Antique Christofle sterling silver cutlery / flatware

Charles Christofle was a French silversmith and businessman who played an important role in the development of the French silver industry during the 19th century. He was born in 1805 in the town of Saint-Dizier in northeastern France, and began his career as an apprentice silversmith in Paris.

In 1838, he founded his own company, Christofle et Cie, and began producing high-quality silverware and other luxury items, such as candelabras, vases, and picture frames. He quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the finest silverware in France, and his company became one of the most successful and respected in the country.

Christofle's most famous work was his creation of the "Christofle style" characterized by the use of a combination of different techniques like chasing, engraving and gilding.

Christofle was also a skilled businessman and was able to expand his company rapidly, opening branches and showrooms in more... cities throughout Europe and America. He was awarded several medals in the major international fairs of the time, including the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris, where he was awarded a gold medal for his silverware.

Christofle was also a patron of the arts and a great supporter of French art and design. He was responsible for commissioning many of the most famous French artists and designers of the time to create pieces for his company, including the likes of Auguste Rodin, Charles Garnier, and Jules-Claude Ziegler.

Christofle retired in 1875, and his company continued to be run by his descendants until it was acquired by a private equity firm in 1998. Today, Christofle is still a leading name in luxury silverware and tableware, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and elegant designs. less...