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.
$800 / set
H 10.75 in W 4 in D 4 in
19th Century French L'Alfénide Christofle/Charles Halphen Flatware with Ladle
By Christofle
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Turn of the Century L'Alfénide Christofle/Charles Halphen Silver plate flatware Serveware Set of Three Spoons and Four Fork, and 1 Ladel. Alfénide, utilized by Manufacture de L'Alfé...
Silver Plate
$319Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 1.58 in W 8.27 in D 7.88 in
Christofle Vintage Special Cutlery Set with original Box
By Christofle
Located in Mérida, YU
Vintage Christofle set with 3 Forks and a spoon with original box.
Silver Plate
$2,848Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 0.38 in W 0.88 in D 4.13 in
Christofle Art Nouveau Silver Spoons, French Sterling Silver Spoons Set of 12
By A la Gerbe d'or
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine quality set of 12 antique sterling silver tea, coffee or dessert spoons attributed to Christofle, circa 1890-1930. Stunning design and craftsmanship. The handles have sophisticated Art Nouveau Pattern different decor, flowers, vine leaves, bunch of grapes, foliage, decor dahlias. The mark “925” on the bowl confirms that it’s sterling silver (.925 purity). The handle shows ornate floral and foliate engraving, typical of early 20th-century American or European silver flatware. The pattern style — squared edges with raised floral decoration — closely resembles Art Nouveau to early Art Deco transitional designs (roughly 1890s–1930s). The spoon shape (slightly deep oval bowl, short handle relative to bowl size) suggests a bouillon or cream soup spoon, not a teaspoon. Presented in its original box by Prestigious silversmith: A La Gerbe...
Sterling Silver
$395 / set
H 1.5 in W 2 in L 10.5 in
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
$2,593
H 1.78 in W 17.33 in D 11.62 in
Dessert Service by Christofle, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Dessert service by Christofle, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Silver-plated dessert service by Christofle, 19th century, Napoleon III period, 18 pieces. 6 dessert spoons 6 desse...
Silver Plate
$1,600 / set
H 1.5 in W 12.5 in D 6 in
Antique Continental Silver Ice-Cream or Mousse Server in Original Box Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique continental silver (.875) ice-cream or mousse server in original box, circa 1880.
Sterling Silver
$1,782 / set
H 6.3 in W 1.3 in D 0.01 in
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Spoon by Ahronsberg Brothers, 1896
By Ahronsberg Brothers
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, unusual antique Victorian English sterling silver Diamond Jubilee commemorative spoon - boxed; an addition to our range of collectible silverware. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver spoon celebrating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee has a plain oval form. The anterior surface of the handle is embellished with a variety of commemorative subtly gilded scenes separated by scrolling ribbon ornamentation accented with the scene depicting wording 'Peace', 'Commerce', 'Electricity', 'Rifle Volunteers', 'Steam' and 'Penny Postage'. The reverse surface is ornamented with the insignia of the Star of India including the motto 'Heavens Light Our Guard' above a further scrolling ribbon design incorporating the wording 'Indian Empire', 'Canada', 'Australasia' and 'Cape Colony' amidst undulating laurel branches. The lower portion of the reverse of the handle includes part hallmarks beside the inscription 'In commemoration of the 60th year of the most glorious reign of H.I.M. Victoria Empress & Queen - 1837-1897 -'. The shaped terminal of the handle is ornamented in the form of the Imperial State Crown to both the anterior surface and reverse. The anterior surface of the bowl of this Diamond Jubilee commemorative spoon incorporates an impressive gilded scene depicting prestigious figures raising their crowns and surrounding the throne mounted Queen Victoria. The reverse of the bowl is plain and unembellished, apart from the full hallmarks and registration number '288518' and features a leaf decorated heel. This piece of antique silverware is fitted to the original hinged leatherette box with satin and velvet lined interior bearing the initials 'V.R' beneath a design depicting the Imperial state crown. The cover of the box secures with a decorative trefoil hinged catch. The decoration to this antique silver spoon...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Christofle Sterling Silver Oceana Salad Serving Set Fork and Spoon 'B'
By Christofle
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver salad serving fork and spoon set in the Oceana pattern by Christofle. A beautiful large serving set in a simple and elegant pa...
Sterling Silver
$1,500
H 2.37 in W 13.78 in D 5.91 in
Charles Duchene French Silver Plated Dessert Service Cutlery, 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Silver Plated Dessert Service Cutlery by Charles DUCHÊNE, Paris, 1900s. This exquisite French silver plated dessert service cutlery set, crafted by renowned Parisian goldsmith...
Silver Plate
$145 / set
H 0.75 in W 5.38 in D 0.88 in
1859 Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Condiment Ladle and Master Salt Spoons
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1859 Tiffany & Co sterling silver condiment ladle & pair of master salt spoons. Spoons monogrammed "RHC", gilt bowls. 1.30 troy oz. Ladle: 5 3/8" x 7/8" x 0.75". Spoons: 3 7/8" x 1.5...
Sterling Silver
