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Brutalist Style Table Clock by David Marshall (circa 1980s)
By David Marshall
Located in London, GB
An aluminium and brass brutalist-style table clock by David Marshall (circa 1980s). The piece is weighty and wonderfully tactile with the maker's mark impressed on the front brass fr...
Category
1980s Spanish Vintage Christofle Clocks
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Nicolai Canetti - Artec - Table Clock 1980s
By Canetti
Located in Den Haag, NL
Rare Postmodern Constructivist Geometric Artec Collector's Collection Clock by Canetti, USA, 1980s.
Postmodern Clock, ArTime Collection, by Canetti, Inc, 1980s
This clock has a uniqu...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Christofle Clocks
Materials
Metal
Swatch Wall Clock Maxi 1980s
By Swatch
Located in Čelinac, BA
Swatch wall clock maxi 1980s
Category
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Clocks
Materials
Plastic
1980s French Postmodern Mantle Clock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sculptural French postmodern mantel clock with blue and splatter painted supports, gray face and accents, and black numbers and hands. A fantastically contrasting low triangular s...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Christofle Clocks
Materials
Wood
1980s Black and Gray Table Clock by Costantini l’Oggetto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Manufactured by Costantini l’Ogetto in Italy during the 1980s and likely designed by Pietro d’Amato, this table or mantle clock has a glossy black stepped base, matte gray body, matt...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Christofle Clocks
Materials
Wood
Previously Available Items
Christofle Silver Boulle Desk Clock
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
A contemporary French Christofle silver plated desk or accent clock in its original box, bag and protection sticker on the glass.
A timeless decorative piece and gift idea for bedroo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Christofle Clocks
Materials
Glass
Silver Desk Clock by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Milan, IT
Marvelous desk clock by Christofle.
Streamlined piece with silver elements.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Christofle Clocks
Materials
Silver
Christofle clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Christofle clocks are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of silver and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original clocks by Christofle were created in the Art Deco style in france during the 1980s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider clocks by Bonnet and Pottier, JAZ, and Bayard. Prices for Christofle clocks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,758 and can go as high as $2,758, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,758.
Creators Similar to Christofle
Questions About Christofle Clocks
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.