Christofle Silver Plated Bronze/Baccarat Centerpiece Bowl

Make: Christofle et Cie/Baccarat (France)

Age: 1870-1935

Construction: Silver-Plated Bronze, Pressed Crystal Glass

Dimensions: 9 1/4" Tall x 9" Diameter

Condition: Excellent pre-owned antique condition. No chips or cracks. Please see photos. 

Details: A very impressive three-footed Neo-Classical silver plated base supports a scalloped and cane-work design crystal bowl. The bowl is held in a scalloped, reticulated floral support, which in turn, surmounts a tapering base on three ribbon feet.  The ribbons, topped by small curled acanthus leaves, follow the core of the base, folding twice before ending in a flat folded foot with a small leaf.  The core of the base features fish-scale designed panels ending in scallop shells. Swags and jabots of laurel leaves garland the neck of the base, extending from the tops of the ribbons.  Marked on bottom of base is the number "40", using separate dies for each numeral, Christofle's mark used between 1862 and 1935, '"EX", a presumed model number of "390183" and "CHRISTOFLE".  A larger stamped "A" can be seen at a small distance. The bowl, marked inside "BACCARAT" and "DEPOSE", is pressed glass made by Baccarat, France and is anchored in place with a bronze button grommet.

Details: Charles Christofle, born into a family of French industrialists specializing in precious metals, took over the business in 1830, and registered his master's mark in 1832.  In 1842, he purchased the patents for gilding and silvering by electrolysis from Frenchman Henri de Ruolz and the Englishman Elkington.  These processes in turn gave birth to silver plating in France. Christofle supplied fine wares to the ruling families of Europe and farther abroad, and is a symbol of excellence to this day.