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
"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
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
$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
$2,154 / 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
$667Sale Price|40% Off
H 13.19 in W 12.8 in D 1.19 in
French Decorative Ceramic Wall Plaque with Three Figures by Les Argonautes 1960s
By Les Argonautes
Located in London, GB
French vintage decorative ceramic wall plaque with three figures, by Les Argonautes, Vallauris, France (circa 1960s). A refreshingly naive and charming piece depicting three men in olden robes and hats. It is up to the viewer to decide who they represent. This stoneware piece is weighty and substantial and may be hung on the wall or simply allowed to lean against a vertical surface. There's no doubt it is a charming piece by a renowned pair of French ceramicists who created 'Les Argonautes' pottery studio. This piece is signed on the backside: 'Les Argonautes'. It is in good condition. Hanging string on rear. Upon request a video may be provided. About the artists: Isabelle Ferlay (Born 1917) and Frédérique Bourguet (1925-1997) set up a pottery studio together in Vallauris in the South of France which they named 'Les Argonautes'. Using the local Vallauris red...
Ceramic
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
H 12 in W 7.5 in D 0.5 in
"Jump Shot, " Model for Art Deco Bronze Basketball Award Plaque, 1940s
By Fred Torrey
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Perhaps because it depicts its figures more as Greek athletes rather than modern players, this bronze Art Deco plaque is very rare, or possibly unique. The artist, Fred Torrey, depicts a Classic jump shot, with two virtually nude basketball players leaping up for the ball. Best known for his "Lincoln Walks at Midnight" sculpture which premiered at the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair (now displayed near the West Virginia state...
Bronze
19th Century French Limoges Enamel Plaque in Gilt Bronze Frame
By Limoges
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Limoges enamel plaque depicts a knight in full armour. He is portrayed turning towards the viewer, as though he is about to unsheathe his sword. The knight stands...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
$234Sale Price|48% Off
H 7.29 in W 4.93 in D 0.79 in
Mid-Century Virgin to the Child Enamelled Plaque, French, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus enameled wall plaque. French, mid-century. Reproduction from a stained glass window of Reims cathedral (13th century) ...
Enamel
Vintage Ceramic Wall Plaque By Lisa Larson Gustavsberg Sweden
Located in Bridgeport, CT
"Gamla Stan" (Old Town) ceramic wall plaque is an authentic Mid-Century piece designed by Swedish ceramicist Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg. Originally designed in 1963, this relief cap...
Ceramic
Crazy Christmas Cat Wall Plaque by Tue Poulsen, 1970s
By Tue Poulsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
The stoneware crazy cat Christmas wall plaque was designed and made by Tue Poulsen in Denmark in 1979. This is number 437 of af limited run of 500. Measu...
Stoneware
$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
An Italian 18th century white Carrara marble plaque of Venus de Medici
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most attractive and extremely decorative Italian 18th century white Carrara marble plaque of Venus de Medici. This most elegant oval shaped white Carrara marble relief showcases th...
Carrara Marble
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