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.
Arman Violins Accumulations Paperweight for Christofle, France, 1980s
By Christofle, Arman
Located in Milan, IT
Arman violins accumulations metal paperweight for Christofle, France, 1983.
Metal
Late 20th Century/C. 1970 Silvered Napoleon Empereur Letter Opener by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 20th century/circa 1970 silvered Napoleon Empereur letter opener by Christofle By: Christofle Material: silver, silver plate, metal, paper Technique: polished, silvered, metalw...
Silver, Silver Plate, Metal
$219Sale Price / set|25% Off
Set Containing Letter Opener and Magnifying Glass by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Roma, IT
Silver metal set realized by Christofle in the mid20th Century. Includes a magnifying glass and a Letter Opener. In their original box. Excellent condition.
Metal, Silver
Christofle , silver plate paperweight " Lucky Dice ".cube .
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great paperweight design in this Christofle ornament .
Silver Plate
1960 Lino Sabattini Christofle Design Silver Metal Paperweight
By Christofle, Lino Sabattini
Located in Brescia, IT
Paperweight Lino Sabattini for Christofle France 1960 Silver Metal Mark manufacture impressed Very good condiction
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Silver Paper Weight & Paper Cutter by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Silver Paper Weight & Paper Cutter by Christofle
Silver
Silver French Christofle Letter Opener
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage French desk accessory by Christofle, this elegant silver-plated letter opener is a refined example of 20th-century decorative craftsmanship. Featuring a circular medallion ...
Silver
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
19thC French Solid Silver Bull On Stand, Christofle, Paris c.1860
By Christofle
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century French solid silver figural statue, beautifully modelled depicting a resting bull on an ebony base. The sculptural figure is modelled to the highest quality, undoubtedly by one of the best French sculptors and silversmiths of the period. Hallmarked French silver (Minerva 950 standard), unsigned, but attributed to Pierre-Louis Rouillard and Eugene Capy, Christofle, Paris, c.1860. (for a similar sculpture see, Sotheby's, 19th century Furniture, Sculpture, Ceramics, Silver & Works of Art, 22nd April 2010, New York, lot 48) The story of the firm Christofle began in 1830 when Charles Christofle (1805 - 1863) arrived in Paris from Lyons to join his brother-in-law’s jewellery firm. When his brother-in-law died in 1837, Charles took over the business which became, within a few years, one of the most successful and popular silver brands of the last two centuries. The turning point for the firm arrived in 1841 when, with the financial help of his sister Rosine Bouilhet, Charles bought from George and Richard Elkington the license to import and use in France their revolutionary electroplating system and started employing very skilled craftsmen and designers such as Mathurin Moreau (1821 - 1912) and Èmile Reibere (1826 - 1893). The first royal appointment arrived in 1844 when Louis Philippe ordered new tableware for his palaces. In 1855 Charles received from the Emperor Napoleon III the commission for a gold-plated dinner service for the Elysée Palace and a more than 1200 pieces service for the Tuileries palace. Charles Christofle also promoted his business exhibiting at the International Fairs and gaining important commissions from abroad including the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the Emperor Maximilian of Mexico...
Silver
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
$870Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.99 in W 14.57 in D 2.37 in
20th Cebtury Italian Big Sterling Silver Letter Opener
By Arval Argenti Valenza
Located in VALENZA, IT
Large, completely handmade, sterling silver letter opener. Perfect for a prestigious desk. The blade is smooth while the hand is embossed by hand on both sides with scrolls and fl...
Sterling Silver
GUCCI Set of Magnifying Glass and Letter Opener
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Gucci set of magnifying glass and letter opener made of solid brass / Made in Italy Original mark on the item / comes in original box length 4.7 inches / magnifying glass dia...
Brass
$386Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.63 in Dm 1.97 in
Moritz vase, design Lino SABATTINI in silvered metal and glass. Italy, 90s
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Torino, IT
Moritz vase, design Lino SABATTINI for Sabattini Silverware, in silver metal and glass base. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 1990s DESIGNER Lino SABATTINI (1925-2016) was born in Correggio (R...
Metal, Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini 'Cardinale' Bud Vase Design for Christofle
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Sharon, CT
The largest (14.5") version of this classic silver plated brass vase designed by Lino Sabattini for Christofle. Fully signed on bottom.
Silver Plate
$230
H 2.25 in W 2.75 in D 2.63 in
Dice Steel Metal Sculpture or Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage German Steel Dice Paperweight (Art Deco Style, c. Mid-20th Century) A striking minimalist sculpture and paperweight, this German steel cube features a single dice form balan...
Metal, Steel
$176 / item
H 3.94 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Handmade Small Decorative Paperweight Cube in Black Marquina Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Small decorative paperweight cube full in black Marquina marble. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and shades) and handmade by Italian artisans ...
Marble
$353 / item
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Handmade Big Decorative Paperweight Cube in Black Marquina Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Big decorative paperweight cube full in black Marquina marble. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and shades) and handmade by Italian artisans sp...
Marble
Gorgeous Murano Italian Art Glass Giant Octopus Paperweight, Italy, 1980s
By Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass Statue, paper weight or sculpture. Showing a giant octopus. Colors are a blue, white, black and clear. A beautiful nice addition to your...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass Paperweight With Swirl Tornado Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass paper weight. A beautiful nice addition to your desktop. Found at an estate sale in Verona, Italy....
Murano Glass
$353 / item
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Handmade Big Decorative Paperweight Cube in Satin White Carrara Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Big decorative paperweight cube full in satin white Carrara marble. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and shades) and handmade by Italian artisa...
Marble
Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Letter opener in silver bronze Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr This letter opener is the handmade work of French designer Richard Lauret...
Bronze
Dice Metal Statue Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Super cool Art Deco design sculptural "High Roller" dice paperweight. Nice dice atop a nickel base. The best addition to your desk or every room.
Metal
Sold
H 2.56 in Dm 1.38 in
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
Christofle Silver Plated Pen Holder in Classic Beaker Form
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
A very elegant silver plated pen holder by the French house of Christofle. It is signed Christofle on bottom as well. A wonderful gift for the person who has everything. Very Good Vi...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.56 in W 3.55 in D 0.2 in
Christofle's 'The Hand of Destiny': Silver Palm Reading Paperweight and Booklet
By Christofle
Located in North Miami, FL
Christofle's 'The Hand of Destiny' package: silver palm reading paperweight and accompanying booklet (plus letter of dedication) By: Christofle Material: silver, silver plate, sheet...
Silver, Silver Plate, Metal, Sheet Metal
Sold
H 2 in W 2 in D 4 in
C. 1990 Hammered Silver Horse Head Paperweigh By Frédéric Barnley For Christofle
By Frédéric Barnley, Christofle
Located in North Miami, FL
C. 1990 hammered silver Horse Head paperweigh sculpture by Frédéric Barnley for Christofle By: Frédéric Barnley, Christofle Material: meta, silver, silver plate Technique: hammered ...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate
Christofle Paris Silvered Bronze Racing Car Letter Opener
By Christofle
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
An Art Deco silvered bronze automotive letter opener by Christofle Paris. Hallmarked and stamped 'Christofle' to side. Original labelled box.
Bronze
Sold
H 8.63 in W 2 in D 0.25 in
Christofle Silver Plated Letter Opener, US Eagle Seal, Given by JFK to Col. Paul
By Christofle
Located in valatie, NY
Vintage Christofle Silver Plated Letter Opener, US Eagle Seal, C1960. Given by President John F. Kennedy to Colonel Michael Paul. From the estate of Colonel Paul. Paul Michael Iogolevitch - 1901/1980, later known as Colonel Michael Paul was a violinist who joined the Russian Army at age 15 and fought in World War I. He migrated to the United States where he became wealthy in the petroleum industry. He founded the C. Michael Paul Foundation. Before Kennedy was elected President, when ever he traveled to Palm Beach to visit his mother and father, he stayed at his father’s estate on Ocean Blvd. After the election, his father's house would not accommodate both the Kennedy family and all of the Presidential entourage. So to offset these logistical problems, the presidential party usually stayed at the nearby estate of Colonel C. Michael Paul. Paul’s opulent estate had eight bedrooms, museum quality art on the walls, a panoramic floor-to-ceiling view of the ocean, a grand marble staircase, and a heated swimming pool. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was said to be very comfortable using the house. In addition, the house met her chief requirement of providing privacy with its' high hedges that completely surrounded the property. This allowed Caroline and John, Jr. to play in the outdoor fountain and swimming pool unseen and provided ample space for the machine-gun toting Secret Service officers to set-up and maintain a security perimeter. Kennedy also had a meeting with Golda Meir...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 8.67 in W 1.97 in D 0.2 in
Letter Opener by Christofle France Coat of Arms of the Grand Duche Luxembourg
By Christofle
Located in Vienna, AT
Superb letter opener from Christofle brand with coat of arms of the Grand Duche of Luxembourg Excellent condition. Measures: Length: 22 cm Weight: 136 grams.
Brass
Christofle Paris, Napoleon I Letter Opener
By Christofle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Christofle Paris, Napoleon I letter ppener, A fine example this weighty letter opener, adorned with a portrait of a Laurel wearing Napoleon I. The back subt...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 4.34 in W 8.86 in D 5.71 in
Andrée Putman for Christofle Silver Plate and Black Lacquer Vertigo Box
By Andree Putman, Christofle
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant silver plate and black lacquered wood decorative lidded box from the Vertigo Collection, designed by Andrée Putman for French silversmith Christofle. Geometric shape with min...
Silver Plate, Metal
Sold
H 8 in W 1 in D 0.8 in
Jean Filhos for Christofle Silvered Bronze Erotic Letter Opener Nude, 1974 Franc
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Midcentury silvered erotic letter opener or bookmark with nudes by the French artist Jean Filhos, (1921-2002) This model was created as the official 1974 ...
Silver
Christofle 1970s Silver Plate and Lucite Box
By Christofle
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant modernist decorative box designed by Christofle France. Minimalist geometric shape with silverplate base and thick crystal clear Lucite lid. Legal hallmarks on the side. ...
Silver Plate, Metal
French Vintage Christofle Frame, 1960-1970
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
A 20th century vintage rectangular silvered brass picture frame with wood in reverse. Stamped and signed Christofle. France, circa 1960s-1970s. Art Deco style.
Silver, Brass