Direct from Paris, a magnificent 97pc. antique French sterling silver flatware set by France’s premier silversmith “Christofle (Cardeilhac)”, silversmith to the King, in excellent condition, no monograms and includes individual anti-tarnish storage chests for easy storage. The history of Christofle, intertwined with that of Cardeilhac, represents a distinguished chapter in the annals of French craftsmanship, marked by an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and artistic excellence. You can’t go wrong buying quality.
Christofle was founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle, a visionary who sought to revolutionize the art of silversmithing in France. The Cardeilhac name is inextricably linked with the highest standards of French silversmithing. Founded in 1804 by Antoine-Vital Cardeilhac, the firm quickly gained a reputation for producing exquisite sterling silver items, particularly in the realm of flatware and tableware. Cardeilhac was renowned for its traditional craftsmanship, with each piece meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans using age-old techniques passed down through generations. The company’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence earned it widespread acclaim, and it became a preferred supplier to French aristocracy and high society. The marriage of Christofle and Cardeilhac occurred in 1951 when the Christofle company acquired Cardeilhac
The quality and craftsmanship that define Christofle and Cardeilhac’s creations are the result of a meticulous process that combines traditional artisan techniques with modern innovations. At the heart of this process is an unwavering commitment to excellence, with every piece undergoing rigorous quality control to ensure it meets the highest standards. In the production of sterling silver flatware, for example, each piece is crafted from a single sheet of sterling silver, which is then meticulously shaped and polished by hand. The intricate designs that adorn many of these pieces are often hand-engraved or etched, with artisans taking great care to achieve a level of detail and precision that is unmatched. This dedication to craftsmanship is evident in the weight, balance, and finish of each piece, which are all carefully considered to ensure the final product not only looks beautiful but also feels luxurious in the hand.
One of the distinguishing features of Christofle and Cardeilhac’s silverware is the way in which traditional techniques are combined with contemporary designs. While the firms have always been rooted in classical silversmithing methods, they have also been unafraid to embrace modern aesthetics, resulting in pieces that are both timeless and current. This fusion of old and new is particularly evident in Christofle’s collaborations with renowned designers, who bring their unique vision to the company’s creations while staying true to its heritage of quality and craftsmanship.
Christofle and Cardeilhac’s reputation for excellence was solidified through their long history of royal and imperial patronage. In the 19th century, Christofle became the official supplier to the French royal court, a prestigious endorsement that further elevated the brand’s status. Under the patronage of Napoleon III, Christofle was commissioned to create a wide array of silverware for the royal household, including elaborate centerpieces, candelabras, and tableware that adorned the grand banquets of the Second Empire. These commissions were not only a testament to the quality of Christofle’s craftsmanship but also a reflection of the company’s ability to meet the exacting standards of the French court. The silverware produced for the imperial household was often highly ornate, featuring intricate detailing and elaborate motifs that reflected the opulence of the period. Christofle’s ability to combine technical mastery with artistic flair made it the silversmith of choice for royalty and nobility across Europe.
Cardeilhac, too, enjoyed a long history of royal patronage. The firm was appointed as an official supplier to the French royal court during the reign of Louis-Philippe I, and its creations graced the tables of many of Europe’s most illustrious families. Cardeilhac’s reputation for producing exquisite sterling silver pieces made it a favorite among the aristocracy, and its works were often seen as symbols of wealth and refinement. The legacy of royal patronage continues to this day, with Christofle’s creations still favored by royalty and high society. The company’s commitment to excellence and tradition has ensured that it remains a symbol of luxury and sophistication, with its silverware and tableware gracing the tables of some of the world’s most prestigious events and households.
Among the many products that Christofle and Cardeilhac are renowned for, their sterling silver flatware sets stand out as true masterpieces of design and craftsmanship. These sets, often passed down through generations, are prized not only for their beauty but also for their durability and functionality. One of the most celebrated aspects of Christofle and Cardeilhac’s flatware sets is the attention to detail in the design. Many of the patterns that adorn these pieces are inspired by classical motifs, such as the Rococo and Neoclassical styles, which have been reinterpreted and refined to suit contemporary tastes. These designs often feature intricate engravings, reliefs, and embellishments that require a high level of skill and precision to execute. The artisans at Christofle and Cardeilhac take great pride in their ability to create these intricate patterns, which add an extra layer of elegance and sophistication to the flatware. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Christofle and Cardeilhac’s flatware sets are also renowned for their functionality. The utensils are designed to be both beautiful and practical, with a focus on achieving the perfect balance between form and function. This is particularly evident in the way the pieces are weighted and shaped, with each utensil crafted to provide a comfortable and effortless dining experience. The durability of these sets is also a key consideration, with the high-quality sterling silver ensuring that they can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining their beauty over time.
The legacy of Christofle and Cardeilhac is one of timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship. For nearly two centuries, these brands have set the standard for luxury silverware, creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also functional and enduring. Their commitment to quality and innovation, combined with a deep respect for tradition, has ensured that their creations continue to be cherished by collectors and connoisseurs around the world.
This amazing 97pc flatware set Cardeilhac is a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. Their creations are more than just objects; they are works of art that embody the very best of French silversmithing. Whether gracing the tables of royalty or being passed down through generations, the sterling silver flatware sets of Christofle and Cardeilhac represent a legacy of elegance, luxury, and timeless beauty that will continue to be admired for generations to come. Each of the sterling pieces bears the French government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the Christofle and Cardeilhac sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark and contains the following (all weights and measures approximate):
12 Dinner Knives - Stainless Blades 24.80 cm. 85 grams
12 Dinner Forks 20.20 cm. 82 grams
12 Tablespoons 20.20 cm. 90 grams
12 Luncheon Knives - Stainless Blades 21.00 cm. 72 grams
12 Cake Forks 14.00 cm. 29 grams
12 Cake / Dessert Knives - Vermeil Blades Mother of Pearl Handles 20.00 cm. 42 grams
12 Teaspoons 13.50 cm. 36 grams
12 Coffee Spoons 10.00 cm. 16 grams
1 Soup / Stew Serving Ladle 29.00 cm. 232 grams
