CHRISTOFLE - "EMPIRE" Model (GRATEBOESSE). - Lot 85

CHRISTOFLE - "EMPIRE" Model (GRATEBOESSE). Serving spoon, presumably for compote or ice cream, made of silver plated metal. Neoclassical decoration featuring ribbons, foliage, palmettes, water leaves, a filet pattern, and pine cones. The backs of the blades form a diamond shape embellished with scrolls and small flowers; the interior of the diamonds features the so-called “gratteboessé” finish. Hallmarks of the silversmith’s house: (“CC” and scales), used between 1844 and 1935. Signatures in full: “CHRISTOFLE.” L. 20.6 cm. Produced over a period of about 5 years, between 1908 and 1913, this is a rare model in the company’s production. The technique known as “gratteboessé” was intended to create a matte finish inside each diamond. However, this model did not achieve the expected success and was therefore replaced by the “Malmaison” model (which is still produced today).