Vintage French Christofle Mahogany Dessert Cart

This late 1930s vintage French dessert serving trolley is finished in heavy silver plate with two elevated glass shelves, and two lower wooden shelves. It has a Honduran mahogany body that is supported on four commercial rubber swiveling wheels. It was in all likelihood supplied to one of the leading restaurants in Paris, such as Maxims. The upper echelon eateries in Paris were always known for their sumptuous decor and silver accessories, with this fine server certainly fitting into that classification. The silver-plate is original and the woodwork has recently been restored. Overall this is a superb example of hallmarked Christofle-Bouilhet work. It carries an engraved signature plate on each end with the name Orfevrerie (Silversmiths), Christofle. Paris. The general condition is very good with the natural stress marks on the metalwork, woodwork, and glass appropriate for the age of this piece. A brand new comparable cart is in excess of $40,000. Perhaps the greatest name in restaurant, hotel and residential silverware in France, is the respected firm of Christofle-Bouilet (originally Christofle). Founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle, they gained a great reputation for the quality of their products, and were affectionately called Suppliers of silver to the Bourgeoisie. In 1845, this respected firm supplied table services to King Louis-Philippe (the last King of France), and in 1851 was commanded by Emperor Louis Napoleon III to produce an incredible table centerpiece for the Tuileries Palace in Paris that measured some eleven feet long! They have enjoyed considerable success over the last 180 years and have supplied silverware internationally to the rich and famous. Deservedly, Christofle-Bouilhet is still in business after six generations in Paris.