Vintage Christofle Mounted Mahogany and Silver Plate Hotel Dessert Cart on Wheel
About the Item
- Creator:Christofle (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 42.5 in (107.95 cm)Width: 36.5 in (92.71 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
- Style:Hollywood Regency (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Mahogany,Silver Plate
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:Bridgeport, CT
- Reference Number:Seller: 1063611stDibs: LU1755218100742
Christofle
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.
You May Also Like
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Brass, Metal
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces
Metal
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Serving Pieces
Bamboo
Early 20th Century American Louis XVI Dessert Tables and Tilt-top Tables
Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Mahogany
Antique 1890s American Industrial Carts and Bar Carts
Metal, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Serving Tables
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Brass, Metal
Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Carts and Bar Carts
Brass
More From This Seller
View AllMid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Carts and Bar Carts
Metal, Other
20th Century Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century Unknown Primitive Mounted Objects
Iron
Early 20th Century English Hollywood Regency Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century German Regency Serving Pieces
Porcelain
