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.
Vintage Christofle Crystal Decanter, Modernist Design Barware 1970's
By Christofle
Located in North Miami, FL
This chic vintage modernist and heavy clear crystal Christofle glass decanter with its circular raised design is perfect for any bar. The wonderful ...
Blown Glass
Vintage Midcentury Barware Rocks Glasses 1960s Gold Presidential Coins
By Cera, The Couroc Company, Culver Ltd.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Midcentury vintage Set of 7 pieces 5-ounce rocks glasses 1960s gold printed presidential coins. Cera 22-karat gold signed glassware barware. Gold and black coin design. The glasses f...
Glass
Modernist Steuben Decanters, Rare and Exceptional
By Steuben Glass
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1930s, Steuben, American. Shape No. 7625. Primary tones and sleek forms collide in this striking pair of rare Art Deco decanters by Steuben. Whether displayed or containing a potent potable, the sleek primary forms and stunning hues add elegant silhouettes and vibrant colors to any décor. Impeccably made by one of the world’s most esteemed glassmakers, this pair of decanters are in very good condition, with a slight pair of frits noted on one. Remark: "Color, quality, and rarity: this is luxury. Steuben is authentic American chic. Perfect in any décor and exceptional in a Mid-Century setting think Vladimir Kagan or George Nakashima furniture" SIZE: 14 3/8 inches tall by 4 1/2 inch diameter base HALLMARKS: “Steuben” on gold decanter...
Crystal
Crystal Decanter German
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial red raspberry dark pink cut-to-clear crystal wine or liquor decanter with stopper, in the style of luxury maker Val St. Lambert, circa mid to late-20th ce...
Crystal
$375 / set
H 5 in Dm 2.88 in
Vintage 12 Piece Libbey, Gold Coin, Barware Suite, 6 Highball, 6 Rocks Glasses
By Libbey Glass Co.
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage Libbey barware with gold coins against a pebbled black ground. Twelve piece set includes 6 highball glasses and 6 whiskey/rocks glasses....
Glass
Vintage Bohemian Crystal Decanter, NOS, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Decorative clear crystal decanter with fluted spherical stopper. Made in Bohemia/Czech Republic during the 1970s. NOS - new old stock and has never been in use. It has a capacity of ...
Crystal
$165 / set
H 3.75 in Dm 2.5 in
Moroccan Royal Blue Shot Glasses with Gold Moorish Design Set of 6 Barware
By Carl Moser 1, Culver Ltd.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan Royal Blue Shot Glasses with Gold Moorish Design Set of 6. Set of six royal cobalt blue shot drinking glasses barware with gold Moorish desi...
Glass
$1,241 / set
H 9.45 in W 5.91 in D 3.55 in
Art Deco Czech Geometric Crystal Glass Decanter Set by Karl Palda, circa 1930s
By Karl Palda
Located in Devon, England
Extremely stylish Art Deco 1930s crystal glass decanter set which comes with six matching glasses and decanter with stopper, the whole being heavily enamelled with geometric floral d...
Crystal
$4,475 / set
H 9.25 in Dm 3.25 in
Set of 60 Modernist Etched Crystal Glasses by Stuart with Neoclassical Detailing
By Stuart Glass Company
Located in New York, NY
This stunning set of 60 glasses were realized by the renowned British maker, Stuart, in England during the latter half of the 20th Century. The set features 12 of the following piece...
Crystal
Baccarat Crystal Tableware / Barware Service / 12 People
By Baccarat
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Richly and beautifully design inspired by a jeweled tiara, with sparkling cuts surrounding the glass. The deep cuts allow the light to retract and shine to a brilliant finish from an...
Crystal
$650 / set
H 11 in Dm 7.75 in
Vintage Schott Zwiesel Glass Triple Use Vase Decanter Bowl Zwiesel Kristallglas
By Schott Zwiesel
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous triple use glass vase, decanter, bowl by Schott Zwiesel a division of Zwiesel Kristallglas. They are in awesome vintage condition with no chi...
Glass
$1,450 / set
H 9.25 in W 5 in D 5 in
Pair Asymmetrical MCM Baccarat Crystal Whiskey Decanters, 20th Century
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Unusual asymmetrical configuration Modernist style pair of Baccarat crystal decanters. Signed on the bases Excellent condition.
Crystal
Baccarat Crystal Tableware / Barware Service / 12 People
By Baccarat
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Richly and beautifully design inspired by a jeweled tiara, with sparkling cuts surrounding the glass. The deep cuts allow the light to retract and shine to a brilliant finish from an...
Crystal
Sold
H 9.45 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
Silver Plated & Glass Spice Cruet for Vinegar and Oil by Christofle, Germany 50s
By Christofle
Located in Bastogne, BE
Beautiful Silver Plated and Glass Spice Cruet For Vinegar And Oil by Christofle Germany, 1950s. A spice cruet is a part of the tableware for storing table...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 6.25 in Dm 7.5 in
Christofle Checkerboard Crystal and Silver Plate Ice Or Champagne Bucket Barware
By Christofle
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely hallmarked French Christofle crystal ice bucket or champagne bucket is signed. it is from the 3000 collection. It has at the bottom 2 ro...
Silver Plate