A Napoleon III electroplated centrepiece

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In 1831, Charles Christofle (d. 1863) took over his brother-in-law's bijouterie-joaillerie 'Maison Calmette' and changed its name to 'Société Charles Christofle & Cie'. In 1842 and 1843, Christofle obtained the exclusive use of patents taken out by the English firm of Elkington & Co. (in 1840 and 1842) and Ruolz (in 1841 and 1842) for the galvanic process of gilding and silvering, known as argenterie electro-chimique. The following years saw Christofle embroiled in many lawsuits to preserve his rights until the patents entered the public domain. Pieces produced by this new process were first exhibited at the Exposition des produits de l'industrie française, Paris, in 1844. Cheaper to manufacture and, therefore, more affordable to own, Christofle's wares won instant acclaim, rewarding the firm with a gold medal and its founder with the Légion d'Honneur. Shortly afterwards, Charles Christofle was appointed Fournisseur officiel du Roi Louis-Philippe and, in 1855, Fournisseur de l'Empereur, supplying fine quality pieces, predominantly table-wares, for the various palaces and ministerial offices of Napoleon III. The firm participated with large stands in all of the major International exhibitions during the second half of the 19th century, frequently winning medals.

A Napoleon III electroplated centrepiece

BY CHRISTOFLE & CIE., PARIS, THIRD QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

Details

A Napoleon III electroplated centrepiece
By Christofle & Cie., Paris, Third quarter 19th Century
The oviform tazza supported by tree branches and scrolling foliage, centred by a seated playful putto, on an oval spreading base, flanked to each side by a scroll handle, on four feet, one stamped to the underside CHRISTOFLE and with company logo and numbered 772824
15¾ in. (40.5 cm.) high; 16¾ in. (43 cm.) wide; 12½ in. (32.5 cm.) deep

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium

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