For nearly 160 years, the Gorham Manufacturing Company turned out a wide range of beautiful silver flatware, tea sets, serving bowls and other silver pieces, indelibly influencing the field of decorative arts in ways that still resonate.
When silversmiths Jabez Gorham and Henry Webster started making coin silver teaspoons and jewelry out of a small workshop in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1831, the pair likely had no idea that their modest operation would one day become the largest silver manufacturer in the world.
While some name changes and personnel shifts preceded the foundry officially being established as Gorham Manufacturing Company decades later, growth of the business between its early days and the mid–19th century can largely be attributed to the work of Jabez’s son John, who assumed control of Gorham in the 1840s.
John Gorham introduced steam power at the manufactory. He entered into a partnership with Michael Gibney, the first American silversmith to register a design patent for a flatware pattern. Gorham wanted to expand the business, seeking to produce forks and spoons adorned with decorative flourishes adapted from British patterns. The company hammered out the silver flatware, which it sent to Gibney in New York to apply decorative patterns before returning to Gorham. Consequently, Gorham found Gibney’s work unsatisfactory, and he purchased his own rolling press to do the work himself.
The partnership between John and Michael soured but the company thrived. Sales grew to more than $20,000 per year, and the staff of silversmiths expanded. To keep up with demand, Gorham had to retire its horse-powered rolling press and import a steam-powered drop press from England — the first used in the United States. Designs created at Gorham drew on natural-world motifs as well as artistic traditions from all over the world — alongside its tableware, the company would soon be producing cups and pitchers adorned with polar bears and forest creatures, while tea services and other serving pieces were crafted in a range of styles that included Art Nouveau, Egyptian Revival and Rococo.
Around 1860, Gorham delved into bronze casting. When it opened a division dedicated to bronze work, Gorham collaborated with sculptors such as Daniel Chester French, Anna Hyatt Huntington and Alexander P. Proctor.
By the 1920s, Gorham had employed thousands of workers and had partnered with Danish modernist silversmith Erik Magnussen. However, the Great Depression ground production to a halt. The company was sold to Textron, Inc. in the late 1960s and it changed hands several times before it sold to Department 56 in 2005.
Today, the work of Gorham Manufacturing Company continues to be exhibited in galleries and museums. The RISD Museum in Providence houses a collection of nearly 5,000 works.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique Gorham Manufacturing Company serveware and decorative objects.
Set of 8 Antique Gorham Sterling Silver Reticulated Nut Dishes Pierced
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Westport, CT
This antique set of 8 Gorham Manufacturing Company sterling silver nut dishes features an elegant openwork reticulated latticework design, a boat-shaped form, and ornate floral scall...
Sterling Silver
19th Cent Gorham Coin Silver Handled Tazza of New Orleans, LA Southern Interest
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine 19th century tazza of Southern interest. In coin silver by Gorham Manufacturing Co. The tazza having a sturdy swing handle set with graduated spheres, a pierced gallery rim, a wide border with etched anthemion devices, and a center engraved with a family crest with what appears to be a Live Oak Tree...
Silver
$585
H 3.25 in W 4.5 in D 2.5 in Dm 3.75 in
Antique Tiffany & Co. 925 Sterling Silver Double Handle Bowl
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Metal Type: 925 Sterling Silver Width: 4.50 inches Diameter: 3.75 inches Height: 3.25 inches Depth: 2.50 inches Weight: 144.58 grams Silver antique Ti...
Sterling Silver
$9,500Sale Price|63% Off
19th Century Bronze Ormolu Mounted Sevres Mantel Japy Freres Clock
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is A Rare Ormolu-Mounted Sevres Turquoise Ground Mantel Clock, Late 19th Century, Iron-Red 1245 to the Plaques, the movement stamped JAPY FRERES & ...
Gold, Bronze
Imperial Russian 84 Silver Zolotnik Cordial Cups - set of 2#22631
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Imperial Russian 84 Silver Zolotnik Cordial Cups - set of 2 These beautiful set of two imperial Russian .817 silver cordial cups are hand engraved with etched geometric motifs hall...
Silver
Gucci Sterling Silver Baby Cup (A)
By Gucci
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Gucci sterling silver baby cup. No monogram From the Tom Ford Era at Gucci, circa 1990's, this baby cup is engraved with "GUCCI BAB...
Sterling Silver
Set of Four Victorian Silver Salt Cellars
Located in London, GB
A set of four Victorian silver salt cellars, each designed as scallop shell bearing chased leaf decorations in the rim, with gold gilt interior and foliate design base, made by Danie...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$624Sale Price|20% Off
H 3 in W 2.25 in Dm 2.75 in L 2.25 in
Cartier Handmade Sterling Silver Woven Mint Basket
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Compact Masterpiece from a Legendary Maison Infuse your space with the heritage and refinement of this Cartier Handmade Sterling Silver Basket. Known for their impeccable craftsman...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$485
H 1 in W 3.25 in L 4.75 in
Italian Modern Classical Sterling Silver Wine Taster Porringer by Buccellati
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Troy, MI
Classical sterling silver gift, made by Buccellati in Italy. The curved, round, shallow bowl with wide handle can be used for wine tasting. The perfect gi...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. 925 Sterling Silver Revere Bowl
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Metal Type: 925 Sterling Silver Diameter: 7.50 inches Height: 4.25 mm Weight: 429.69 grams Tiffany & Co. 925 sterling silver revere bowl 7.5". The ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Paula Wyman Art & Crafts Hand-Hammered Sterling Silver Bowl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine hand-hammered Arts & Crafts footed dish or bowl. With a lobed-hand-hammered bowl mounted on a shaped foot. In sterling silver. Made by the American female silversmith Pa...
Sterling Silver
$2,100Sale Price|61% Off
Rare Important 19th Century Sevres Style Yellow Porcelain Bronze Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is A Beautiful Rare 19th Century Fine French Gilt Bronze and Yellow Sevres Porcelain Center Bowl. The hand p...
Bronze
Tiffany & Co Antique 925 Sterling Silver Fruit Bowl
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Metal Type: 925 Sterling Silver Diameter: 12.00 inches Height: 3.00 inches Weight: 845.00 grams Silver antique Tiffany & Co bowl. The metal was tes...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,250
W 5.75 in D 2 in L 3.25 in
Sterling Silver 5.75"X 3.25"X 2" International Silver Co Antique Cigarette Box
Located in Santa Monica, CA
International Silver Co Antique Cigarette BoxAll original with very minor dents or scratches, weighting 167.5 grams nternational Silver Co Antiqu...
Sterling Silver
Art Deco 835 Silver Bowl by Gebrüder Kühn, Germany, Early 20th Century
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Art Deco silver bowl crafted by the German silversmiths Gebrüder Kühn, executed in 835 silver during the early 20th century. The bowl presents a bold and sculptural geometric form c...
Silver
$687
H 3.25 in W 2.33 in D 0.5 in
Set of 6 Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Small Heart Apple Shaped Dishes
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 6 Tiffany & Co sterling silver small heart/apple shaped dishes. Six small dishes in the shape of an apple or heart with openwork scroll leaf and 1 ball foot underneath. Does ...
Sterling Silver
$1,250
H 2.5 in W 3.6 in L 4.75 in
Tiffany Hampton Bowl, 18389, American Sterling Silver + Forks & Spoons
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Tiffany & Co Hampton Bowl - 18389 - American Sterling Silver Artesian Sterling Silver 2 Forks & 8 Spoons worked with Natural Color Stones Art Deco sterling silver bowl. ...
Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Gorham Sterling Silver Cocktail "Stoplight Jigger" or Measure
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver liquor measure or jigger. By Gorham. In sterling silver. Decorated with 3 enameled circles in the form of a stoplight. Measures 1 oz., 2 1/2 oz., & 3 1/2 oz....
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Sold
H 0.44 in W 1.58 in L 3.94 in
Mid-Century Modern Gorham Sterling Silver Old Sovereign Sugar Tongs or Nips
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of sugar tongs or nips. In sterling silver. By the Gorham Manufacturing Co. In the Old Sovereign pattern that appears to heavily lean on ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 2.13 in W 4 in D 3.5 in
Vintage Gorham Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Repousse Chamberstick or Candlestick
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, vintage sterling silver chamberstick or candle holder. By Gorham Silver. The wax pan is heart shaped and decorated with repousse floral swags throughout. Model no. 324 S...
Sterling Silver
Whimsical Gorham Sterling Silver Spinning Top
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Gorham Sterling Executive whimsy. The sterling silver Top with a faceted composite base.. perhaps of Melamine. Designed as an executive decision maker, this top takes the guess work ...
Sterling Silver
Pair of GORHAM Sterling Column Candlesticks Dated 1908
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Antique American sterling silver candlesticks designed in the Corinthian Column style. Beautiful Acanthus leaf scrollwork adorns the top of the ribbed column and heavy gau...
Sterling Silver
12 GORHAM MFG. CO. Sterling Hors d'Oeuvres Plates, 1940s & 1950s
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This elegant set of 12 Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence,RI, 1940’s and 1950’s, Sterling Silver Shell form Plates is perfect for serving hors d'oeuvres, shellfish, or desserts. The dishe...
Sterling Silver
GORHAM Sterling Corinthian Column Candlesticks, Circa 1940
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Gorham Mfg. Co. Sterling silver Candlesticks, Providence, RI, Circa 1940. This pair of candlesticks was made in the form of fluted Corinthian Columns on a square stepped bea...
Sterling Silver
GORHAM MFG. CO. Antique Sterling Olive Dish, 1890
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This antique sterling silver Olive dish was made by Gorham Mfg. Co. of Providence, RI, in 1890. It is in the Naturalistic style and is realistically formed...
Sterling Silver
Magnificent GORHAM MFG. CO. Sterling Pitcher, 1893
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent sterling silver pitcher was made by the Gorham Mfg. Co. of Providence, RI in 1893. It is fully hallmarked with Gorham’s maker’s mark, style # 5128 and date mark for...
Sterling Silver
Antique GORHAM MFG. CO. Sterling Silver Bottle Coaster, 1910
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This is an elegant sterling silver bottle coaster made in the Edwardian style by Gorham Mfg. Co. of Providence, RI in 1910. It is fully hallmarked on the underside of the base with ...
Sterling Silver
GORHAM MFG. CO. Sterling Mounted Crystal Compote, 1905
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This is a prime example of the synergy of American silversmithing and American glassworks at its finest. The footed cut crystal centerpiece is of lemon-lime ground with a clear wrea...
Sterling Silver
GORHAM MFG. CO. 14 Karat Gold Mounted Perfumes Circa 1915
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This is an elegant pair of etched crystal Perfume Bottles with 14 Karat Gold mounted stoppers by Gorham. Mfg. Co., Providence, RI, made circa 1915. The stoppers are hallmarked with ...
14k Gold
12 GORHAM MFG. CO. Sterling Service Plates, Circa 1950
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This is an elegant set of 12 Sterling Silver Shell Form Dishes by Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, RI, Circa 1950. The dishes are of scallop shell form and are raised on 2 ball feet. T...
Sterling Silver
GORHAM Sterling Silver Figural Centerpiece, 1872
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This stately Antique American Sterling Silver Centerpiece was made by Gorham Mfg. Co. of Providence, RI, and is dated 1872. This sophisticated 19th Century centerpiece is designed w...
Sterling Silver
GORHAM MFG CO. Sterling George II Style Ewer on Stand Circa 1910
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent Sterling Silver Ewer on Stand was made in the George II Style by Gorham Mfg. Co. of Providence, RI, Circa 1910. The stand is engraved under the base with "London 1759" indicating that the piece was a reproduction of an earlier Georgian Ewer and Stand. Both the Ewer and Stand are hallmarked with Gorham's maker's mark, Sterling and the three letters indicating the manufactured date of the pieces. The sterling ewer...
Sterling Silver