Direct from Paris, a magnificent 121pc. antique French sterling silver flatware set by one of France’s premier silversmiths “Amelie Cardeilhac (Christofle) – silversmith to the King”, in excellent condition and with rare Mother-of-Pearl handled dessert knives. 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.
Christofle was founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle, a visionary who sought to revolutionize the art of silversmithing in France. Before founding his own business, Charles worked in the family jewelry firm, where he gained invaluable experience in metalworking. 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. This union brought together Christofle’s expertise in electroplating and modern manufacturing techniques with Cardeilhac’s deep-rooted tradition of artisanal silversmithing. The acquisition allowed Christofle to expand its offerings to include Cardeilhac’s sterling silver creations, further cementing its position as a leading purveyor of luxury silverware.
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.
Throughout its history, Christofle has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, underscoring its status as a leader in the field of silversmithing. The company’s first major recognition came at the Paris Exposition of 1839, where it received a gold medal for its innovative use of electroplating. This was followed by further accolades at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, where Christofle was awarded a medal for its silver-plated wares. Cardeilhac, too, was no stranger to accolades. The firm was awarded a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1867 for its sterling silver flatware, a recognition that highlighted its mastery of traditional silversmithing techniques. Cardeilhac’s success at these international exhibitions further enhanced its reputation and helped to establish it as one of the foremost silversmiths of its time. The numerous awards and recognitions garnered by Christofle and Cardeilhac are a testament to the enduring quality and craftsmanship of their creations. These accolades have not only elevated the brands to the pinnacle of luxury silversmithing but have also ensured that their legacy continues to be celebrated by collectors and connoisseurs around the world.
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. The creation of a sterling silver flatware set involves a complex and labor-intensive process that begins with the selection of the finest materials. Christofle and Cardeilhac use only the highest quality sterling silver, which is then meticulously shaped and polished to achieve a flawless finish. Each piece in a flatware set is designed to complement the others, with a focus on achieving perfect balance and proportion. The result is a set of utensils that not only look stunning but also feel comfortable and natural in the hand. 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 121pc. antique French sterling silver flatware set is a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation for which these two brands are internationally known. It exemplifies the that 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 pieces in this amazing set bears the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the Amelie Cardeilhac (House of Cardeilhac) sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark. The set contains the following (all weights and measures approximate):
12 Dinner Knives - Stainless Blades 23.00 cm. 64 grams
12 Dinner Forks 20.80 cm. 86 grams
18 Extra Dinner Forks 20.80 cm. 86 grams
18 Tablespoons 21.20 cm. 89 grams
12 Luncheon Knives - Stainless Blades 19.30 cm. 41 grams
12 Luncheon / Dessert Forks 17.50 cm. 54 grams
12 Luncheon / Dessert Spoons 18.00 cm. 56 grams
12 Dessert Knives - Mother of Pearl Handles, Sterling Blades 19.50 cm. 35 grams
12 Teaspoons 14.70 cm. 32 grams
1 Large Soup / Stew Serving Ladle 32.00 cm. 280 grams
