Christofle Silver-Plated Malmaison Pattern Two-Handled Serving Tray
Hollowware (Serving Tray / Platter) · Christofle (Orfèvrerie Christofle, Paris, France). Founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle, the brand is the premier name in French luxury silver and was the official supplier to King Louis-Philippe and Emperor Napoleon III.
Pattern: Malmaison. Introduced in 1967, this Empire-style pattern is part of Christofle's permanent collection and remains one of their most prestigious and iconic designs.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray / Platter)
Maker
Christofle (Orfèvrerie Christofle, Paris, France). Founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle, the brand is the premier name in French luxury silver and was the official supplier to King Louis-Philippe and Emperor Napoleon III.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) / Gallia Silver. High-quality silver plating over a base of nickel silver, known for its heavy plating thickness and durability (typically 33 microns for Christofle pieces).
Dimensions
Estimated length approximately 45-55 cm (18-22 inches) across handles. Weight is substantial, likely between 1.5 to 2.5 kg, reflecting the heavy gauge of Christofle hollowware.
Description
An elegant and imposing two-handled tray by the world-renowned house of Christofle. The Malmaison pattern, named after the chateau of Empress Josephine, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical symmetry and grandeur. Its architectural border of water leaves and precise ribbon-ties provides a formal frame for serving cocktails or morning coffee. The heavy gauge of the metal ensures a professional, high-end feel fitting for the most formal dining environments.
Key Features
Empire-style palmette frieze, unique ribbon-tie intersections on the rim, and horizontal-oriented loop handles. The 'Malmaison' border is a signature diagnostic feature of Christofle.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) / Gallia Silver. High-quality silver plating over a base of nickel silver, known for its heavy plating thickness and durability (typically 33 microns for Christofle pieces).
Finish & Decoration
High-mirror polish with a Neoclassical Empire-style border. Features a distinctive palmette (water leaf) and lotus leaf frieze, accented by 'cross-ribbon' or 'criss-cross' tied detailing on the handles and rim. The style is strictly Napoleonic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks include the 'OC' scales mark (Orfèvrerie Christofle) in a square box, the name 'CHRISTOFLE', and often 'FRANCE'. It may also bear the 'Gallia' collection mark depending on the specific production year.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed body with cast and hand-applied handles. The rim detail is often die-struck and then silver-soldered to the main tray body. The plating is executed via electrolysis to ensure exceptional uniformity.
Functional Features
Raised scalloped walls (marly) to prevent spills, sturdy integrally soldered loop handles for secure transport, and a flat mirror well for stability of coffee sets or glassware.
Handle & Grip Details
Hollow-cast silver-plated loop handles featuring a reeded design tied with crossed ribbons. They are bolstered and silver-soldered to the tray ends for maximum strength.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays excellent industrial craftsmanship; the soldering points on the handles are virtually invisible, and the symmetry of the scalloped rim is perfectly balanced.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the casting on the handles and the specific 'cross-ribbon' motif are highly consistent with Christofle's exacting standards. Fakes usually lack the precise detail in the palmette border.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, specifically the Christofle factory in Saint-Denis or Yainville. It represents the height of French industrial luxury production.
Era & Period
Modern (Mid to Late 20th Century). While the design is Neoclassical Empire (c. 1804-1815), this specific manufacturing style and pattern indicate a production date post-1960.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1990. The crispness of the border and the particular sheen of the plating suggest a late 20th-century vintage production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the pinnacle of 20th-century French bourgeois luxury and the democratization of haute-orfèvrerie through high-quality silver plating.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The tray shows light surface scratches in the well consistent with use. There is noticeable tarnish/toning around the indentations of the border and handles. No evidence of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) or significant dents.
Value Estimate
$400 - $850 USD. Value depends on size (this appears to be a medium-large size) and the degree of surface scratching in the center well.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and a high-quality polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive sponges which can wear through the silver layer. Store in a tarnish-resistant bag or wrap in acid-free tissue.
Similar Pieces
Ercuis 'Empire' pattern (similar borders but different handle joins), Gorham 'Heritage' (American interpretation of the style), or vintage Sheffield plated trays.
Interesting Facts
The Malmaison pattern was designer specifically to evoke the 'Return from Egypt' style popular during the Napoleonic era; it is used today in French embassies and grand hotels worldwide.