1950s French Christofle Fleuron Collection Silver Plate and Crystal Ice Bucket
About the Item
- Creator:Christofle (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 7.49 in (19 cm)Width: 8.27 in (21 cm)Depth: 7.49 in (19 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2660338898232
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.
You May Also Like
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wine Coolers
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Wine Coolers
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century Wine Coolers
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Barware
Crystal, Silver
20th Century French Art Deco Wine Coolers
Silver Plate
Antique 19th Century English Wine Coolers
Silver Plate
20th Century French Barware
Silver
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wine Coolers
Brass
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Barware
Silver Plate
20th Century French Modern Wine Coolers
Metal
More From This Seller
View AllMid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Candelabras
Metal, Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Crystal, Metal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Crystal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Crystal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Crystal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Crystal, Metal, Chrome
