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.
Société des Agriculteurs de France Award Plaque by Christofle dated 1887
By Christofle
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Award plaque made by Christofle and commissioned by the Societe des Agriculteurs de France. It was issued to Theodore Maldan in 1887.
Silver Plate
French Bronze Relief Plaque
By Augustin Pajou
Located in Long Island City, NY
French bronze relief plaque depicting Orpheus in Hades after the model attributed to Augustin Pajou.
Bronze
"Nude and Horsedrawn Chariot, " Rare Bronze Plaque by Barbedienne
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautifully modeled, cast and finished, this high-relief plaque of a nude male figure followed by a four-horse chariot driven by a robed female figure was produced the famous Barbedi...
Bronze
Large Hand-Built Giovanni de Simone Italy Circus Plaque
By Giovanni de Simone
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Wonderful and LARGE terracotta wall plaque by Italian ceramist Giovanni de Simone. Weighing approximately 30 pounds, the plaque measures 22.25" high, 20.63" wide and 1" deep. The ha...
Pottery, Terracotta
Metal Wall Plaques of Stylized Wine Bottles By Sexton
By Sexton
Located in Hanover, MA
1950's wall plaques made of colorfully enameled cast metal in form of stylized wine bottles. Various configurations possible as some are singles while others are doubles and triples...
Metal
18th Century French Gilded Wall Hanging Plaque
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An 18th century French gilded wall hanging plaque, dating back to around 1750. This ornately shaped panel would have originally formed part of a panelled interior and has been adapte...
Oak
French 19th Century Bronze Plaque by Chédeville
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A striking, high-relief bronze tribute plaque by French artist Léon Chédeville circa 1877, famous for his work on the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rouen as well as the theatre. This circu...
Bronze
$5,320
H 42 in W 42 in D 3 in
Neoclassical French Square Carved-Wood Plaque w/Early or Original Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French carved-wood wall plaque from the early 19th century. This antique wall decoration from France features the Neoclassical stylings of swirling leaves and florals splaying outw...
Wood
French Louis XV Gilt Carved Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV style (18/19th Century) large gilt wall plaque with cupid heads and sunburst center.
Giltwood
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.5 in W 8 in D 0.75 in
Goodyear Trophy Race Award, National Air Races, Art Deco Panel by Chambellan
By René Paul Chambellan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This highly important and historic plaque, one of Goodyear's early trophy race awards for light racer airplanes in 1948, was given to Robert S. Hopkins to honour the entry of his plane in the National Air Races that year in Cleveland, Ohio. The year before, Hopkins' plane, The Falcon Special, lost a wing in one of the qualifying heats and his pilot, C. P. Smith, bailed out in time; both Hopkins and Smith were from Reidsville, North Carolina. Goodyear commissioned Rene Chambellan...
Bronze
$2,118 / item
H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 1.19 in
Art Deco 'Folies Bergeres' Large Hanging Wall Plaque, French
Located in Devon, England
This is a super rare opportunity to acquire one of these beautifully reduced versions of the facade bas-relief of the Folies-Bergeres cabaret by Maurice Picaud aka Pico (1900-1977). ...
Plaster
French Art Deco Carved Walnut Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Deco stripped walnut carved wall plaque of 2 fawns.
Walnut
Bronze plaque by Pal Kepenyes
Located in Winnetka, IL
A patinated bronze round plaque in relief depicting the mythological figure of Medusa by Pal Kepenyes who was originally from Hungary but emigrated to Mexico . Ring on verso for han...
Bronze
Christofle France 1970s Brass Picture Frame
By Christofle
Located in Atlanta, GA
This most amazing and unusual 1970s brass picture frame was designed by silversmith Christofle, Paris. The design is pretty elegant and features solid brass square tubes with polishe...
Metal, Brass
Christofle Silver Plate Picture or Photo Frame, France
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful picture frame by luxury brand Christofle. Frame is a sterling sliver plate covered with a clear lacquer to prevent tarnishing. Frame can be positioned vertically or horiz...
Silver