Christofle Cardeilhac antique French Louis XVI sterling silver serving platters
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.
