What is Gorham Silver?
Over the years, silver manufacturers around the world have introduced a variety of innovative techniques and motifs that have rendered their name in a class of its own. 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.
How is Gorham Silver dated?
Gorham silver can be easily dated with a little knowledge of their various marks over the years. 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 a Gorham silver tea and coffee service worth?
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.
What is the earliest Mark seen on Gorham pieces?
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.
Are sterling silver spoons worth anything?
Sterling silver souvenir spoons range in price from $5 to $2500. THE VAST MAJORITY of spoons are less than $60, and a very high percentage sell for less than $30. Many of the spoons pictured at this site would sell for under $60.
Is Gorham silverware real 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.
How do I identify Gorham sterling silver?
Early Gorham Silver Marks 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 does a Gorham silver spoon weigh?
about 74 gramsGorham Sterling Silver Bon Bon Spoon Weighs about 74 grams and is 7 3/4" lon..
Is Gorham a good brand?
“Gorham is always of good quality,” says Steve Nelson, of Nelson & Nelson Antiques. “Until the nineteen fifties or so, the pieces had a great weight to them.” The most widely recognized patterns, he notes, are Chantilly and Buttercup.
Is Gorham silver still being made?
The end came in 1967 when Textron purchased the Gorham Manufacturing Company. Gorham ceased operating as an independent business and the new owners started reducing the quality of Gorham's traditionally high-end products in an attempt to regain marketshare, an attempt that was ultimately unsuccessful.
What is the mark for sterling silver?
925900, silver known as "coin silver" varies in purity. Silver at that time was sometimes marked "COIN" or "PURE COIN", but can also be without a standard mark altogether. After the adoption of the sterling standard, pieces were marked with "STERLING", the number "925" or the notation "925/1000".
How can you tell if something is solid silver or 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.
How do you clean Gorham sterling?
0:271:33How to Clean Sterling Silver Effortlessly - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean pieces with crevasses and designs with a toothbrush. And toothpaste before placing in the dishMoreClean pieces with crevasses and designs with a toothbrush. And toothpaste before placing in the dish. Step 3 sprinkle one heaping tablespoon of baking soda evenly over the silver.
What is the most popular sterling silver pattern?
The Most Popular Silver PatternsGrand Baroque. by Wallace. It was first created in 1941 and is still active today.Chantilly. by Gorham. ... Old Master. by Towle. ... Prelude. by International. ... Rose Point. by Wallace. ... Repousse. by Kirk Stieff. ... Francis I. by Reed and Barton. ... Royal Danish. by International.More items...•
Is antique sterling silver valuable?
Sterling silver holds intrinsic value as a precious metal, but antique silver pieces can be even more valuable than their silver content would indicate. This added value depends on the craftsmanship, maker and desirability of the piece offered for sale, along with the venue where an item is sold.
Can I put my sterling silver in the dishwasher?
It is NOT recommended to wash sterling silver dishes or silverware or silver plated flatware in the dishwasher as the high temperatures and detergents can damage or tarnish the silver.
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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 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 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 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.