Skip to main content

Christofle Knife Boxes

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.

to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
131
11
7
4
3
Creator: Christofle
Early 20th century Shell Pattern Silver Plate Christofle Menagère, 1920s
By Christofle
Located in LEGNY, FR
Menagère from Christofle shell model in silver plate which includes 97 pieces: - 12 large spoons - 12 large forks - 12 large knives - 12 fish forks - ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Related Items
20th Century French Silver Plated Wine Cooler By Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An exquisite wine cooler crafted in silver plate by the renowned Christofle, originating from France in the mid-20th century. This timeless piece bears witness to enduring quality, s...
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Early 19th C Cutlery Tray W/ Scallop Edges
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19th C Cutlery tray w/ Scallop Edges. Hand crafted. Good Condition.
Category

19th Century American Adirondack Antique Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Wood

Early 19th C Cutlery Tray W/ Scallop Edges
Early 19th C Cutlery Tray W/ Scallop Edges
H 7.5 in W 15.5 in D 10.5 in
Early 19th Century George III Knife Box
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A handsome knife box now outfitted for letters.
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Wood

19th Century Set of Twelve Antique Sterling Silver 'Entremet' Knives
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A set of twelve antique sterling silver 'Entremet' knives, the blades hallmarked with the 950/100 Minerva head stamp and offered in their original blue silk-lined presentation case. ...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

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 Knife Boxes

Materials

Metal

Pair of 18th-Early 19th Century Georgian Inlaid Mahogany Knife Boxes
Located in Richmond, VA
Pair of late 18th-early 19th century Georgian inlaid mahogany knife boxes. Great color and patina. Serpentine form.
Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Mahogany

French Wood Bread Knife indide a bread-shaped scabbard brown Color 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A Bread Knife inside a a bread-shaped scabbard, in a brown Color, in Wood. Made in the 20 th Century.
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Stainless Steel

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 Knife Boxes

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate

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 Knife Boxes

Materials

Metal

Very Fine Early 20th Century Silver Plated Bowl by Christofle, Paris Circa 1900
By Christofle
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A most elegant Art Nouveau silver plated bowl of timeless design by one of the most noted and important silversmith firms in Europe. The...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

A set of 6 French knives from the mid-20th century.
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A set of 6 French knives from the mid-20th century, with steel blades stamped "Paris" and horn handles. Beautiful natural patina. Blade length: 13 cm.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Steel

Ice or champagne bucket by Christofle silver plated, France, Mid-20th Century
By Christofle
Located in Delft, NL
Ice or champagne bucket by Christofle silver plated, France, Mid-20th Century A stunning champagne bucket in silver plate, a heavy quality piece by the famous French Orfevrerie Christofle...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Previously Available Items
Set of 12 Christofle Knives, Art Deco Style, 1930.
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 12 Christofle knives, Art Deco style, 1930. Set of 12 Christofle knives, circa 1930, Art Deco style. H: 4.5cm, W: 28cm, D: 16cm
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Metal

Christofle Napoleon III Silverware Set of Full 45 Pieces, 19th Century, France
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and extremely elegant French Napoleon III style by the famous Silver Creator Christofle the official provider of table service for King Louis Philippe and the entire Nobles House of Orléans. In 1850, Napoléon Bonaparte commissioned Christofle to produce his table service for the Palais de l'Elysée. Christofle's relationship with Bonaparte continued after the later became known as Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Christofle's official titles of 'Goldsmith to the King' and the 'Emperor's Provider' having a new international expansion as official Silverware provider for the Kaiser of Germany, the royal households of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Tsar of Russia. 0 Inside three black original elegant wood presentation boxes with golden locks and handles and velvet, you will find a very elegant 19th century French set signed Christofle, known worldwide for its quality and elegance, using a higher standard of silver purity. This silver plated silverware set...
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Christofle Napoleon III Silverware Set of Full 45 Pieces, 19th Century, France
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and extremely elegant French Napoleon III style by the famous Silver Creator Christofle the official provider of table service for King Louis Philippe and the entire Nobles House of Orléans. In 1850, Napoléon Bonaparte commissioned Christofle to produce his table service for the Palais de l'Elysée. Christofle's relationship with Bonaparte continued after the later became known as Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Christofle's official titles of 'Goldsmith to the King' and the 'Emperor's Provider' having a new international expansion as official Silverware provider for the Kaiser of Germany, the royal households of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Tsar of Russia. 0 Inside three black original elegant wood presentation boxes with golden locks and handles and velvet, you will find a very elegant 19th century French set signed Christofle, known worldwide for its quality and elegance, using a higher standard of silver purity. This silver plated silverware set...
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Knife Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Christofle knife boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Christofle knife boxes are available for sale on 1stDibs.
Questions About Christofle Knife Boxes
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Recently Viewed

View All