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.
Pair Christofle France Delafosse Silverplate Fork & Spoon Salad Servers
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of silverplate salad servers. By Christofle France. In the Delafosse pattern with wheat & flower decoration throughout. Simply a wonderful pair of salad servers in th...
Silver Plate
Christofle French Sterling Silver 6 Piece Dinnerware Set
By Christofle
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Christofle silverplate flatware set, stamped with the classic OC Christofle hallmark and FRANCE, dates to the late 1930s through the 1940s. The marks correspond to Chris...
Sterling Silver
$390Sale Price / set|25% Off
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
Tiffany & Co Audubon Sterling Silver Iced Tea Spoon 7 3/8" #23102
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Audubon Sterling Silver Iced Tea Spoon Designed by Edward C. Moore in 1871, the Audubon pattern was inspired by Japanese bird paintings of the 19th century. This iced t...
Sterling Silver
1840 Silver Retrò Salt and Pepper English Set in Silver
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Wonderful salt and pepper retrò set realized in silver with a very special flowers and leaves themes engravings. It is dated 1840 and it is english! This set was totally handmade by ...
Silver
Pair of Heavy Sterling Silver Salt & Pepper Shakers
Located in New York, NY
These pair of heavy sterling Silver salt & Pepper shakers features a screw-top. Makers' mark is etched in the center of the base. The height measures 2 1/8 inches, circumferen...
Brandimarte 925 sterling silver frying pan for cooking
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo sterling silver frying pan for cooking Manufactured by Brandimarte - Florence - Italy Weight g 1470 30 cm diameter Height 5,5 cm Length including handle 60 cm This frying p...
Sterling Silver
Allan Adler Salad Servers
By Allan Adler
Located in Darnestown, MD
Modernist set of salad servers by Allan Adler in sterling and ebony. Streamlined and elegant. Spoon is 13" in length; fork is 12 7/8". Very good condition.
Sterling Silver
$325
W 1.5 in L 6.88 in
Tiffany & Co Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Shell Bowl Spoon 6 7/8" w/Mono 22622
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver spoon with shell bowl in the Chrysanthemum pattern by Tiffany & Co with monogram. Monogram appears to be SB The Chrysanthemum pattern, designed by Charles T. Grosje...
Sterling Silver
Antique Stieff Sterling Silver Repousse Salt Shaker
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver salt shaker. In sterling silver. By Stieff. With repousse flower decoration throughout and 3 small feet. Simply a...
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
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Asparagus Tongs, Grapevine Pattern
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Tiffany & Co. grapevine pattern sterling silver asparagus tongs. New York, c. 1907-1947. Reticulated in etched upper tong, monogrammed. 8" x 3", 6.45 troy ounces. Very neat servi...
Sterling Silver
$240Sale Price|20% Off
L 3.75 in
Marina J 6 Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Tea Spoon Set with Lapis Lazuli Stones
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of 6 rhodium-plated sterling silver teaspoons with lapis lazuli stones are elegant, with spiral handles. These vintage spoons were re-imagined ...
Lapis Lazuli, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
$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
$320Sale Price|20% Off
L 4.5 in
Marina J. Mothers Day Gift, Vintage Silver Plated Spoon Set with Baroque Pearls
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of A Kind Marina J. Vintage Silver Plated Spoon set of 6, reworked to have gorgeous Baroque Pearl tip details. The cultured Baroque Pearls Di...
Pearl, Silver Plate
Set of 6 Christofle Luc Lanel Silverplated Pate/Caviar/Butter Knives
By Christofle
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 6 vintage silver plate Pate/Caviar/Butter Knives in Luc Lanel pattern by Christofle. The Luc Lanel pattern is a simple and elegant design featuring a swirl design at the end ...
Christofle France Delafosse Silverplate Cake or Pie Server, SL
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver plate cake or pie server. By Christofle France. In the Delafosse pattern with wheat & flower decoration throughout. Simply a wonderful server in the hard-to-find De...
Silver Plate