Christofle "Trompe l'oeil" Chestnuts Dish, Silver Plated, 1880-1881

Very special dish for roasted chestnuts created by world-famous silversmith Christofle is so elegant and original, decorated on the lid with two folded damask napkins silver plated. The lid is with molded scalloped edges and topped by a two-part hinged decorated with fine foliage scrolls.

This model created by Christofle in 1868 is very rare, only a few pieces are known and most of them in museums such as French Musée d’Orsay with the following inventory number : OAO 2086. This dish was created in 1880-1881. Thank you to Mrs Anne Gros, head of Christofle Archives, who confirmed us the exact date of production for this dish.

Marks on the plate:
Beneath the plate, before the silversmith stamp : 111
Beneath the plate : 1124717
Beneath the plate : CHRISTOFLE

Created to serve roasted chestnuts, this plate can also be used to serve eggs or even fruits, thanks to its unique shape.

Christofle is one of the most famous silversmiths, founded in Paris in 1830 and became very quickly the most world well known as Napoleon III ordered for Tuileries Palace in 1851 a set for 100 guests including magnificent silver-plated centerpiece to be discovered in Paris Museum of Decorative Arts (permanent exhibition), other pieces can be seen at Metropolitan Museum.
 
We would like to thank Anne GROS, head of the Christofle Heritage and Archives Department, for giving us the creation date of this object.