Christofle Silver-Plated Horse Knife Rests (Set of 6)
Flatware Accessory/Tableware (Knife Rests) · Christofle, Paris. Founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle, the company is renown as the premier French silversmith and innovator of electroplating technology in the 19th century.
Pattern: Gallia Collection (Animals), likely the 'Prancing Horse' model. The Gallia line was introduced in 1900 and is famous for its eclectic and avant-garde designs.
Type
Flatware Accessory/Tableware (Knife Rests)
Maker
Christofle, Paris. Founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle, the company is renown as the premier French silversmith and innovator of electroplating technology in the 19th century.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (typically Gallia metal, a copper-tin-antimony alloy unique to Christofle).
Dimensions
Each rest approximately 8-10 cm (3.1-3.9 inches) in length and 2.5-3 cm in height. Weight is roughly 35-45 grams per piece.
Description
A stunning set of six Christofle silver-plated knife rests representing prancing horses. These pieces exemplify the 'Gallia' line's whimsical yet sophisticated approach to table service, turning functional dinnerware into miniature sculptures. Each horse shows muscular definition and flowing manes, perfectly balanced to support heavy silver flatware.
Key Features
Stylized Art Deco musculature, Four-point stance for stability, 'Gallia' branding indicative of Christofle's luxury art line, original presentation box.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (typically Gallia metal, a copper-tin-antimony alloy unique to Christofle).
Finish & Decoration
High-polish silver finish with oxidized detailing in the mane and tail to provide depth. The style is Art Deco influenced, featuring sleek, stylized anatomical lines and a sense of dynamic movement (galloping/prancing pose).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped with the 'Gallia' mark, the Christofle 'OC' (Orfèvrerie Christofle) scales or knight chess piece logo, and 'France'. Marks are typically located on the underside of one or more legs.
Construction Details
Precision cast from a master mold to ensure uniformity, then hand-finished and silver-plated using Christofle's proprietary electroplating process.
Functional Features
Horizontal body design with four legs providing a stable four-point balance to hold a knife blade aloft, preventing oil or juice from staining the tablecloth.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - the entire body acts as the rest. Features a curved back to securely cradle various knife widths.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional casting quality with no visible mold lines; the silver plating is unusually thick and durable compared to standard silver-plate items.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry in casting, characteristic Christofle weight (heavier than cheaper replicas), and proper placement of hallmark stamps on the underside of the hocks.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (Saint-Denis workshop). Christofle represents the peak of French industrial silversmithing traditions.
Era & Period
Art Deco/Modernist (Mid-20th Century design). While some animal models date to the early 1900s, this specific stylized horse was popular in the 1930s-1950s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1935-1960. The box and the streamlined style suggest a mid-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Knife rests were essential in formal French dining etiquette, where tablecloths were used for multiple courses and changing the cloth was impractical. They represent the height of bourgeois dining refinement.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Minor surface scratches (swirls) and light tarnish consistent with age. No evidence of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver). The original red lined box shows slight shelf wear.
Value Estimate
$400 - $700 USD for a complete set of 6 in the original box, depending on the specific model and retail venue.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and non-abrasive silver cream (like silver foam). Avoid chemical dips which can strip the thin plating. Store in the original box to prevent scratching.
Similar Pieces
Sandoz-designed animal sets (cat, dragon, peacock). Contemporary competitors like Ercuis also produced animal rests, but Christofle's Gallia line remains the most collectible.
Interesting Facts
The Gallia collection was named after the 'Galli' (Gauls) and showcased at the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris. Many of these animal rests were designed by the famous sculptor Marcel Sandoz.