What are the hallmarks on Gorham Silver pieces?
Hallmarks on the silver pieces were not consistent in the first few years. In 1848, Gorham silver marks consisted of a lion, anchor, and the letter “ G .” Then, from 1848 through about 1860, the lion marking faced left, but instead of their previous direction, facing right.
What happened to Gorham silver plates?
After decades of struggle, in 1967, Gorham was acquired by Textron. In 1989, it was sold to Dansk International Designs, then to the Brown-Foreman Corporation in 1991, and, finally, to Department 56 in 2005. How much is your Gorham Silver Plate Worth? View more in our Price Guide. Vict. Quadruple Plate Silver Repousse Platter-Pairpoint
How do you date a piece of Gorham Silver?
Dating a piece of Gorham silver is a question of decoding the hallmarks on the back or bottom of each piece. Hallmarks on the silver pieces were not consistent in the first few years. In 1848, Gorham silver marks consisted of a lion, anchor, and the letter “ G .”
When did Gorham start making sterling silver?
In 1863, Gorham was a major player in plated silver. In 1868, they had made the switch from coin silver for sterling silver and produced everything from knives, forks and spoons, to other desired pieces such as coffee pots and serving bowls.
Who bought Gorham Silver Plate?
What is the Gorham Corporation?
What is M.A.P.S. in jewelry?
When was Gorham founded?
Who was Jabez Gorham?
Who made silver plates for the White House?
Who invented the gilding technique?
See more
Is Gorham EP worth anything?
Recent examples with strong provenance have sold for over $20,000, though many smaller pieces have sold between $1,000 to $10,000 dollars, depending on demand and condition.
What does EP mean on silver?
Electroplated Nickel SilverIf a piece has EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) or EP (Electroplate) marked on it, then it is definitely silverplate. If there is a maker's mark on it, the maker can be identified by consulting a good “mark book”.
What does an anchor mean on silver?
The Assay Office Mark This symbol shows which Assay Office tested and marked the item. The Anchor is the symbol of Assay Office Birmingham .
Does EP silver have any value?
Since there is only a small amount of silver on each item, there is no melting value for the silverplate. Pieces that are more decorative, rare, and in good condition might sell for more money.
What is the difference between EP and Epns?
Many silver plated items bear the marks 'EPNS' that stand for Electro Plated Nickel Silver or 'EP' for Electro Plate.
What is EP nickel silver?
EPNS, electro plated nickel silver, is a process that lays a thin layer of silver alloy over a base of nickel, zinc and copper to give the piece the look of shining silver. The beauty of EPNS silver is that if maintained properly, a table setting of EPNS silver is just as glimmering as if it were the real thing.
Is Gorham sterling silver?
Knowing when you have Gorham Silver – The Gorham Manufacturing Company is one of America's largest manufacturers of silver-plate and sterling pieces, along with a foundry for bronze sculpture. Gorham got it's start in 1831 with Jabez Gorham in partnership with Henry Webster.
What does anchor mean on spoon?
Welsh Love Spoons Featuring an Anchor Symbol The anchor is symbolic of steadfastness and a wish to settle down. The anchor symbol was originally popularised in Welsh love spoon carving by sailors. On a long journey, many sailors passed time by carving Welsh love spoons.
What are the 5 standard silver marks?
There are 5 standard marks found on British Silver:The walking lion for all sterling silver made in England.The standing lion for all sterling silver made in Glasgow.The thistle for for all sterling silver made in Edinburgh.The crowned harp for all sterling silver made in Dublin.More items...
How do you clean Epns silver?
Wash gently in warm water and a solution of washing up liquid being careful not to have the water too hot as silver is a delicate metal. Wash a few pieces of cutlery at a time. Avoid loading all cutlery in the sink at once. Never use a scouring pad or any other abrasive agent.
How can you tell silver from silver plated?
If you do not see the sterling marking, the item is probably silver plated. Check the colouring of the item carefully; genuine silver is generally less shiny and colder in tone than silverplate. If you see places where the silver appears to be flaking off or turning green, the item is silver plated.
What is Epns metal?
EPNS stands for "Electro Plated Nickel Silver". Nickel Silver (or occasionally stainless steel) is the base metal onto which silver is plated. Despite its name, Nickel Silver contains no silver at all, but is an alloy of Nickel, Zinc & Copper.
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What is Gorham silver?
Among the most turned-to American makers is Gorham silver, a name made famous by landmark commissions for Presidential families, major awards, and other prominent projects. But beyond the company’s special commissions, Gorham’s prolific production of tea sets, serving trays, candelabra, napkin rings, silverware and more remain one ...
When was the letter A in Gorham silver?
1868–1884. A Gorham silver mark featuring the letter “A.”. By 1868, additions to existing Gorham silver marks were necessary thanks to the company’s adoption of sterling silver wares. As such, each year of production between 1868 and 1884 was noted with a capital letter.
What is the mark on Gorham?
The earliest mark seen on Gorham pieces is that which features an anchor flanked by both a lion and a letter “G”. This straightforward mark was used for the first twenty years of Gorham’s production with little modification.
How much is Gorham silver tea?
American silver tea and coffee service, Gorham. Sold for $1,500 via Charlton Hall (September 2019). Part of the motivation for this production move stemmed from new taxes that made the import of major European silver makers’ works into the United States much more costly.
Where was Gorham Silver made?
The History of Gorham Silver. The U.S.-based Gorham Manufacturing Company first opened its doors in 1831 in Providence, Rhode Island, under the management of co-founders Jabez Gorham and Henry Webster. The intrepid duo had hoped to build a business creating smaller wares such as buttons and combs. In the late-1840s, however, when Jabez handed ...
When did Gorham start making silver?
Also contributing to Gorham’s growth was the introduction of both plated silver and holloware pieces by the late 1860s. During the 1890s , Gorham created some of what would become their most beloved patterns.
What was the rise and fall of Gorham Manufacturing?
The Rise and Fall of Gorham Manufacturing. The result was the exponential growth of Gorham’s popularity , spurred by First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln’s commission of a silver set for the White House in 1859. Also contributing to Gorham’s growth was the introduction of both plated silver and holloware pieces by the late 1860s.
What is the hallmark on a Gorham silver?
Hallmarks on the silver pieces were not consistent in the first few years. In 1848, Gorham silver marks consisted of a lion, anchor, and the letter “ G .”. Then, from 1848 through about 1860, the lion marking faced left, but instead of their previous direction, facing right.
What is Gorham Silver?
Knowing when you have Gorham Silver – The Gorham Manufacturing Company is one of America’s largest manufacturers of silver-plate and sterling pieces, along with a foundry for bronze sculpture. Gorham got it’s start in 1831 ...
Where did Gorham silver start?
The two founded the silver company in Gorham’s hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. Their beginning was as a manufacturer of coin-silver flatware in which Gorham started to gain acclaim, especially in 1859 once the flatware was selected by Mary Todd Lincoln for ...
When did Gorham use the sterling standard?
When it came to dating the pieces by the year, Gorham embraced the sterling standard in 1868 and marks for each year were added. Pieces created between 868 and 1884 were marked with capital letters. Then, from 1885 to 1933, icons were used, such as a wolf head or a parachute.
When did Gorham silver come out?
In 1863 , Gorham was a major player in plated silver. In 1868, they had made the switch from coin silver for sterling silver and produced everything from knives, forks and spoons, to other desired pieces such as coffee pots and serving bowls.
How many years did Gorham make decades?
Following a six-year gap, Gorham made decades identifiable by a polygon, with the number of sides on the polygon representing the decade that it was — four for the 1940s, five for the ’50s and so on, and labeled with a specific number inside the polygon for the actual year.
Who bought Gorham Silver Plate?
After decades of struggle, in 1967, Gorham was acquired by Textron. In 1989, it was sold to Dansk International Designs, then to the Brown-Foreman Corporation in 1991, and, finally, to Department 56 in 2005. How much is your Gorham Silver Plate Worth? View more in our Price Guide.
What is the Gorham Corporation?
A tremendously important producer of wares in sterling silver and silver plate, the Gorham Corporation began humbly but ambitiously. It has gone by many names over its long existence—Gorham & Webster from 1831 to 1837; Gorham, Webster & Price from 1837 to 1841; J. Gorham & Son from 1841 to 1850; Gorham & Thurber from 1850 to 1852; Gorham & Company from 1852 to 1865; Gorham Manufacturing Company from 1865 to 1961; and, finally, the Gorham Corporation from 1961 to present day. Gorham has come quite a long way since its origin in 1831. By the mid-19th century, it grew into one of the largest companies in its industry, and the early 20th century witnessed its acquisition of many rivals and competitors.
What is M.A.P.S. in jewelry?
M.A.P.S. (Marks, Autographs, Patterns, and Symbols) The Gorham Corporation has utilized many different marks over its more-than-a-century-long existence. As of 1868, the company adhered to the sterling standard of dating its wares. Note that, from 1933 to 1941, the addition of the year of manufacture of a particular silver-plated item was suspended.
When was Gorham founded?
Gorham has come quite a long way since its origin in 1831. By the mid-19th century, it grew into one of the largest companies in its industry, and the early 20th century witnessed its acquisition of many rivals and competitors. The genesis of this giant traces back to Jabez Gorham, born in 1792, who, at 14 years old, ...
Who was Jabez Gorham?
Jabez Gorham was learning from one of the very best in his field. In 1831, at the age of 21, Gorham partnered with Henry Webster, founding their new company, Gorham & Webster, in the hometown of the former—Providence, Rhode Island. Merely seven years after its inception, the firm employed 450 individuals.
Who made silver plates for the White House?
Gorham Corporation Silver Plate - What to Look For. Gorham truly gained a great deal of recognition when, in 1859, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln selected one of its own flatware sets to adorn the White House dinner table.
Who invented the gilding technique?
Among other metalsmithing methods, Dodge had invented a gilding technique that was so effective, and became so popular, that he is credited with being half the reason Rhode Island developed a jewelry industry at all. Jabez Gorham was learning from one of the very best in his field.