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.
Art Deco German Silver Plated Cocktail Shaker by Carl Deffner c.1930
By Carl Deffner
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome burnished / hammered silver plated cocktail shaker by the well renowned Carl Deffner of Esslingen. Just back from our silversmith's workshop where it has been professio...
Silver Plate
1960's German Silver Plated Cocktail Shaker by Lutz & Weiss
By Lutz & Weiss
Located in Bath, GB
A really stylish retro / vintage cocktail shaker with the body and the lid to the top having a brushed / bark decoration, a lovely combination together with the mirror finish silver ...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini For Christofle - "Windsor" Cocktail Shaker Designed In 1956
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning modernist cocktail shaker designed by the world famous Lino Sabattini for famous Orfevrerie Christofle, a magical combination of quality and minimalist design. Created as part of the Gallia range, the design is known as Windsor and was made in Italy by Sabattini Argenteria, designed in 1956. Just back from our silversmith's workshop where it has been professionally cleaned and polished, restoring it to it's former glory. Highly collectable and sought-after in excellent condition measuring 3 1/8" in diameter x 9 3/4" tall. Minor wear commensurate with age and use. Lino Sabattini was the preeminent figure in modern Italian silver and metalware design. His expansive and diverse body of work is marked by its strength and boldness, whether in dynamic forms that suggest the thrust and power of Italian Futurist art...
Silver Plate
Art Deco Silver Plated Cocktail Shaker by C S Green & Co.
By Charles Green
Located in Bath, GB
A most unusual bullet shaped cocktail shaker, just back from our silversmith's workshop where it has been professionally cleaned and polished, restored to it's former glory. A two-p...
Silver Plate
Large Art Deco Silver Plated Cocktail Shaker by Hukin & Heath
By Hukin & Heath
Located in Bath, GB
An iconic Art Deco cocktail shaker by an Iconic maker, Hukin and Heath. Made from silver plate, it remains in outstanding original condition. A good larger size standing 9 1/4" tal...
Silver Plate
English Art Deco Silver Plated Cocktail Shaker by Mappin & Webb
By Mappin & Webb
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome 1 pint cocktail shaker in silver plate by the top-notch silversmith, Mappin & Webb of London and Sheffield. The underside is fully marked together with the trademark "Mappin Plate...
Silver Plate
Art Deco Cocktail Martini Shaker Silverplate by Christofle Paris
By Christofle
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This vintage cocktail shaker is a pure and elegant designed piece, crafted from silverplated brass by the well-known French manufacturer Christofle Paris. The shape features clean ...
Silver Plate
Christofle Gallia Ondulations Cocktail Shaker by Luc Lanel, c.1935
By Christofle
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A handsome Art Deco silver plated cocktail shaker by top quality silversmith Christofle as part of their Gallia range in the Ondulations design. This design was created for the luxu...
Silver Plate
1970s Cocktail Shaker by Guy Degrenne, Stainless Steel, French Design
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing Cocktail Shaker by Guy Degrenne in Stainless Steel. Made in France. This shaker is in excellent condition. Dimension: diam 3,54" x 8,66" H inches diam cm 9 x cm 22 H
Stainless Steel
1970s Cocktail Shaker by Guy Degrenne, Stainless Steel, French Design
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing Cocktail Shaker by Guy Degrenne in Stainless Steel. Made in France. This shaker is in excellent condition. Dimension: diam 3,54 x 8,26 H inches diam cm 9 x cm 22 H
Stainless Steel
Ondulations by Luc Lanel Silver Plated Cocktail Shaker by Christofle
By Luc Lanel, Christofle
Located in London, London
Cocktail shaker By Christofle Silver plated Ondulations by Luc Lanel Gallia range Early to mid 20th Century France.
Silver Plate
Art Deco Silver Plate Cocktail Shaker by Silversmith Longuet, Paris, circa 1950
By Travail Francais
Located in Atlanta, GA
French silversmith Maison Longuet, Paris, crafted this stunning modernist silver plate cylindrical cocktail or Martini shaker. The three-sectioned cocktail shaker has a removable cap...
Metal, Silver Plate
