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.
GALLIA & CHRISTOFLE - 6-piece Knife Rest Set
By Christofle
Located in Beaune, FR
A set of six silver-plated GALLIA animal-shaped knife rests by Christofle: cat, pig, dog, lion, bear and bird. Designed by Marcel Sandoz. Dimensions Length approximately 10cm W...
Silver Plate
Christofle : "Orly", 113 pieces Cutlery set by Lino Sabatitni - 1957
By Christofle
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
"Orly" 113 pieces cutlery set by Christofle in its original wood boxes 5wood and paper branded) designed by Lino Sabattini in 1957 Wood box dimensions : H 11 cm x W 37.5 cm x D 31 c...
Metal, Silver Plate
$1,740 / set
H 2.37 in W 9.26 in D 6.7 in
Meat Cutting knifes, Set with Box, Polished Horn & Alpaca Silver
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
When we created this family, we were inspired by the laughs, anecdotes and the joy of sharing with friends and loved ones when eating an ASADO (typical Argentinean grilled roast beef). This family contains meat knives, forks, spoons, cheese knives...
Metal
$2,970 / 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 ...
Silver, Silver Plate
$7,425 / set
H 0.79 in W 3.15 in D 0.79 in
Set of Twelve Plated Silver Animalier Knife Rests by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in London, GB
Set of twelve plated silver animalier knife rests by Christofle French, c. 1930 Bird: height 2cm, width 8cm, depth 2cm Case: height 4.5cm, width...
Silver Plate
$699 / set
H 13 in W 18.51 in D 3.94 in
Vintage Flatware Cutlery Set Fürst Besteck Solingen, Set 68, Germany, 1960s
By Bestecke Solingen
Located in Bastogne, BE
Solingen set of cutlery made of high-quality stainless steel in the amount of 68 pieces for 12 people in a stylish package. Germany, 1960s. Rust resistant. Mirror polishing technol...
Stainless Steel
$1,343
H 11.82 in W 17.72 in D 13.78 in
Victorian Campaign Cutlery Box Set Knife Fork Rushworths Huddersfield
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Extensive Canteen of Silver-Plated Cutlery (c. 1900) in Campaign-Style Fitted Oak Cabinet Inscribed by the maker - Rushworths 2 Webgate Huddersfield ...
Oak
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.
Wood
$3,800 / set
H 0.79 in W 3.94 in D 0.79 in
Set of 12 Fine French Art Deco Silver Plated "Gallia" Knife Rests by Christofle
By Marcel Eduoard Sandoz, Gallia, Christofle
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of 12 fine French Art Deco silver plated knife rests designed by Edouard-Marcel Sandoz for the Gallia collection of Christofle. All 12 animals are different. Original case. Aver...
Silver Plate
1950s Anton Wingen Jr. Solingen Germany Rostfrei Cutlery Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a vintage/antique German Anton Wingen Jr. Solingen cutlery and carving set. This unique meat carving set is made of stainless steel and stag a...
Stainless Steel
$2,994Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 0.79 in W 0.79 in D 3.55 in
Set 12 Gallia Knife Rests Animals Art Deco Christofle Edouard Sandoz Silverplate
By Edouard-Marcel Sandoz, Gallia, Christofle
Located in Lausanne, CH
A boxed set of 12 knife rests in silver-plate, Art Deco period, designed by Swiss sculptor Edouard Sandoz, manufactured by Christofle, Orfévrerie Gallia circa 1935. There are 6 pairs...
Silver Plate
$3,200 / set
H 0.79 in W 3.94 in D 0.79 in
Set of 12 Fine French Art Deco Silver plated "Gallia" Knife Rests by Christofle
By Marcel Eduoard Sandoz, Christofle
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of 12 fine French Art Deco silver plated knife rests designed by Marcel Sandoz for the Gallia collection of Christofle. Six different animals are rep...
Silver Plate, Metal
$3,200
H 0.79 in W 3.94 in D 0.79 in
Set of 12 Fine French Art Deco Silver plated "Gallia" Knife Rests by Christofle
By Christofle, Marcel Eduoard Sandoz
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Set of 12 fine French Art Deco silver plated knife rests designed by Marcel Sandoz for the Gallia collection of Christofle. All 12 animals are different. Original case. Hallmark ” Ga...
Silver Plate
$1,227 / set
H 1.38 in W 4.34 in D 1.58 in
Art Nouveau set of 6 Knife Rests Poppy Flowers Gallia Christofle Silver Plated
By Gallia
Located in Paris, FR
This set of 6 knife-rests with blooming poppy flowers is a very good and typical Art Nouveau design. They are silver-plated, made by Gallia famous french silversmith part of Christofle world well-known. Each one is stamped and signed in the crossbar: "GALLIA METAL...
Silver Plate
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
Metal
Sold
H 7.88 in W 17.72 in D 13.78 in
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 - ...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.76 in W 9.45 in L 2.76 in
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...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.76 in W 9.45 in D 19.1 in
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...
Silver Plate