French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Silverware & Flatware
Sterling and silver-plate cutlery, including French Christofle and Ercuis.
Silver & Flatware · Indicative US retail $150–$3,000
At a glance
- Family: Silver & Flatware
- Periods most often found: Most French silverware on the market dates from 1840 to 1960; Art Deco patterns from 1925 to 1940.
- Typical price: about $600; range $150 to $3,000 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Sterling vs plate, maker, complete set
What it is
Antique silverware covers sterling silver and silver-plated flatware, serving pieces and hollowware. French table silver is dominated by Christofle (founded 1830, licensed for electroplating in 1842), Ercuis, Puiforcat and Odiot, and by countless provincial silversmiths working in solid silver. American sterling from Gorham, Tiffany, Wallace and Reed & Barton is plentiful in the US market.
How to identify and date it
Hallmarks are the key. French solid silver since 1838 carries the Minerva head (950 or 800 standard) and a lozenge-shaped maker's mark; silver plate carries a maker's mark in a square or rectangle, with Christofle using a weight number indicating the grams of silver deposited. American sterling is stamped "Sterling." Check monograms (French families engraved initials on the back of the handle, fork tines facing down), worn plating on silver plate and bent tines.
Periods and styles
Most French silverware on the market dates from 1840 to 1960; Art Deco patterns from 1925 to 1940.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most silverware & flatware examples ask around $600. Simple or worn pieces start near $150, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $3,000. The main value drivers are: sterling vs plate, maker, complete set. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Before you buy
- Read the hallmarks
- Count the pieces of each type
- Check for monograms
- Inspect plating wear
- Prefer boxed sets (ménagères)
Living with it
Set the table with mismatched French silver for a lived-in elegance; polish lightly and use it often.
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How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.