Christofle Urns

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.

Creator: Christofle

Monumental Pair of Covered Presentation Vases Christofle, Paris, circa 1864-1865

$280,000Sale Price / set|20% Off

Monumental Pair of Covered Presentation Vases Christofle, Paris, circa 1864-1865

By Christofle

Located in Tarzana, CA

Monumental Pair of Covered Presentation Vases on Pedestals Christofle, Paris, circa 1864-1865 Grand neoclassical urn forms with waisted necks and slightly everted rims, fitted with ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Christofle Urns

Materials

Marble, Silver Plate

Christofle French Art Deco Modern Classical Silver Plate Trophy

$1,500

Christofle French Art Deco Modern Classical Silver Plate Trophy

By Christofle

Located in New York, NY

Art Deco silver plate trophy. Made by Christofle in France, ca 1930. Hemispheric bowl; cover flush with arched finial mounted to raised center. Columnar cork support mounted to same ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Christofle Urns

Materials

Silver Plate

A Pair of Paris Porcelain Bird Vases Circa 1880

$2,250 / set

H 10 in Dm 5 in

A Pair of Paris Porcelain Bird Vases Circa 1880

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A wonderful pair of French porcelain hand painted vases. The pair with hand painted black sparrows on one side, facing each other and the other side white doves. The body in the shape of an egg in a soft ecru color with pink tops...

Category

1880s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Christofle Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Christofle Silver-Plated "Poison" vases after Émile Reiber, ca 1874

$4,267 / set

H 5.71 in W 3.86 in D 1.7 in

Pair of Christofle Silver-Plated "Poison" vases after Émile Reiber, ca 1874

By Emile Reiber, Christofle

Located in Stockholm, SE

Stylized fish standing upright on their crossed tails. The details are rendered in relief, allowing the silver-plated surfaces to alternate between strong reflections and deeper area...

Category

1980s French Japonisme Vintage Christofle Urns

Materials

Silver Plate

12-Piece Art Deco Silver-Plated Knife Rests Set in the Manner of Christofle

$3,035 / set

H 1.97 in W 9.45 in D 9.45 in

12-Piece Art Deco Silver-Plated Knife Rests Set in the Manner of Christofle

By Christofle

Located in London, GB

A 12-piece Art Deco silver-plated knife rests set in the manner of Christofle French, Early 20th Century Case: 5cm high x 24cm wide x 24 in depth. Elephant: 3cm high x 9cm wide x ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Christofle Urns

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate

Pair of Meissen Covered Potpourri Vases, circa 1745

$55,000 / set

H 12.75 in Dm 5.25 in

Pair of Meissen Covered Potpourri Vases, circa 1745

Located in New York, NY

Pair of Meissen covered potpourri vases, circa 1745.

Category

1740s German Antique Christofle Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Luc Lanel for Christofle Dinanderie Vase

$850

H 5.25 in Dm 2.75 in

Luc Lanel for Christofle Dinanderie Vase

By Christofle, Luc Lanel

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Luc Lanel (French, 1893-1965) for Christofle, France. Art Deco patinated and gilt bronze dinanderie vase, early 20th century. The vase is of bottle form featuring a cylindrical neck ...

Category

1920s French Vintage Christofle Urns

Materials

Bronze

Christofle French Modern Sculptural Silver-Plated Vase

$1,637

H 6.5 in Dm 3 in

Christofle French Modern Sculptural Silver-Plated Vase

By Christofle

Located in Miami, FL

A striking modernist vase by the renowned French luxury house Christofle, showcasing the brand's signature blend of sculptural artistry and refined craftsmanship. Executed in a highl...

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Christofle Urns

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of Paris Porcelain Vases, France, circa 1880

$9,247 / set

H 17.33 in Dm 7.88 in

Pair of Paris Porcelain Vases, France, circa 1880

By Porcelaine de Paris

Located in PARIS, FR

Lovely pair of amphora vases in Paris porcelain, with polychrome rotating decoration of lilacs, roses, clematis, fuchsias and other natural flowers, on a white background. The foot a...

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Christofle Silvered Bronze Jardiniere Centerpiece

$3,800

H 6 in W 20 in D 13.75 in

Antique Christofle Silvered Bronze Jardiniere Centerpiece

By Christofle

Located in New York, NY

Antique (19th century) French silvered bronze centerpiece bowl or jardiniere by Christofle, 20 by 13 3/4 by 6 inches, features engraved crests paying tribute to the CERCLE NATIONAL D...

Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Christofle Urns

Materials

Bronze

In Manner of Christofle 19th-20th Century Silver Plated & Cut-Glass Centerpiece

$3,950Sale Price|58% Off

H 17 in W 22.5 in D 7.5 in

In Manner of Christofle 19th-20th Century Silver Plated & Cut-Glass Centerpiece

By Christofle

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fine and rare 19th-20th century neoclassical revival style silver plated and cut-glass centrepiece in the manner of Christofle. The boat-shaped body with ornately finely chased det...

Category

Early 1900s Unknown Neoclassical Revival Antique Christofle Urns

Materials

Metal

Luc Lanel for Christofle Rare Art Deco Dinanderie Vase in Bronze, France, 1920s

$4,500

H 7.25 in Dm 6 in

Luc Lanel for Christofle Rare Art Deco Dinanderie Vase in Bronze, France, 1920s

By Luc Lanel, Christofle

Located in New York, NY

Luc Lanel for Christofle rare exquisite Art Deco period dinanderie vase made of bronze applied with elegant gold leaf scroll details, France, 1920s. Stamped on the underside with maker's mark, "CHRISTOFLE" and "211 T." Authenticated with sticker on underside"CABINET - D'EXPERTISES FELIX MARCILHAC 17IA2." “Dinanderie” is a metalworking technique using a single piece of flat metal (copper, brass, silver, tin, etc.), folding it in on itself, and then hammering it into its desired shape such as a vase, platter, or pitcher, without making any cuts, soldering, or additions to the metal. Literature: Dominique Forest et Marie...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Urns

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Manner of Christofle 19th-20th Century Silver-Plated & Crystal Fruit Centerpiece

$4,895Sale Price|48% Off

H 17 in W 22.5 in D 7.5 in

Manner of Christofle 19th-20th Century Silver-Plated & Crystal Fruit Centerpiece

By Christofle

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fine and rare 19th-20th century neoclassical Revival style silver plated metal and cut-glass centerpiece in the manner of Christofle. The boat-shaped ornately body with finely chas...

Category

Early 1900s Unknown Neoclassical Revival Antique Christofle Urns

Materials

Metal

Pair of Wedgwood Borghese Covered Vases, circa 1840

$150,000

H 30 in Dm 11 in

Pair of Wedgwood Borghese Covered Vases, circa 1840

Located in New York, NY

With neoclassical decoration. Impressed Wedgwood.

Category

1840s English Antique Christofle Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Previously Available Items

Art nouveau silver plate jug and bowl by Christofle

Sold

H 12 in W 7 in D 9 in

Art nouveau silver plate jug and bowl by Christofle

By Christofle

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Art Nouveau silver plate jug and bowl by Christofle circa 1890 Fine quality jug and bowl by well known french makers Christofle. Rich in art noveau design with matching floral patte...

Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Christofle Urns

Materials

Silver Plate

Christofle urns for sale on 1stDibs.

Christofle urns are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of silver and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original urns by Christofle were created in the Art Nouveau style in france during the 19th century. Prices for Christofle urns can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,434 and can go as high as $350,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $176,717.

Questions About Christofle Urns

Where is Christofle made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Christofle 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.
How do you identify a Christofle?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
To 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.
What is Christofle known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
Christofle 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.
Is Christofle real silver?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
Yes, 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.
How do I identify Christofle cutlery?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
To 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.
How do I identify Christofle silverware?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
To 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.