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.
$221Sale 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
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
Brass and Cane Letter Opener by Carl Aubock
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
For five generations the design house of Carl Aubock has been turning ordinary objects like paperweights and bookends into extraordinary objects of beauty in an old town house in Vie...
Brass
Scissor, Letter Opener, Leather Desk Set
Located in Denton, TX
Gold leaf design on bankers green leather holder with nickel plated letter opener and D shaped handle forged scissors.
Steel
$980Sale Price|30% Off
H 0.5 in W 2.5 in D 9.25 in
French Art Deco Bronze Claw & Quill Letter Opener, Rare Bronze Letter Opener
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco Bronze Claw & Quill Letter Opener – France, circa 1920s–30s An exceptional and imaginative French Art Deco bronze letter opener, cast in the form of a bird's talon gras...
Bronze
Brass Letter Opener
Located in New York, NY
A vintage brass letter opener with a Greek-Key like design on handle, circa 20th century. Dimensions: .63" W x 7.5" Long. Other desk accessories available separately, search 1stDibs ref. #s: Italian desk/letter organizer...
Brass
Brass Sword Letter Opener
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A brass letter opener in the shape of a sword. perfect for the desk or work station.
Brass
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
Italian Horn Letter Opener by Arca
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Letter opener with horn and matte metal in the form of a realistically depicted lizard, length 10.5 inches, made by Arca an Italian home-ware company since 1958 This piece is brand ...
Metal
$1,500
H 0.5 in W 9 in D 2 in
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
$1,200
H 8.5 in W 1.8 in D 0.4 in
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
Malachite and Bone Letter Openers, two available
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Two Malachite and bone letter knives. Wonderful vintage letter openers with malachite handles. These would make a perfect gift for and office or functional luxury to use daily. Pric...
Malachite
$375 / set
H 6.75 in W 10.75 in D 1.25 in
Gold Plated Adam & Eve Magnifying Glass and Letter Opener Set by Michael Aram
By Michael Aram
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous gold plated "Adam & Eve" magnifying glass and letter opener set by Michael Aram, circa 2010s. This desk accessory set was part of the Michael Aram 25th Anniversary Comm...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
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