CHRISTOFLE - "EMPIRE" Model (GRATEBOESSE). - Lot 68

CHRISTOFLE - "EMPIRE" Model (GRATEBOESSE). Butter knife/spreader in silver plated metal. Handle with neoclassical decoration featuring palmettes and water leaves, ending in gadroons and knobs. Features lozenges embellished with scrolls and small flowers; the interior of the lozenges is decorated in the “gratteboessé” style. Silversmith’s hallmark: (“CC” and scales), used between 1844 and 1935. Full-word signature: “CHRISTOFLE” on the handles. Blades signed: “CHRISTOFLE A PARIS”. L: 19.5 cm. Presented in a burgundy-colored CHRISTOFLE case. Lid features a foliage frieze (shows signs of use). Case dimensions: 3.5 cm. L: 23.7 cm. D: 8.7 cm. Produced over a period of approximately 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).