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.
Antique Christofle Silver Plated Food Warmer / Tureen & Covered Dome
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver plated food warmer or tureen. By Christofle et Cie. Consisting of a two-part oval meat or fish warmer with scroll feet and ...
Silver Plate
$225
H 6.5 in W 12 in D 9.5 in
Antique Victorian Silver Plated Covered Tureen "1907" Platter Dish by Rockford
By Rockford Silver Co
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Victorian Silver Plated Covered Tureen Platter Dish by Rockford. Engraved "1907" ornate scrolling feet, grat style and form. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 6...
Silver Plate
$2,700
H 10 in W 15.75 in D 9.75 in
A Very Fine 19th Century Silver Plated Lidded Soup Tureen by Elkington & Company
By Elkington & Co.
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very fine & impressively large silver plated soup tureen by Elkington & Company of London with a capacity to hold 4 quarts. The substantial oval body having open handles, richly decorated with embossed & engraved foliate motifs & centered by blank foliate cartouches, the conforming lid bearing engraved heraldic crests. Raised overall upon a stepped oval foot, with the underside bearing impressed factory marks for Elkington & Co., together with date letter for 1884. In extremely good overall condition, and priced competitively in comparison to similar examples in the marketplace. ELKINGTON & COMPANY: George Richards Elkington & Henry Elkington were the first to discover and patent the silver plating process in the 1830's. They were subsequently awarded Royal warrants to several members of the British Royal Family including Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, Queen Mary & King George VI. Elkington & Company were chosen as the suppliers of flatware on board the British Royal Yacht Britannia...
Silver Plate
$6,275Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.09 in W 13 in D 12.21 in
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Vegetable Dish, Tureen
By Argenterie Lala
Located in VALENZA, IT
Tureen in sterling silver in Baroque style. The dish measures 31cm in diameter and was left smooth with the brim raised. On the plate, scrolls and shells typical of the Italian Bar...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Soup Tureen by Martin, Hall & Co., 1871
By Martin, Hall & Co. Ltd.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, large antique Victorian English sterling silver soup tureen; an addition to our dining silverware collection This exceptional antique Victoria...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Silver Soup Tureen by George Gordon & Co - Circa 1830
By George Gordon & Co 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique 1830s Indian Colonial silver soup tureen; an addition to our silver dining collection. This magnificent and impressive antique silver tureen...
Sterling Silver
$11,921
H 9.26 in W 9.85 in D 15.36 in
Antique William IV Sterling Silver Soup Tureen London 1834 Serving Dish
By William Brown
Located in London, GB
An impressive Antique William IV Sterling Silver Soup Tureen with an oval form and four generously proportioned scroll and foliate feet. The Body of the Soup Serving Tureen is embell...
Sterling Silver
$2,400 / set
H 10 in W 14 in D 10.5 in
A Rare Early 19th Century Silver Plated Lidded Tureen, France, Circa 1830
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Both the base & lid are engraved with a finely detailed heraldic coat of arms surmounted by a Marquess coronet, the interior retaining it's original and rarely found removable liner. Raised overall upon a stepped circular spreading foot, the underside bearing impressed makers marks (unknown) & town mark for Marseilles, as well as the word ‘PLAQUE’ which is the French term for 19th century silver plated items...
Silver Plate, Copper
Victorian Sterling Tureen with Platter c1850
By James Dixon & Sons
Located in Litchfield, CT
Date marked 1850, Sterling, by James Dixon & Son, Sheffield England. This tureen and underplate is a superb example of early Victorian British sterling. Beautifully designed, it...
Sterling Silver
$12,847
H 10.24 in W 18.51 in D 15.16 in
Italian Sterling Silver round Soup Tureen with stand Queen Ann Style
By Arval Argenti Valenza
Located in VALENZA, IT
Large round sterling silver Queen Anne style tureen. The plate is round with a welded cord border. Two handles with an acanthus leaf design made using the fusion technique have been ...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Silver Plated Basket with Eagle Handles
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This 19th-century silver-plated panetière (bread basket) showcases an exquisite design that combines artistry with utility. Crafted with a silver-plated finish, its elongated oval sh...
Silver Plate
1930s Rare Christofle Gallia Silver Plated Sauce Boat with Eagle Handle
By Christofle
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This striking silver-plated sauce boat is a rare and highly collectible piece by Christofle, one of France’s most prestigious silversmiths. Made under the Gallia line — a subdivision...
Silver Plate
19th Century Empire Silver Plated Gondola Basket with Swan Handles
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite silver-plated basket, shaped in the style of a gondola, is a remarkable example of Empire-inspired craftsmanship. Featuring elegant swan-neck handles, this piece embod...
Silver Plate
Charles Pillivuyt Limoges Porcelain Soup Tureen with Gilt Monogram
By Charles Pillivuyt & Cie
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant antique porcelain soup tureen was produced by the renowned French manufacturer Charles Pillivuyt, one of the most respected porcelain makers in Limoges during the late 1...
Porcelain
French Art Deco Silver-Plated Sauce Boat, 24G, Elegant Design, 1930s
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A refined French Art Deco silver-plated sauce boat, dating from the 1930s. Marked “24G”, the piece reflects a silver plating weight of 24 grams, a standard commonly used by quality E...
Silver Plate
19th c. French Porcelain Soup Tureen with Tray, Paris Vierzon
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exceptional porcelain soup tureen with its matching tray is a fine example of 19th-century French tableware, produced by the distinguished manufactory Lehailleux & Pepin, based ...
Porcelain
