Items Similar to Late 20th Century/C. 1970 Silvered Napoleon Empereur Letter Opener by Christofle

Vintage Sterling Silver Letter Opener Pattern Torchon, England, 1950s Price

Silver French Christofle Letter Opener

Stylish English Solid Silver Letter Opener, c.1973

20th Century British Solid Silver Letter Opener, Asprey & Co c.1913

Signed Old or Antique Russian 84 Zolotnik Silver Page Cutter or Letter Opener

Rare Christofle Silvered Napoleon Empereur Letter Opener 1970s France

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller.

Late 20th Century/C. 1970 Silvered Napoleon Empereur Letter Opener by Christofle

Name: Late 20th Century/C. 1970 Silvered Napoleon Empereur Letter Opener by Christofle
Brand: Christofle
Rating: 5 (12 reviews)

About the Item

Late 20th century/circa 1970 silvered Napoleon Empereur letter opener by Christofle By: Christofle Material: silver, silver plate, metal, paper Technique: polished, silvered, metalwork Dimensions: 2 in x 9 in x 0.5 in Date: late 20th century, circa 1970 Style: Renaissance Revival, Space Age, Post-Modernism Place of origin: France The body of this exquisitely crafted letter opener is made entirely of polished silver. It consists of a circular medallion featuring a relief design in the center, from which projects a sharply pointed blade. One side of the medallion is ornamented with a bas-relief profile of a dignified gentleman, encircled by the french inscription 'Napoleon Empereur' (Napoleon Emperor). The reverse displays a laurel motif along with Napoleon's personal emblem, the bee. Etched upon the base of the blade is the hallmark of the eminent Christofle silversmiths, attesting to the fine craftsmanship of this piece. It is presented in a cardboard box bearing the Christofle brand logo on the cover. Christofle produced iconic mid-century/late 20th century silverware designs that combined modern and neoclassical influences. Their technical innovations in silversmithing and collaborations with major designers made Christofle an influential french luxury brand in the 20th century design world. The carboard box presents significant fading and wear, as can be seen in the pictures.

Creator:
Christofle (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Style:
Renaissance Revival (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Metal,Paper,Silver,Silver Plate,Metalwork,Polished,Silvered
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Late 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1970
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. The carboard box presents significant fading and wear, as can be seen in the pictures.
Seller Location:
North Miami, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU8678236112602

Shop All Christofle

Christofle

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.