Charles Christofle Silver Marks

1876 c 1884 holloware baltimore md usa.

Charles christofle silver marks.

Since 1935 the manufacturer s mark has been represented by an illustration of the knight from chess surrounded by the initials oc. After christofle had broken its relations with halphen company in 1867 which was guided by charles halphen s widow the latter started to produce high quality silver plated cutlery under their own marks. Tony was the great grandson of mme. Charles christofle was the first maker to introduce french made electroplated silver to the market.

Tony bouilhet had married carla borletti 1907 1992 of a wealthy milanese industrialist family the borlettis provided needed capital by becoming major shareholders when chistofle incorporated in 1930. Online encyclopedia of silver marks hallmarks makers marks. Hamilton laidlaw co. He bought the rights to the electroplating process from the birmingham manufacturers george and richard elkington.

Later silver markings included the word gallia above a. Charles christofle used a series of unique markings in order to identify his products to the world. Hamilton inches from 1870 edinburgh scotland uk. The first christofle standard full mark was used from 1841 1862 soometimes referred to as the cc oval mark this silver mark consists of an oval with a balance and the image of a bee in the center.

However this mark has varied with time so an experienced antique silver buyer is sometimes needed to identify exactly what the mark means. However this mark has varied with time so an experienced antique silver buyer is sometimes needed to identify exactly what the mark means. Early markings included the initials gc or cc along with a scale in the center. Rosine bouilhet christofle and the great grandnephew of the founder charles christofle.

Throughout its history to identify particular collections maison christofle has used other hallmarks including a rooster for the gallia collection and a cat s head for silver and gilded pieces. The christofle mark varies over time. Founded 1850 reorganized as alfenide in 1853 with charles christofle as a major shareholder. After christofle had broken its relations with halphen company in 1867 which was guided by charles halphen s widow the latter started to produce high quality silver plated cutlery under their own marks.

The company was founded in 1830 when charles christofle then a popular jeweler expanded his line to include silver picture frames porcelain dinnerware crystal vases and hollowware a variety of designers and artists helped to create christofle s pieces included famed parisian silversmith antoine. Christofle is a french manufacturer of fine silver flatware and other home accessories.