Christofle Silver-Plated Demitasse or Cocktail Spoon
Flatware - Spoon · Christofle, renowned French silversmith and tableware manufacturer founded in Paris in 1830 by Charles Christofle, highly prestigious and globally celebrated for luxury silver and silver-plated wares.
Pattern: Modern minimalist or classic hotel ware line, specific pattern difficult to determine from terminal alone, produced in various standardized commercial and residential tableware designs.
Type
Flatware - Spoon
Maker
Christofle, renowned French silversmith and tableware manufacturer founded in Paris in 1830 by Charles Christofle, highly prestigious and globally celebrated for luxury silver and silver-plated wares.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely nickel-silver or brass alloy base under a heavy layer of electroplated silver), standard for high-end European commercial and fine dining flatware.
Dimensions
Estimated small beverage spoon (approx. 10 to 13 cm in length), lightweight, typical for a demitasse, cocktail, or stirring spoon.
Description
An elegant silver-plated spoon by the prestigious French house of Christofle. The piece showcases a sleek brushed handle terminating in a clean, rounded shape bearing the authentic Christofle hallmark and scale logo. Crafted with the exceptional quality expected from this historic maker, it serves as a sophisticated addition to a refined table setting or barware collection.
Key Features
Authentic Christofle scale maker's mark, minimalist tapered handle with brushed finish, durable silver-plated construction from a premier French luxury brand.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely nickel-silver or brass alloy base under a heavy layer of electroplated silver), standard for high-end European commercial and fine dining flatware.
Finish & Decoration
Satin or brushed finish on the handle with a smooth polished terminal, featuring minimal ornamentation and clean contemporary lines characteristic of mid-20th to late-20th-century design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible Christofle maker's mark showing the distinctive scale logo and brand name stamp indicating French manufacture and electroplate quality.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and formed electroplated base metal, standard industrial manufacturing process for durable modern silver-plated flatware.
Functional Features
Designed for stirring hot beverages like espresso or mixing cocktails, featuring a slim handle and small bowl.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral solid metal handle forming a continuous piece with the neck and bowl, featuring a smooth tapered profile ending in a rounded flat terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
High-grade commercial execution with precise stamping, smooth edges, uniform plating thickness, and clean hallmark impression typical of Christofle production.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deeply struck Christofle hallmark and maker's stamp on the reverse handle terminal, matching the standardized branding used by the company.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris, France, manufactured in Christofle's traditional workshops adhering to rigorous French standards of silver-plate production.
Era & Period
Mid-to-Late 20th Century, reflecting modern streamlined dining and hospitality design trends.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1990, based on the style of the stamp and contemporary minimalist aesthetic.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury dining in the 20th century, where high-end European silver-plate brought fine craftsmanship into upscale homes and hospitality venues.
Condition Notes
Very good vintage condition with minor surface micro-scratches consistent with light use and storage; silver plating remains intact without visible base metal bleed-through.
Value Estimate
Modest collector or replacement value, typically ranging from $15 to $45 depending on exact pattern demand and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Wash by hand in warm soapy water using a mild detergent, dry immediately with a soft cloth, and occasionally polish with a quality silver cream specifically formulated for plated items.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated spoons by European makers such as WMF, Christofle hotel ware lines, or Ercuis.
Interesting Facts
Christofle was chosen to supply luxury tableware for Napoleon III and remains a staple of elite dining on luxury trains, ocean liners, and Michelin-starred restaurants.