Bidspirit auction | 12 Charles Halphen Alfenide Oyster

12 Charles Halphen Alfenide Oyster Forks 230.3 g - Set of 12 Charles Halphen Alfenide silver plated oyster forks. Each with crowned L monogram and marked quatrieme regiment de lanciers. Marked for Halphen and Alfenide at the bowl of the fork. In 1850, Parisian silversmith Charles Halphen, discovered an alloy of copper, zinc, nickel, and iron which he called Alfenide. This white metal was perfect as a base for silver plating. If the silver plating layer wore away, it was not very noticeable due to the silvery color of the underlying metal. The famed French silver plate company Christofle quickly recognized the benefits of this discovery and partner wuth Halphen. All Christofle cutlery parts were first produced at Halphen in Alfenide, after which it was silver plated at Christofle itself. Provenance: From the Collection of Lynne Rossetto Kasper. (Each) Length: 5 1/4 in. Gross weight: 230.3 g. Condition: Some tarnishing and wear.