Christofle 'Grand Hotel Paris' Silver-Plated Oval Tray, circa 1920s

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Christofle 'Grand Hotel Paris' Silver-Plated Oval Tray, circa 1920s

A gleaming relic of French luxury hospitality, this silver-plated oval serving … Read more Christofle 'Grand Hotel Paris' Silver-Plated Oval Tray, circa 1920s

A gleaming relic of French luxury hospitality, this silver-plated oval serving tray by Christofle is engraved Grand Hotel Paris, evoking the golden era of grand European travel. Manufactured by the prestigious Parisian silversmith Christofle, whose wares have long graced the tables of fine hotels, ocean liners, and embassies, this tray reflects timeless French refinement and utility.

Measuring 16 inches wide by 10.75 inches deep and standing 1 inch high, the tray features a scalloped and molded rim with subtle baroque influences, adding quiet elegance to its otherwise utilitarian function. The surface bears gentle signs of age and use consistent with its provenance, contributing to its authentic patina. The Christofle silverplate tray from the Grand Hôtel Paris is in very good vintage condition, showing light surface wear consistent with age and use. The high-polish finish retains its reflective quality, with minor rubbing and faint surface scratches primarily on the flat interior surface, typical for hotel service ware of this era. The raised border remains crisp and well-defined, with no dents or deep abrasions. Overall, the tray presents beautifully and maintains the elegant presence expected from Christofle and a historic institution like the Grand Hôtel Paris.

Stamped with Christofle’s hallmark and production number, this piece exemplifies the brand's tradition of superior silverplate, made to endure generations of service. Whether used as a bar tray, hors d'oeuvre server, or simply as a decorative display, it offers historical charm and functional sophistication.

The term "Grand Hotel Paris" engraved on Christofle silver pieces refers to the illustrious InterContinental Paris Le Grand, a historic luxury hotel situated in the heart of Paris. Inaugurated on May 5, 1862, by Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III, the hotel was a centerpiece of Baron Haussmann's grand redesign of Paris. Designed by architect Alfred Armand, it boasted 800 rooms and 45 salons, epitomizing Second Empire opulence .

Over the decades, Le Grand Hôtel has hosted an array of notable figures, including Tsar Nicholas II, King Edward VII, and literary giants like Victor Hugo and Émile Zola. Its renowned Café de la Paix, located on the ground floor, became a cultural hub, attracting artists, writers, and musicians from around the world .

Christofle, the esteemed French silversmith established in 1830, supplied silverware to many prestigious institutions, including Le Grand Hôtel. Items bearing the "Grand Hotel Paris" engraving were part of the hotel's bespoke service ware, reflecting the establishment's commitment to luxury and attention to detail. These pieces, often featuring the hotel's name and sometimes its crest, were used in daily service, adding a touch of elegance to guests' experiences.

Today, Christofle silver items from Le Grand Hôtel are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of fine silverware. They serve as tangible connections to a bygone era of Parisian grandeur and hospitality. Owning such a piece offers not only aesthetic pleasure but also a slice of history from one of Paris's most iconic hotels. The Grand Hôtel Paris, known today as the InterContinental Paris Le Grand, is located at 2 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France.

The hallmark and maker's marks appear as follows:

Left to Right:
OC]—Christofle maker's mark in an oval (for Orfèvrerie Christofle)
Scale Symbol — Christofle's silverplate standard mark (scales indicating plated ware)
Rectangular Punch — Additional Christofle factory or registry mark
CHRISTOFLE — Stamped in full uppercase letters
#2568832 — Serial or model number
#3—Possibly a size or production batch number

These marks confirm the tray is authentic Christofle silverplate, manufactured in France. See less