Antique Christofle silver plated Cloche - France, c. 1860

Beautiful antique oval cloche, made in the factory of Charles Christofle around 1860. The cloche has a beautifully designed body with a handle with Regence decorations of acanthus leaves and knots. These were probably once gilded, but over the years they have acquired a patina of faded gilding and oxidized silver.

The model of this cloche is depicted in the Christofle catalog of 1862. It is listed as model "Uni" - number 298, the handle with catalog number 321.

Length: 41cm / 16.2 inches
Width: 25cm / 10 inches
Height: 24cm (incl. handle)

In excellent condition. The cloche has 2 small - inconspicuous - dents of approximately 2mm. These are not noticeable under normal circumstances.

Marked on the bottom edge with [63522 - a production number] [43 - for the grams of silver used] [C-Scales-C in oval][CHRISTOFLE]. These are among Christofle's oldest maker's marks, used from 1845 to 1867.