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.
$3,951Sale Price|20% Off
Important 19th Century Gilded Bronze Centrepiece, Christofle, Paris
By Christofle
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent and important gilded bronze and Onyx centrepiece dating to around 1880. The beautifully cast base is made from bronze and covered in gold. The theme is highly sought...
Onyx, Bronze
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
"Triumphant Man, " Spectacular Gilded Bronze Trophy Cup w/ Male Nude, Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large and spectacular, this gilded bronze trophy cup in the Art Nouveau style was sculpted by Eugène Bourgouin for Christofle, and is richly decorated wi...
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
$33,905
H 16.15 in W 12.21 in D 14.57 in
Game center piece Bronze, c. 1860 Christofle goldsmith to Emperor Napoleon III
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
An exceptional centerpiece signed Christofle artwork is silver-plated bronze with a very nice patina. The artistic part is a work of achievement; the base is pierced, composed of bra...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Bronze by J. Rispal
By Jules Louis Rispal
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage 19th century work of art is an exceptionally detailed richly patinated bronze sculpture in the Art Nouveau style. It represents the goddess Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, awakening from her earthly sleep. Her head is adorned with a floral headband...
Bronze
Solid Bronze Male Torso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid bronze sculpture. This piece features the male form. A beautiful display piece for a shelf or paperweight. Signed G. Shaw. Dimensions 4" width x 1.75" depth x 4.25" height. C...
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Tazza Dish, Casted by Oudry, Paris
By A. Oudry
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique bronze tazza, a bowl on a high foot. The bowl is decorated with graceful flowers and dates from the late 19th century. Multicolored patina. The bowl is signed Oudry, a well-known French designer of bronze statues and ornamental objects. The tazza is of a very fine quality and in good condition. L. Oudry & Cie stands for Leopold Oudry...
Bronze
Grand Tour Male Nude Bronze Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th Century bronze male nude sculpture on wood pedestal base.
Bronze
$10,000 / set
H 19.3 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Pair of Silver Plate Candelabras Signed Christofle, France, Early 20th Century
By Christofle
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of silver plate candelabras signed Christofle, France, early 20th century.
Silver Plate
$1,245
H 10.5 in W 3.5 in D 7.75 in
Modernist 20th Century Soviet Russian Nude Male Sculpture in Blackened Bronze
Located in New York, NY
This handsome sculpture was realized in Russia in the 20th century. Created in blackened bronze, it features a male nude figure in the process of forging a sword. He is portrayed mid swing as he strikes the sword with a Hammer. His body torqued all of his muscles appear flexed. The male figure- with his chiseled physique- appears as the paradigm of male beauty- a true adonis. This sculpture offers a timeless motif- employed from Greek antiquity...
Bronze
$5,487
H 7.09 in W 15.75 in D 2.76 in
Early 20th Century Bronze entitled "Running Hare" by Andre Becquerel
By André Vincent Becquerel
Located in London, GB
A large and impressive early 20th Century Art Deco bronze modelled as a stylised running hare with very fine rich brown patina lightly rubbed on the highlights to a golden hue and wi...
Bronze
Classical Bronze Male Nude Torso Sculpture/Statue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid bronze male nudist statue. Classical Greek style sculpture. Unsigned. Would make a wonderful sculpture for desk, office, shelf, etc.
Bronze
$380
H 1.5 in W 3.25 in D 1 in
Early 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figurine
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1900s Vienna Bronze Dachshund Figurine – Unpainted, Patinated Finish A charming and finely crafted Vienna Bronze dachshund figurine dating to the early 1900s, found at an esta...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Porcelain Pig
Located in Barcelona, ES
Early 20th century porcelain pig. Beautifully patinated and crackled creamy white glaze. Quite possibly an old piggy bank, fed through bottom since slot ...
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Bronze entitled "The Lovers" by Ferdinand Lepke
Located in London, GB
A powerful and emotive bronze sculpture portraying a tender yet sensual moment between a young man and young woman, their bodies intimately entwined. The male figure gently embraces ...
Bronze
Pierced Silver Plate Cat Christofle France Lumiere Figurine
By Christofle
Located in Mérida, YU
Dazzling 3 1/2" silver cat was made by Christifle , France as part of their Lumiere series. Main body is pierced - face and tail are solid.
Silver Plate
Sold
H 10.75 in W 7.25 in D 5.75 in
Christofle Silver Plated "Il Diavolo" Mask by Gio Ponti for Lino Sabatini
By Christofle
Located in Miami, FL
A magniificent silver plated "Il Diavolo" mask by Gio Ponti for Lino Sabatini/Chirstofle. Signed and Numbered. Made in Italy.
Silver Plate
Sold
H 16.93 in Dm 6.7 in
Antique 19th Century French Solid Silver Statue, Christofle, Paris, circa 1860
By Christofle
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Description Antique 19th Century French monumental solid silver prize statue, standing on on a turned ebonized base, the statue realistically modelled as a cast female figure, hol...
Silver