Christofle, A Gilt-brass Box

A gilt-brass Box
signed Christofle
and stamped with a number

France
Early 20^th century
height 5,5 cm
diameter 9,5 cm

A beautiful circular box made in gilded brass, finely worked in relief. It has kept its original gilding.

Biography
Charles Christofle (1805-1863), began his career by managing a jewelry firm and a few years later he set up his own business: the Christofle silversmith company. His son Paul (1838-1907) and his nephew Henri Bouilhet (1830-1910) took over the business after his death. After his success at the Paris Products of Industry Exhibition of 1839, he bought the patents of gold and silver-plating by electrolysis from both Ruolz and Elkington, which enabled him again to win the gold medal at the 1844 Products of Industry Exhibition. He was named «silver-smith to the royal family» and his success was confirmed during the Second Empire when he was regularly awarded prizes at the Universal Exhibitions.