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.
Art Deco Jug by Süe & Mare for Gallia, Christofle circa 1930
By Gallia, Andre Mare, Christofle, Louis Sue
Located in Paris, FR
Art Deco jug by Louis Süe(1875-1968) & André Mare (1887-1932) for Gallia - Christofle. Silverplated with plant motifs in low-relief. Stamped underneath "...
Silver Plate
French Art Deco Silver Plated 'Melone' Jug By Fjerdingstad For Christofle, 1930s
By Christofle, Christian Fjerdingstad
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE JUG/PITCHER Designed in 1926 by Danish silversmith and sculptor Christian Fjerdingstad (1891-1968) for high-quality French goldsmiths and silversmiths Christofle, forming pa...
Silver Plate
French Art Deco Silver Plate Cream Pitcher
By Christofle
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Deco silverplate creamer with rosewood handle (signed CHRISTOFLE)
French Art Deco Silver Plated ‘Melone’ Jug By Fjerdingstad For Christofle, 1930s
By Christofle, Christian Fjerdingstad
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE JUG/PITCHER Designed in 1926 by Danish silversmith and sculptor Christian Fjerdingstad (1891-1968) for the renowned French firm of high-quality goldsmiths and silversmiths C...
Silver Plate
Silver Plated Lemonade Jug by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in London, London
Lemonade or cocktail jug Silver plate By Christofle Crystal glass France mid 20th century.
Silver Plate
Art Deco Pitcher Gallia affiliate to Christofle design Christian Fjerdingstad
By Christofle, Gallia, Christian Fjerdingstad
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant Art Deco pitcher shaped with melon-style ribs on a quatrefoil base designed by Christian Fjerdingstad who was a Danish sculptor born in 1891. When he came to France, he creat...
Silver Plate
Italian Sterlig Silver Art Deco' style Jug by POMELLATO
By Pomellato
Located in VALENZA, IT
Water jug in 925 sterling silver completely handmade in Art Deco style. The jug is modern and completely smooth, shaped in a rounded round-oval shape. The base is circular in shape a...
Sterling Silver
Lino Sabatinni For Christofle / Gallia, Paris - Ice Bucket, c.1960
By Christofle, Lino Sabattini
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous ice minimalist / modernist silver plated ice bucket, I believe in the Windsor pattern, designed c.1960 by the world famous Lino Sabatinni, the preeminent figure in modern...
Silver Plate
René Lalique for Cusenier, Carafe, France, 1930s
By René Lalique
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb René Lalique Art Deco carafe created for Cusener. Handle in bronze scale iron oxidised decorations of foliage and berries. Signed "René Lalique pour Cusenier". Excellent co...
Crystal
$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
Silver Water Pitcher with Japanese Flower Etching
By Orf Silver
Located in Asheville, NC
This elegant example of Aesthetic Movement silver was manufactured by ORF Silver Company. This decorative motif clearly displays the influence of Japanese art on Victorian design. Th...
$1,900
H 3.75 in W 16.57 in D 8.69 in
Christofle Art Deco Silver Plate Bowl Centerpiece, France circa 1930
By Christofle
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Art Deco polished silver plate pedestal bowl, centerpiece, or serving bowl was designed by the Silversmith Christofle in Paris. The rare piece was expertly crafted in F...
Metal, Silver Plate
$1,700
H 10.25 in Dm 8.25 in
1930s Art Déco Silvered Metal Wine Cooler/Ice Bucket by Christofle, France
By Christofle
Located in North Miami, FL
1930s Art Déco circular silvered metal wine cooler/ice bucket by Christofle, France By: Christofle Material: metal, silver plate Technique: cast, molded, silvered, plate, polished, ...
Metal, Silver Plate
$350
H 9 in W 6 in D 4.5 in
Antique Gorham 01219 Art Deco Silver Plated Cocktail Martini Shaker Pitcher
By Gorham
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gorham 01219 Art Deco Silver Plated Cocktail Martini Shaker Pitcher with "B.W.C." Monogram. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 9" H x 6" W x 4.5" D.
Silver Plate
Vintage Art Deco Silver Plated Bulbous Footed Water Pitcher with Handle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Art Deco Silver Plated Bulbous Footed Water Pitcher with Handle. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 8" H x 8" W x 6" D.
Silver Plate
$3,027Sale 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 Gallia, Christofle, Edouard-Marcel Sandoz
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
Vintage Silver Plate Pitcher with Parrot Handle
By Emilia Castillo
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout mid century pitcher hand crafted in silver plate on hammered copper in classic modern form with a bit of whimsy featuring a stone clad parrot as a handle.
Silver Plate, Copper
$848Sale Price|32% Off
H 8.08 in Dm 9.65 in
1930s Silver Plated Champagne Bucket, "Gallia" Collection by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite silver-plated champagne bucket, crafted by Christofle as part of their esteemed Gallia collection, epitomizes timeless elegance and sophistication. Designed in the cov...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 3 in W 4.25 in D 2 in
20th Century French Christofle Hotel Silver Silverplate La Residence Creamer
By Christofle
Located in Burton, TX
Found in the South of France, this 20th Century Hotel Silver Silverplate Creamer was manufactured by Christofle and produced for the La Residence H...
Silver Plate
Christofle Gallia Metal Claret Jug, c1900
By Christofle
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Christofle Gallia Metal Claret Jug, c1900 Galliametal is a variant of polished pewter. This bears the Christofle rams head mark and the Gallia metal cockerel. This organic decoratio...
Metal
Antique French Christofle Silver Jug Marked
By Christofle
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique French silver jug manufactured by Christofle with a raised handle. Marked with the manufacturer marks and numbered to the base. Circa the ...
Silver
Sold
H 7 in W 3.75 in D 7.75 in
Gallia circa 1920s Art Deco Süe & Mare for Christofle Silver Plated Jug Pitcher
By Andre Mare, Gallia, Christofle, Louis Sue
Located in Thiensville, WI
Elegant Art Deco metal water pitcher by Louis Süe (1875-1968) & André Mare (1887-1932) for Gallia - Christofle. Silver-plated. Stamped underneath "Gallia", "OC" for Maison Christofle...
Silver Plate
Amazing "Decanter" by Maison Christofle for Ruinart
By Christofle
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
To welcome the third millenium, la Maison Ruinart produced 14000 magnums of this special blend. from great vintages of 6 grands crus and great vintages, this Champagne will never be ...