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.
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
$1,700
W 5.71 in D 3.94 in L 9.45 in
Antique European Pheasant Bird Board Table Decoration solid 835 Silver 271gr
Located in SE
Antique European table pheasant in solid 835 Silver dating to ca. 1930s -1940s . Realistically modeled in the form of a Pheasant hen with fine and sharp details reproducing realisti...
Silver
1915 Sterling Silver 3"X 2.25"X 1/2" Antique English Snuff & Pill Box
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique English Snuff & Pill Box All original with very minor dents or scratches, weighting 31.9 grams Vintage English Snuff or Pill Box, in excellent condition considering 100 y...
Sterling Silver
Set of Four Victorian Silver Salt Cellars
Located in London, GB
A set of four Victorian silver salt cellars, each designed as scallop shell bearing chased leaf decorations in the rim, with gold gilt interior and foliate design base, made by Danie...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$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
Christofle 24 Piece Silver Plate Mood Silverware Set
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
This Christofle Mood silver plate flatware set presents a polished, contemporary serving design with the brand’s distinctive egg-shaped storage case. T...
Silver Plate
“18th Century Chinese Silver Jar with Enamel Dragon, 475g Antique”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 18th century rare Chinese colorful enamel dragon silver jar hall marked with Chinese initials and later brought to Russia with Soviet silver mark...
$1,250
W 5.75 in D 2 in L 3.25 in
Sterling Silver 5.75"X 3.25"X 2" International Silver Co Antique Cigarette Box
Located in Santa Monica, CA
International Silver Co Antique Cigarette BoxAll original with very minor dents or scratches, weighting 167.5 grams nternational Silver Co Antiqu...
Sterling Silver
German Export Post War Silver and Leaded Glass Fruit Bowl
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
In excellent condition, this exquisite bowl is a work of art with it's intricate floral vine patterned design done is .800 German Silver. Intact is ...
Silver
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Set of 2 Nut Dishes #18400
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Set of 2 Nut Dishes This beautiful set of 2 nut dishes were created by amazing designer Tiffany & Co from sterling silver and are both engraved "McK"! ...
Sterling Silver
French Empire, Cobalt Glass and Silver Centrepiece
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This oval jardiniere which has been crafted from silver and cobalt blue glass dates to France at the end of the 19th Century. The neoclass...
Silver
Antique William B. Kerr Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Gibson Girl Belt Buckle
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite 19th Century Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Brooch. This stunning brooch is crafted in sterling silver, featuring an intricate design of a woman's profile surrounded by flowin...
Sterling Silver
S. Kirk & Son Sterling Silver Rose Gravy Boat and Underplate Hand Decorated
Located in Baltimore, MD
This beautiful sauce boat and underplate set is a must-have for any collector of sterling silver flatware. The intricate hand-decorated rose pattern add...
Sterling Silver