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.
Fine French 1930s Silver-Plated Table Mirror by Luc Lanel for Christofle
By Luc Lanel, Christofle
Located in Long Island City, NY
Luc Lanel (1893-1965) for Christofle (Gallia collection) - A fine French Art Deco table mirror with a pyramidal base and two poles holding a tilting mirror. Stamped Gallia Bibliog...
Silver Plate
Vintage Walnut Dressing Table, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A solid mahogany Art Deco dressing table with a stepped top and large circular mirror set on a shaped backplate. Fitted with two banks of four drawers and a central drawer above the ...
Wood, Walnut
Swedish Art Deco Dressing Table Vanity, Teak & Mirror, Circa 1930s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unique Art Deco dressing table with foldable mirrors. Ample storage on the sides and pull-out drawer in the center.
Mirror, Teak
$886Sale Price|25% Off
H 66.54 in W 17.72 in D 26.97 in
1930s English Art Deco Oak Dressing Table with Full Length Triple Mirror
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautifully simple 1930s Art Deco triple dressing mirror / vanity from England. This vanity has a single deep drawer of solid oak with simple oak wood drawer handles. Above is a la...
Oak
French Art Deco Vanity or Dressing Table, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Deco vanity or dressing table. Design in the style of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Striking French design from the 1930s. Black lacquered walnut and burl base wit...
Granite, Marble, Brass
Chrome Bauhaus Dressing Table, 1930s
By Hynek Gottwald
Located in Praha, CZ
In very good original condition. Perfectly cleaned. Slight damage to the original mirror in the area.
Chrome
$4,233
H 47.25 in W 34.45 in D 19.69 in
Art Deco Vanity/Dressing Table with Round Mirror, France, Circa 1930's
Located in Beirut, LB
A rare and beautifully preserved example of French Art Deco cabinetmaking, this vanity dressing table dates to circa 1930's and speaks the period's design language with complete conf...
Mirror, Wood
$6,468
H 29.53 in W 43.31 in D 21.66 in
French Art Deco Vanity or Dressing Table in High Gloss Black & Cherrywood, 1930s
Located in Ulm, DE
A stunning example of French Art Deco elegance, this 1930s vanity – or poudreuse – pairs sculptural clarity with refined functionality. With its sleek, g...
Mirror, Cherry, Lacquer
$1,648
H 65 in W 14 in D 11 in
Shapland & Petter, Attributed, Arts & Crafts Gentleman's Wash or Shaving Stand
By Shapland & Petter
Located in London, GB
Shapland & Petter, attributed An Arts & Crafts gentleman's oak wash or shaving stand, with adjustable extending mirror, upper drawer and cupboard fl...
Oak
$2,058
H 35.5 in W 26.75 in D 12 in
Great Shape and Color, English 19th Century Vanity in Wood with Dome Top
Located in Lisse, NL
A very pleasing, late 19th century vanity stand. This marvellous mirror stand is in good condition and the wood has a truly warm, deep and rich patina. The combination of the majes...
Wood
$18,000
H 41.75 in W 29.5 in D 15.75 in
Wall-mounted Vanity Console with Mirror by Gio Ponti, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Wall-mounted console featuring a tilting oval mirror and two shelves with gracefully curved outlines. The shelf edges and wall mounting are executed in chromed metal. The upper shelf...
Chrome
$8,000
H 32.25 in W 29.5 in D 17 in
1930s Convertible Vanity Table and Lift-Top Mirror by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in North Miami, FL
1930s Scandinavian Modern parchment-covered wood convertible vanity table/poudreuse with lift-top mirror by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden By: Nordiska Kompaniet Material: wood, parchment paper, metal Technique: cast, molded, polished, metalwork, carved, hand-carved, hand-crafted Dimensions: 17 in x 29.5 in x 32.25 in Date: early 20th century, circa 1930 Style: Scandinavian Modern, Swedish Grace, Mid-Century Modern Place of origin: Sweden Encased in hand-applied parchment, this 1930s Swedish Modern...
Metal
![1930's Glamorous French Art Deco Period Parchment [Goatskin] Vanity- Tall Mirror](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/1930s-glamorous-french-art-deco-period-parchment-goatskin-vanity-tall-mirror-for-sale/f_92852/f_395820421714946070898/f_39582042_1714946072504_bg_processed.jpg?width=240)
![1930's Glamorous French Art Deco Period Parchment [Goatskin] Vanity- Tall Mirror](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/1930s-glamorous-french-art-deco-period-parchment-goatskin-vanity-tall-mirror-for-sale-picture-2/f_92852/f_39582042/IMG_1714946126295_master.JPG?width=240)
$1,616Sale Price|50% Off
H 64.5 in W 14.5 in D 47.5 in
1930's Glamorous French Art Deco Period Parchment [Goatskin] Vanity- Tall Mirror
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1930's French Art Deco Parchment Clad w/ Rosewood Ladies Vanity. This is a glamorous piece of furniture. Tall mirrored with 6 drawers. Parisian Estate.
Wood
Christofle Silver-Plated, 1930s, Vanity Mirror by Luc Lanel
By Christofle
Located in CA, CA
Finely silver-plated and made from the famed ‘Gallia’ alloy which allowed Christofle’s silversmiths to experiment with bold and avant-garde designs, it is easy to see why, in the 193...
Silver Plate
Martin Szekely, Radius, Table Mirror, Christofle, 2006
By Martin Szekely, Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
Martin Szekely Radius A silvered metal rectangular mirror on a half-cylinder stand. The stand stamped « Christofle » and signed « m.Szekely ». Produced by Christofle, France. Circa 2006. Martin Szekely One of the most important contemporary designers, Martin Szekely was born in 1956 in Paris from ceramist Vera Szekely...
Silver Plate