Christofle (Cardeilhac) - Two Antique 950 Sterling Silver Serving Platters - circa 1890s

Direct from Paris: A magnificent pair of antique 19th century Louis XVI sterling silver serving platters in "like new" condition by the world's leading manufacturer of fine sterling silver tableware "Cardeilhac (Christofle) – Silversmith to the King” circa 1890s.  The history of French decorative arts is inextricably linked to the mastery of silversmithing, a tradition that reached its zenith in the 19th century under the skilled hands of Parisian ateliers. Among these, the house of Cardeilhac emerged as one of the most distinguished purveyors of luxury silverware, renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship, aristocratic patronage, and contributions to the neoclassical revival in metalwork. Specializing in the production of sterling silver objets de luxe - particularly their magnificent Louis XVI-style serving platters - Cardeilhac's output represented the perfect synthesis of artistic vision and technical precision. 

The Early Years:  The firm that would become known as Cardeilhac first emerged during the Bourbon Restoration, a period that witnessed a renewed appreciation for the luxury crafts of the Ancien Régime. Established in Paris during the early decades of the 19th century, the workshop quickly distinguished itself through its adherence to traditional techniques while simultaneously embracing the refined aesthetics of the Louis XVI revival. Unlike many contemporary silversmiths who increasingly turned to mechanized production methods, Cardeilhac remained committed to artisanal processes, ensuring that each piece bore the unmistakable mark of hand craftsmanship. 

The political and cultural climate of post-Revolutionary France played a crucial role in shaping Cardeilhac’s artistic direction. The revival of monarchical tastes under Napoleon I and later Louis XVIII created a demand for silverware that evoked the splendor of Versailles. Cardeilhac’s designers looked to the work of 18th-century masters such as Jacques-Louis David and the silversmith Robert-Joseph Auguste for inspiration, adapting their classical motifs - acanthus leaves, fluted columns, and laurel garlands - into pieces that resonated with the era’s nostalgia for pre-Revolutionary opulence. 

Cardeilhac’s rise was further facilitated by its strategic location in Paris, the epicenter of European luxury trade. The firm’s showrooms attracted an elite clientele, including returning émigré aristocrats, newly enriched industrialists, and foreign dignitaries seeking the finest examples of French craftsmanship. By the 1830s, Cardeilhac had secured its position as one of the leading silver houses in France, rivaling even the most established names in the field.

Uncompromising Craftsmanship:  What truly distinguished Cardeilhac from its competitors was its unwavering commitment to quality, evident in every aspect of production. The firm exclusively used 950-grade sterling silver, a higher standard than the typical 925, which lent its pieces a richer luster and greater resistance to tarnish. This superior alloy was meticulously tested and stamped with the firm’s maker’s mark, alongside French assay marks that guaranteed its authenticity.  The techniques employed by Cardeilhac’s artisans were rooted in centuries-old traditions. Repoussé and chasing were central to the firm’s decorative repertoire, allowing craftsmen to create intricate relief designs by hammering the silver from both the front and reverse. This labor-intensive process resulted in pieces with extraordinary depth and dimensionality, particularly evident in the firm’s iconic serving platters. The borders of these platters often featured meticulously hand-engraved foliate scrolls, while the central surfaces were left unadorned to highlight the natural brilliance of the metal. 

Another hallmark of Cardeilhac’s craftsmanship was its attention to functional details. Handles, when present, were not merely appended but fully integrated into the overall design, often taking the form of sculptural scrolls or stylized floral motifs. Even the undersides of platters were finished to the same exacting standards as the visible surfaces, a testament to the firm’s belief that true luxury lay in perfection of both form and function. 

Silversmith to the King:  Cardeilhac’s reputation for excellence inevitably attracted the attention of Europe’s most discerning patrons. The firm counted among its clientele members of the French royal family, as well as aristocrats from Britain, Russia, and the German states. This royal endorsement was not merely a commercial advantage but a mark of cultural prestige, reinforcing Cardeilhac’s status as a purveyor of the highest echelon of luxury. 

One of the most fascinating aspects of Cardeilhac’s history was its relationship with Christofle, the official silversmith to King Louis-Philippe and later Napoleon III. While Christofle revolutionized the industry with its adoption of electroplating and mechanized production, it frequently collaborated with traditional ateliers like Cardeilhac for bespoke commissions requiring hand craftsmanship. This symbiotic relationship allowed Cardeilhac to maintain its artisanal integrity while benefiting from Christofle’s vast distribution networks.  The alliance between the two firms was emblematic of a broader tension in 19th-century silversmithing between industrialization and tradition. While Christofle catered to the growing bourgeois market with more affordable silverplate, Cardeilhac remained the choice of those for whom only solid silver, handcrafted by master artisans, would suffice. 

Awards and Accolades:  The 19th century’s grand international exhibitions served as the ultimate proving grounds for luxury manufacturers, and Cardeilhac seized these opportunities to showcase its artistry. At the 1855 Paris Exposition Universelle, the firm’s display of sterling silver tableware earned critical acclaim, with judges praising the harmonious blend of classical design and technical innovation. 

Subsequent exhibitions, including London’s 1862 International Exhibition and the 1878 Paris World’s Fair, further solidified Cardeilhac’s reputation. The firm’s entries—often monumental centerpieces or intricately decorated tea services—were consistently awarded medals, enhancing their desirability among collectors. These accolades were not merely ceremonial; they translated into increased commissions from European nobility and wealthy industrialists eager to align themselves with the pinnacle of French taste.

Cardeilhac’s Louis XVI Platters:  Among Cardeilhac’s most enduring legacies are its Louis XVI-style serving platters, which epitomized the firm’s design philosophy. These pieces were not merely functional items but expressions of a broader cultural moment that sought to reclaim the elegance of pre-Revolutionary France.  The platters’ designs were deeply rooted in neoclassical principles, featuring symmetrical arrangements of motifs such as Greek key patterns, laurel wreaths, and ribboned garlands. The precision of these elements—each one hand-chased and finely detailed—demonstrated Cardeilhac’s mastery of the Louis XVI aesthetic, which prized balance and refinement above all else. 

Functionally, these platters were engineered for both beauty and practicality. Their substantial weight ensured stability when laden with food, while their polished surfaces reflected candlelight in a manner designed to enhance the opulence of formal dining. For aristocratic households, owning a Cardeilhac platter was not just a matter of utility but a statement of cultural sophistication. 

Today, these platters are among the most coveted items in the antique silver market. Auction records show that well-preserved examples regularly fetch five-figure sums, a testament to their enduring appeal. Museums, including the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, have enshrined Cardeilhac’s work in their permanent collections, ensuring that the firm’s contributions to decorative arts remain accessible to future generations.   

Cardeilhac’s Enduring Legacy:  Though the firm eventually faded into history, its legacy persists as a benchmark of excellence in silversmithing. Cardeilhac’s work represents a golden age of French craftsmanship, where the boundaries between art and utility were seamlessly blurred. Its Louis XVI-style platters, in particular, stand as monuments to an era when luxury was defined not by mere ostentation but by the marriage of aesthetic vision and technical mastery. 

For contemporary collectors and historians, Cardeilhac’s pieces are more than antiques—they are tangible connections to a world where silver was not just metal but a canvas for the highest aspirations of human creativity. In an age increasingly dominated by mass production, the firm’s commitment to hand craftsmanship serves as a reminder of the enduring value of artistry executed at the highest level.

Set Specifications:  The magnificent Platter #1 measures approximately 33.00 cm. in diameter and weights roughly 947 grams. It has been meticulously restored to a "Like New" condition and even the minor surface scratches have been removed from the top surface of the platter as you can see in the photo above. It comes with an individual anti-tarnish storage wrap for safe and easy storage. The elegant Platter #2 measures approximately 28.50 cm. in diameter and weights roughly 634 grams. It has also been meticulously restored to a "Like New" condition with even the minor surface scratches removed from the top surface of the platter as you can see in the photo above. It also comes with an individual anti-tarnish storage wrap for safe and easy storage. Each of the pieces bears the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver in addition to the Cardeilhac sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark.