Christofle Silver Marks | Is this Christofle? how old? | Marks & History
- Posted on 3rd January 2022
- in antique sterling silver, Christofle Silver
- by Alan
What is the Christofle Silver?
Silver plating was a revolutionary innovation that was both developed and perfected by Christofle company founder C. Christofle. With silver plating, it suddenly became possible to democratize the trade of silversmithing in order to make beautiful silver pieces more affordable for customers. With silver plating, customers who had previously coveted items in the Christofle line, but were turned off by the price had a way to get the pieces they loved.
Silver plating was the heart of the Christofle legacy, and it could be used for every product category except for jewelry. However, even with silver plated items, it was still important that pieces be easily identifiable as part of the Christofle line. That’s why the company chose to use special hallmarks indicating the manufacturer and the amount of silver in the plating. Today, many customers have questions about the items in their collection and the amount of silver they contain.
Standard Full Mark
The first Christofle standard full mark was used from 1841-1862.Soometimes referred to as the “CC” oval mark, this silver mark consists of an oval with a balance and the image of a bee in the center. On each side of the balance is a capital “C,” and the two letters stand for Charles Christofle. This oval marking is usually accompanied by several other marks:
- The inscription “Christofle”
- A number referring to the piece number in the production line
- A number representing the silver content, with each digit in a separate box
Christofle Silver Plate Marks
Christofle Silver Plate Marks
The Evolution of the Silver Mark
Beginning in 1862, a second standard full mark was used. The main difference from the earlier mark as that the “CC” mark was now put inside of a square box called the “poincon de responsabilite.” Instead of a bee, there is now an image of a rosette (flower). Another new element was the designation of the silver content in square-shaped boxes rather than the former lozenge-shaped boxes.
In 1935, Christofle introduced the third standard full mark. Instead of using the initials “CC,” it now contained the initials “OC.” The OC refers to “Orfevrerie Christofle” or Silversmith Christofle. The “OC” marking is enclosed in a lined regular box.
Antique Silver Dealers Can Evaluate Your Piece
If you have a Christofle piece and need to know its value, Florida silver buyers are a great resource to determine what exactly you have. At Sarasota Antique Buyers, we can evaluate your silver item and offer you best possible prices.
Reference
http://www.925-1000.com/a_christofle.html