Christofle Silver-Plated Hollowware Piece, Production Number 1304044
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or Serving Dish) · Christofle (Orfèvrerie Christofle), founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle in Paris, France. Renowned for pioneering electroplating and serving royalty globally.
Pattern: Standard Production Series, late 19th to early 20th century. Specific pattern name requires a full view of the front face.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or Serving Dish)
Maker
Christofle (Orfèvrerie Christofle), founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle in Paris, France. Renowned for pioneering electroplating and serving royalty globally.
Material
Metal Blanc (White Metal/Nickel Silver) base with heavy electroplated silver (EPNS). The 'B' and 'CC' marks signify the silver-plating quality and base metal.
Dimensions
Dimensions unknown without full object view; weight typically substantial due to the dense nickel-silver base metal used in Christofle hollowware.
Description
A close-up view of the underside of a Christofle silver-plated hollowware piece. The image highlights the distinctive 'CC' hallmark and a seven-digit serial number, indicating the prestige of the maker and the traceability of the object.
Key Features
Seven-digit production number, 'CC' Scale-and-Bee mark, 'B' (Blanc) metal mark, and the characteristic heavy surface wear associated with antique plated service.
Material & Composition
Metal Blanc (White Metal/Nickel Silver) base with heavy electroplated silver (EPNS). The 'B' and 'CC' marks signify the silver-plating quality and base metal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish typical of Christofle's luxury hotel and domestic lines. Decoration visible in the reflections suggests a smooth, undecorated surface on the underside.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'CC' hallmark with a scale and bee signifies the Christofle mark used between 1844-1935. The 'B' indicates 'Métal Blanc' (base metal). The numerals '1304044' are the unique production/serial number.
Construction Details
Spun or die-stamped from heavy-gauge sheet metal with die-struck hallmarks applied manually. Industrial high-quality mass production with hand-polishing.
Functional Features
Smooth Underside for stability. The serial number suggests this was part of a tracked inventory, common for high-end dining services or hotel ware.
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible in the close-up of the base stamps.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-precision stamping with hand-finished hallmarks. The deep, crisp strike of the serial numbers indicates a high level of factory quality control.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are struck with correct depth and alignment for an authentic Christofle piece. The font style of the numbers '1304044' matches known archives for pre-WWI production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris and Saint-Denis, France. Manufactured in one of the most technologically advanced silver-plating factories of the 19th century.
Era & Period
Belle Époque / Late Victorian era (c. 1890-1915). The hallmark style and numeric sequencing are consistent with this high-production period for French export.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1910 based on the specific serif style of the numeric stamps and the 'CC' scale-and-bee square mark.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury through electroplating, allowing the upper-middle class to own pieces with the prestige of a royal silversmith.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Multiple surface scratches, 'scuffing', and potential 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver) are visible. Significant tarnish build-up around the stamped impressions.
Value Estimate
$50 - $250 USD depending on the object's form. Trays and terrines command higher prices than simple bowls.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle hand-polishing with a non-abrasive cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid dips as they can damage the base metal if the plating is thin (bleeding).
Similar Pieces
Pieces by Ercuis or Elkington & Co. often use similar serial number systems, but Christofle's scale-and-bee mark is a unique French identifier.
Interesting Facts
Christofle provided the silver services for Napoleon III and later for the Orient Express, making their serialized pieces highly collectible for their history of luxury travel and dining.