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.
Christopher Dresser Silverplate Tea Set
By Christopher Dresser
Located in New Orleans, LA
This silverplate tea set, striking in its simplicity, is the work of celebrated designer Christopher Dresser. Dresser first displayed his designs a...
Silver Plate
19th Century Paul Storr Silver Tea Urn
By Paul Storr, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell
Located in New Orleans, LA
This extraordinarily rare and masterfully crafted tea urn is by the hand of the master Georgian silversmith Paul Storr. Created by Storr while working for Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, Jewelers and Goldsmiths to the King, this magnificent piece truly represents the sophisticated style of the renowned firm and the enormous talents of Paul Storr. Applied and engraved decoration envelop this masterpiece equipped with a carved handle, lion's head spigot and spectacular lion's paw supports. The piece bears the arms of the Neave Baronetcy with those of Digby, for Sir Thomas Neave and his wife Frances Caroline, daughter of the Hon. William Digby, the Dean of Durham. Though he held no formal title, Storr enjoyed patronage from the most important and powerful figures of the period including King George III and the Prince of Wales, the future King George IV. His first major work was a gold font commissioned by the Duke of Portland in 1797, and in 1799 he created the “Battle of the Nile...
Silver
Meiji Period Japanese Silver Censer
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning Meiji period silver censer is a work of exquisite detail. Crafted by renowned silversmith Masatoshi of Tokyo, the censer, or incense burner...
Silver
Jean-Baptiste-Francois Chéret Louis XV Silver Tureen
By Cheret Francois
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted by French master silversmith Jean-Baptiste-François Chéret, this period Louis XV tureen boasts exceptional decoration, including delicate and refined engraving, shell and acanthus accents, and a remarkably detailed cast finial of cauliflower, celery and carrots. Thanks to a very strict guild system, French silver has always been among the finest in the world. It was also subject to the various fiscal crises of the late 17th and 18th centuries, as both Louis XIV and Louis XV issued edicts demanding that all silver be brought to the mint for melting, with the resulting coin to be used to replenish depleted state treasuries. French silver from this extravagant era survives only in relatively small quantities, and is thus in great demand by collectors. The tureen is marked on the interior lid and underside. The large object charge mark identified as a crown over the letter “A...
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Tea and Coffee Service
By Yu Chang
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning and complete seven-piece Chinese export silver tea and coffee service was crafted by Yu Chang of Shanghai and Hong Kong, a firm re...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Silver-Mounted Monkey Claret Jug by Richard Hodd & Son
By Richard Hodd & Son
Located in New Orleans, LA
Victorian Silver-Mounted Monkey Claret Jug Richard Hodd & Son Hallmarked London, 1882 Among the most whimsical and sought-after creations of Victorian silver are the extraordina...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Silver Plated Teapot, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1950s Design
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful vintage silver plated teapot made in Italy in the 1950s. Very good vintage condition. Dimensions: Width: 25.5 cm / 9.84 inches Height: 15 cm / 5.9 inches Depth: 14 cm / 5...
Silver Plate
Antique Sterling Silver Teapot by Roberts & Belk Ltd
By Roberts & Belk Ltd. 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver teapot made by Roberts & Belk Ltd; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique George V sterling silver teapot has a plain paneled rounded form onto a spreading octagonal base. The paneled surface of the teapot is plain and unembellished, with swept shoulders an applied moulded border to the upper rim. This Roberts and Belk silver...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Edwardian Sterling Silver Teapot by A&J Zimmerman, Design Style, 1907
By A&J Zimmerman Ltd.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver teapot in the Design style; part of our diverse teaware collection. This exceptional and rare antique E...
Sterling Silver
Arts and crafts design sterling silver teapot made in 1928 by Walker & Hall
By Walker & Hall
Located in London, London
This striking Art Deco sterling silver teapot, hallmarked in Sheffield in 1928 by celebrated silversmiths Walker & Hall, is a superb example of early 20th-century British design. Crafted in solid sterling silver, the teapot features a bold hand-hammered finish, reflecting the geometric elegance of the Art Deco movement. The teapot rests on a raised circular pedestal base with a gadroon border, echoed around the lid for a harmonious design. Its beautifully curved spout and distinctive ebonised wood handle and finial provide both aesthetic balance and functional comfort. The hammered texture catches the light magnificently, making it an eye-catching centrepiece for luxury interiors, collectors, or decorative table settings. This antique silver teapot not only offers timeless appeal but also embodies the fine craftsmanship of Walker & Hall, one of Sheffield’s most esteemed silversmiths. A perfect addition for antique silver collectors...
Sterling Silver
Antique George V Sterling Silver Teapot by S. Blanckensee
By S. Blanckensee & Sons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver teapot; an addition to our silver teaware collection This fine antique George V sterling silver teapot has a rectangular rounded form onto four bun style feet. The plain surface of the body is embellished with stepped decoration to the upper portion. The rim of the teapot is encompassed with an applied reed decorated border. This fine teapot is fitted with a plain domed hinged hallmarked cover which retains the original sterling silver finial, securing to the interior with a wing nut. The teapot is fitted with an angular sterling silver handle with a plain scrolling thumbpiece. This antique teapot...
Sterling Silver
Art Deco Silver Teapot 830s with Straw Handle Made by Cohr Silver, Denmark, 1939
By Carl M. Cohr
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Art Deco teapot from Cohr Silver Denmark made in 1939 (see the stamp) The teapot is made of genuine silver 830s, stamped with the Danish three towers ...
Silver
Perhaps best known as a Revolutionary War hero, Revere was also an accomplished silversmith, and this pot is now available on 1stDibs.
Discovered in Parisian cabarets, the performers reenergized the artist’s practice.
