An exceptional original antique Christofle Marly silver-plated flatware service comprising 50 pieces for eight, made in France between 1897 and 1914.
Christofle introduced the Marly pattern in 1897. The presence of its rare, period-specific pierced crab fish-serving fork establishes an end date of 1914, dating this original matched service to the earliest production era of the pattern. Now more than a century old, it is a genuinely antique example of one of Christofle’s most celebrated designs.
The pieces bear Christofle’s historic CC balance-and-bee marks. The knives retain their original carbon-steel blades rather than later stainless-steel replacements—another important feature of this early service.
Marly’s deeply modeled handles display an opulent asymmetrical arrangement of shells, scrolling foliage and Rococo ornament inspired by the Château de Marly and the grandeur of French court dining.
The service provides five-piece place settings for eight, together with eight additional dinner forks and two substantial serving pieces.
RARE CRAB FISH-SERVING FORK
The highlight of the service is an uncommon 10-inch pierced fish-serving fork. Its broad head is elaborately decorated with:
• A finely engraved central crab
• Two flanking fish or dolphins
• Hand-engraved water lines
• Pierced circular and geometric details
• A richly ornamented Marly handle
This unusual figural server is considerably more elaborate than Christofle’s standard Marly serving fork and is an important surviving component of the original service.
THE 50-PIECE SERVICE INCLUDES
• 8 dinner knives
• 8 smaller knives
• 16 dinner forks
• 8 smaller forks
• 8 spoons
• 1 serving spoon
• 1 pierced and engraved crab fish-serving fork
• 50 pieces total
The composition creates five-piece place settings for eight, with eight additional dinner forks and two specialized serving pieces.
MEASUREMENTS
Measurements are approximate:
• Dinner forks: 8.625 inches / 21.9 cm
• Spoons: 8.5 inches / 21.6 cm
• Dinner knives: 10.25 inches / 26 cm
• Smaller knives: 7.5 inches / 19.1 cm
• Smaller forks: 6.25 inches / 15.9 cm
• Serving spoon: 10.625 inches / 27 cm
• Pierced fish-serving fork: 10 inches / 25.4 cm
MARKS AND DATE
The pieces bear Christofle’s historic pre-1935 CC balance-and-bee marks. The original matched composition, carbon-steel blades and period-specific pierced crab fish server date the service to approximately 1897–1914.
Because Christofle introduced Marly in 1897, this service belongs to the pattern’s earliest production period.
CONDITION
Very good antique condition, with surface scratches, rubbing, patina and other evidence of age and use consistent with a service produced more than a century ago.
The original carbon-steel knife blades have developed a dark antique patina. This is characteristic of period carbon steel and should not be mistaken for discoloration on modern stainless-steel blades.
The silver-plated pieces remain bright and display expected fine surface scratches. The fish server also shows age-related scratching visible in the detailed photographs. Please examine all photographs closely, particularly the images of the blades, silver-plated surfaces, engraved server and Christofle marks.
The styled table photograph illustrates one complete five-piece place setting. The plate, napkin and other photographic props are not included.
SHIPPING
The service will be individually wrapped and securely packed for insured international shipping from Italy. Any customs duties or import taxes imposed by the destination country are the buyer’s responsibility.