Christofle Silver-Plated Small Hollowware Vessel
Hollowware (possibly a creamer, small pitcher, or finger bowl) · Christofle (Orfèvrerie Christofle), established 1830 in Paris, France. Renowned as the premier silversmith to French royalty and institutional luxury worldwide.
Pattern: Undetermined smooth-bodied pattern, likely from a classic hotel or restaurant service line, widely produced for utilitarian durability.
Type
Hollowware (possibly a creamer, small pitcher, or finger bowl)
Maker
Christofle (Orfèvrerie Christofle), established 1830 in Paris, France. Renowned as the premier silversmith to French royalty and institutional luxury worldwide.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a copper-nickel alloy plated with high-purity silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of base: 5-8 cm. Estimated weight: 150-300 grams depending on height. Hand-held size suggestive of an individual creamer.
Description
This piece represents the industrial excellence of Christofle, featuring the clean lines often found in their 'Collection Gallia' or hotel-ware lines. It is a sturdy, functional silver-plated vessel designed to withstand heavy use while maintaining the prestige of the French silversmithing tradition. The underside shows the prominent maker's mark used to guarantee the quality of the plating.
Key Features
Distinguished by the specific 'Scales and Bee' hallmark, horizontal block lettering, and numerical plating indicators common to French silver-plate marking systems.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a copper-nickel alloy plated with high-purity silver.
Finish & Decoration
High polish mirror finish (currently oxidized). Minimalist aesthetic with plain surfaces, focusing on form rather than ornate engraving.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Primary mark: 'CHRISTOFLE' in a rectangular cartouche. Secondary mark: The Master Mark (poinçon de maître) featuring scales and a bee between the initials 'C' and 'C'. Numerical stamps '4' and '2' likely indicate silver content weight/batch or item size.
Construction Details
Industrial high-quality construction; likely spun or machine-pressed with a soldered handle, finished with high-grade electroplating.
Functional Features
Stable flat circular base with slightly flared walls; a visible handle attachment points to liquid pouring functionality.
Handle & Grip Details
Hollow or solid cast silver-plated handle, soldered to the body. Ergonomic design typical of high-end commercial hollowware.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-refined with hand-finished polishing. The solder points for the handle appear seamless, indicating the high manufacturing standards of the Christofle factory.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency is high; the 'scales and bee' mark is the official trademark of Christofle. Wear patterns on the base are consistent with authentic use over several decades.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (Paris/Saint-Denis). Manufactured using the electroplating process patented by Elkington and refined by Christofle.
Era & Period
Modern Era (post-1935), specifically mid-to-late 20th century based on the specific horizontal rectangle 'CHRISTOFLE' stamp format.
Age Estimate
Estimated production circa 1950-1980. The hallmark style with scales and the sans-serif font is characteristic of late-20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Iconic of French 'Art de Vivre' (The Art of Living). Christofle transformed silver from an exclusive luxury for the aristocracy into an accessible mark of status for the rising middle class and grand hotels.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Displays significant surface tarnish (patina) and light 'shelf wear' scratches on the base. No visible deep dents or plating loss (bleeding through to base metal).
Value Estimate
$40 - $120 USD. Value is driven by the Christofle brand name rather than metal content, as it is silver-plated rather than solid sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's or Hagerty) using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges which can strip the microns of silver plating. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to Ercuis or Reed & Barton hotel-ware. Unlike sterling pieces from Tiffany, this is plated, making it more durable for daily service and easier to maintain in a commercial setting.
Interesting Facts
Christofle was the official supplier to King Louis-Philippe and Emperor Napoleon III, and their silver-plate was famously used on the Orient Express and the Titanic.