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.
Christofle, Set of 51 Louis XV Style Silver Plated Flatware
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
Part of flatware Christofle collection "Marly" in silver metal. This set of cutlery with rich decoration of plants in the Louis XV style is composed of ...
Metal, Silver
1960s Lundtofte, Denmark and Dana Stainless DFA Service Set
By Lundtofte, Dana
Located in Paris, FR
Stainless steel table service set from the 1960's. It is composed of: 3 deep platters, 3 smaller, shallow platters, 4 candlesticks, 3 pots (2 sauce, 1 milk), Salt and pepper shakers. The platters (two of which have covers) have wood handles. Three of the platters are set on a woven bamboo structure. Some of the pieces are marked: Denmark Lundtofte Stainless Steel and DKF (Dansk KnivFabrik). Others are marked: Dana Stainless...
Stainless Steel
Silver-Gilt Dressing-Table Service by Lionel Alfred Crichton, London, 1917
By Crichton Brothers
Located in Paris, FR
George V dressing-table service crafted of silver-gilt, comprising an oblong tray, a large jewel box with detachable velvet lining, two hair brushes, two clothes brushes, a comb and a hand mirror, all contained in a fitted red leather covered case. The border of each piece is chased with strapwork on a matted ground, engraved with an early 18th century style cartouche surrounding a vacant shield. The rich and delicate decoration is composed of naturalistic plants and animal motifs. The jewel box and tray are beautifully embellished with grotesque in Renaissance style, depicting mascaron, animals and foliated scrolls, in a fantastic architectural setting. Hallmarked "CRICHTON BROS LONDON & NEW YORK", along with several English silver marks as follow: - Maker's mark "LAC" (for silversmith Lionel Alfred Crichton...
Vermeil, Silver
Silver and Cut-Crystal Confiturier
Located in Paris, FR
Silver and cut-crystal confiturier in Medici-shape decorated with two handles with floral motifs and volutes end in a swan's head. .The silver frame is adorned with laurel leaves and stylized palmettes. The confiturier dish rests on a raised foot adorned with four leaning dolphins placed on a finely chiseled square base with a floral frieze. Four feet with foliage motifs support the set. The removable lid is topped with a flower. Twelve vermeil spoons...
Crystal, Vermeil, Silver
Crystal Beverage Service by Maison Boin-Taburet
By Boin-Taburet
Located in Paris, FR
Cut-crystal beverage service with silver-gilt mounts by Maison Boin-Taburet. It is composed of an ewer and 8 glasses highlighted with twisted flutes. ...
Crystal, Silver
19th Century Silver and Cut-Crystal Jardinière
Located in Paris, FR
Silver jardinière composed of a cut-crystal, oval bowl resting in a silver frame. The scalloped edge of the crystal bowl is decorated with radiating and diamond-shaped patterns. The silver frame is richly decorated with openwork ribbons, Greek waves...
Crystal, Silver
Delafosse by Christofle France Silver Plate Flatware Set 12 Service 137 Pieces
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Delafosse by Christofle silver plated flatware set of 137 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, 9 3/4", 12 dinner size forks, 8 5/8", 12 luncheon knives (some blade we...
Silver Plate
Printania by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service Set 106 Pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
With a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. R...
Silver Plate
Lauzun by Puiforcat Sterling Silver Flatware Set French 77 Pcs with Fitted Box
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
Jean Elysée Puiforcat was a French silversmith, sculptor and designer. Puiforcat is is considered the "most important French Art Deco silversmith." These handcrafted utensils show...
Sterling Silver
Christofle : "Orly", 113 pieces Cutlery set by Lino Sabatitni - 1957
By Christofle
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
"Orly" 113 pieces cutlery set by Christofle in its original wood boxes 5wood and paper branded) designed by Lino Sabattini in 1957 Wood box dimensions : H 11 cm x W 37.5 cm x D 31 c...
Metal, Silver Plate
cutlery set by Tapio Wirkkala for Christofle
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Spécial design for this set design ed by Tapio Wirral's and stamped Christofle on each piece 61 pieces all together
Silver Plate
Apollonox Fish Cutlery
By Christofle
Located in Lugo, IT
Apollonox Fish Cutlery Set. 12+12 Good condition. Thank you
Steel
