Christofle Silver Plate Rectangular Serving Tray with Rose Accents
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Platter) · Christofle (France), a premier silversmith founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle. Known for innovating electroplating techniques and serving French royalty, including King Louis-Philippe.
Pattern: Custom or Boutique line featuring vertical pinstriping and reticulated borders, characteristic of early 20th-century French production.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Platter)
Maker
Christofle (France), a premier silversmith founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle. Known for innovating electroplating techniques and serving French royalty, including King Louis-Philippe.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). While the base is likely nickel silver for durability, the heavy Christofle plating is renowned for long-term wear.
Dimensions
Estimated length 12-14 inches (including handles), width 8-9 inches. Approximate weight 600-800 grams based on standard tray thickness.
Description
An elegant rectangular French silver plate tray by the renowned house of Christofle. The tray balances delicate pierced lattice borders with an austere engine-turned center, framed by romantic cast rose handles that offer a unique tactile and visual charm.
Key Features
Dimensional rose handle mounts; high-quality pierced lattice gallery; engine-turned 'pinstripe' floor with ribbon-and-reed central oval.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). While the base is likely nickel silver for durability, the heavy Christofle plating is renowned for long-term wear.
Finish & Decoration
Vertical engine-turned (guilloché) pinstriping on the interior bed with a central oval ribbon cartouche. The rim features geometric lattice reticulation (pierced work). The handles are accented with cast dimensional roses.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely bears the 'Scales' mark in a square (the Christofle master mark), the 'OC' (Orfèvrerie Christofle) stamp, and a number indicating the silver thickness in grams.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed tray bed with mechanical engine turning; die-cut (pierced) reticulated borders. Handles and rose motifs are cast separately and hand-soldered to the main body.
Functional Features
Raised pierced gallery walls to prevent sliding; large 'C' scroll handles for ease of transport; central cartouche left blank for a monogram.
Handle & Grip Details
Silver-plated rigid scroll handles, soldered to the sides. Each handle is embellished with two realistically modeled rose blossoms at the terminal points.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional mechanical precision in the pinstriping and lattice work, contrasted by the organic, high-relief hand-finishing on the rose handle accents.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the reticulation and the specific design of the rose terminals are consistent with Christofle's high-end production. Solder joints appear clean and original.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris, France. Manufactured in the Christofle factory using high-standard industrial silver plating processes unique to French luxury workshops.
Era & Period
Belle Époque to Art Deco transition (circa 1910-1930). It combines the floral romanticism of the late 19th century with the geometric rigor of the early 20th century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920. Dating is based on the transition from floral motifs to the strict vertical pinstripe geometry popular in post-WWI French design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Art de Vivre' (Art of Living) movement in France, where even utilitarian serving pieces were treated as sculptural interior design objects.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible tarnish and oxidation across the surface. There are noticeable dark spots (pitting) on the tray floor which may indicate 'bleeding' where the silver plate has worn thin to the base metal.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value is driven by the Christofle brand name; however, the surface tarnish and potential plating wear significantly impact the top-tier market price.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle hand cleaning with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) and a soft cotton cloth is required. Avoid 'silver dips' which can damage the aged patina of the cast rose details.
Similar Pieces
Ercuis pierced trays (typically more Art Deco); Elkington reticulated platters (usually feature different British hallmarking protocols).
Interesting Facts
Christofle was the official supplier for the palace of Napoleon III. Their pieces are found in the legendary dining rooms of the Ritz Paris and the Orient Express.