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.
French 1930s CHRISTOFLE Silver Plated Juicer Set
By Christofle
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Christofle Paris four-piece juice set in its original box. Circa 1930s, this set includes a tumbler, a glass lemon squeezer, a spoon and a zest cup. Good vintage condition. ...
Silver Plate
Set of 6 German Art Deco .800 Solid Silver Cordial or Liquor Glasses
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 Art Deco silver cordials. Elegantly simple with diminutive cups, straight stems and a round foot. The bases are marked with .800 for the silver fineness, a moon an...
Silver
$1,500
H 3.08 in W 1.15 in D 1.66 in
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Miniature Golf Set with Bag, Clubs, and Caddy
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine miniature sterling silver golf set. By Tiffany & Co. Consisting of golf bag, a caddy with wheels, and four golf clubs (1 iron, 3 iron, 6 iron, and 8 iron). The caddy has tw...
Sterling Silver
$3,950 / set
H 1.46 in Dm 1.86 in
Set of 12 Tiffany & Co Art Deco Sterling Silver Art Deco Shot Cups or Cordials
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 12 silver cordials or shot glasses. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Each shot cup with terrific streamlined design including a plunger foot, a tapered body, and...
Sterling Silver
Antique Christofle Silver Plated Food Warmer / Tureen & Covered Dome
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver plated food warmer or tureen. By Christofle et Cie. Consisting of a two-part oval meat or fish warmer with scroll feet and ...
Silver Plate
$3,850 / set
H 0.25 in Dm 3.13 in
Rare Set of 9 Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Vine Pattern Butter Pats
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An extremely rare set of sterling silver butter pats. In the Vine pattern decorated with raised poppies and other flowers around the rim's edge. By Tiffany & Co. Monogrammed to t...
Sterling Silver
Antique Christofle French Silver Plated Tea Strainer
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine French silver plated tea strainer. By Christofle et Cie. With a pierced and scalloped body, curved legs, ball feet and a turned wooden handle. Simply a wonderful, high-lev...
Silver Plate
$416Sale Price / set|20% Off
W 1.4 in L 3 in
French Silver-Plated Salt and Pepper Shakers by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Mid-Century Set of 2 Circa 1970s Made in France Elevate your tabletop with this elegant pair of French silver-plated salt and pepper shakers by Christofle, a distinguished...
Silver Plate
Webster 1930's Sterling Silver with Maker's Mark Miniature Tong
Located in New York, NY
Webster 1930's of Mass., US, sterling silver miniature tong, with their iconic maker's mark engraved measures 3 1/8 inches by 1 inch, and a width measuring 1/2 inch. Made in USA.
Set of Four Cartier 'Trinity' Sterling Silver Champagne Flutes
By Cartier
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This set of four sterling silver champagne flutes were made for retail by Cartier during the second half of the 20th century. The set which are crafted from solid sterling silver fea...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,500 / set
H 0.38 in W 0.63 in L 6 in
Boxed Set of 6 Garrard & Co Sterling Silver & Mother-of-Pearl Caviar Knives
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine boxed set of caviar knives. By Garrard & Co. The blades in sterling silver and the handles made of lustrous Mother-of-Pearl. Founded in 1722, Garrard was made the first ever Crown Jewelers for the English throne and held that distinction from 1843 - 2007. Garrard has also made jewelry for royalty and various world cup trophies...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Set of 2 Engraved Kiddush Cups #18712
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling Silver Set of 2 Engraved Kiddush Cups These gorgeous set of 2 Kiddush cups were meticulously crafted from sterling silver and are engraved "PR. BY P.B.Y.M 1908-1928 TO ESTH...
Sterling Silver
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Colonial silver coin 1714 rare silver coin with certificate
Located in Jupiter, FL
Beautiful coin rare and very authentic, please look at the certificate for details. Will come with fast shipping and all the documents. WHAT YOU GET AT STAMPAR JEWELERS: Stampar Jew...
Silver
Rare Art Deco Christofle Solid Silver Cocktail Bar Set, C.1930
By Christofle
Located in Toronto, ON
Rare Art Deco Christofle solid Silver Cocktail Bar Set C.1930. Comprising Juice Squeezer, Beaker and Strainer. All with the 1st standard 950 st...
Silver
French Art Deco Christofle Luc Lanel Cooler
By Christofle
Located in Toronto, ON
Christofle Art Deco Luc Lanel Cooler, C.1935. This model, Ondulation, was designed for the Normandie ocean liner. Height: approximately 8 1/8 inches. Christofle marks on base togethe...