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.
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
Arman Violins Accumulations Paperweight for Christofle, France, 1980s
By Arman, Christofle
Located in Milan, IT
Arman violins accumulations metal paperweight for Christofle, France, 1983.
Metal
Christofle , silver plate paperweight " Lucky Dice ".cube .
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great paperweight design in this Christofle ornament .
Silver Plate
Silver-Plated Christofle Paperweight with Poetic Engraving by B. Quentin
By Christofle, Bernard Quentin
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
$388Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.63 in Dm 1.97 in
Moritz vase, design Lino SABATTINI in silvered metal and glass. Italy, 90s
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
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
$320
H 7.09 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in
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
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
$40 / item
H 0.2 in W 7.49 in D 2.56 in
Handcrafted Brass Leaf Decorative Paperweight with Bronze Patina
By Alguacil & Perkoff Ltd.
Located in London, London
Handmade cast brass leaf with stunning details, a beautiful bronze patina finish and polished highlights. Ideal as an elegant paperweight or just a charming decorative object. Each ...
Brass
$355 / 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
$177 / 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
Murano Mushroom Toadstool Art Glass Paperweight Orange 1980s
By Fornasa De Murano A L'Insegna Del Moreto
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Murano Style Italian Art Glass Mushroom Toadstool Paperweight Orange with Millefiori and White 1980s. Beautiful vintage Murano style hand made orange with multicolor spots Italian ar...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
$2,200
H 2.25 in W 5.5 in D 3.5 in
1960’s Hermes Paris Silver Plated Horse Equestrian Magnifying Paperweight W/Box
By Hermès
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful vintage Hermes Silverplated Horse motif magnifying paperweight. The detail of the casting is quite extraordinary. The original box is included although the box is quite...
Silver Plate
$355 / 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
$750
H 2 in W 4 in D 10 in
Christofle Gallia Lino Sabatini Silver-Plated Leaf-Shaped Dish Mid-Century Moder
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Christofle Gallia (Lino Sabatini) silver-plated leaf-shaped dish, often referred to as a vide-poche or pocket tray. Christofle, specifically fr...
Silver Plate
$222Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 8.27 in W 0.4 in D 0.79 in
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
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
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