CHRISTOFLE - "EMPIRE" Model (GRATEBOESSE). - Lot 88

CHRISTOFLE - "EMPIRE" Model (GRATEBOESSE). Silver plated table knife set (12 pieces). Handles feature a neoclassical design of palmettes and water leaves, ending in gadroons and knobs. Features lozenges embellished with volutes and small flowers; the interior of the lozenges is decorated in the “gratteboessé” style. Hallmarks of the silversmith’s workshop: (“CC” and scales), used between 1844 and 1935. Signatures in full: "CHRISTOFLE" on the handles. Blades signed: "CHRISTOFLE A PARIS". Shows signs of use (blackened blades, wear) In a case (shows signs of use). Case dimensions: 3.5 cm. L: 26.5 cm. W: 28.5 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 area 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).