In its heyday, the Durgin Silver Company was one of the largest sterling silver flatware and hollowware manufacturers in the United States. Responsible for the trailblazing Fairfax pattern — one of the most popular patterns in the U.S. for a time during the early 20th century — Durgin Silver established a reputation for quality and durability.
The company was founded in 1853 in Concord, New Hampshire, by William Butler Durgin. Born to a farming family in Campton, New Hampshire, in 1833, Durgin grew up learning about farming from his parents. To their dismay, he decided life as a farmer wasn’t for him, and he shifted his focus to jewelry.
Durgin left Campton for Boston, where openings in the jewelry trade were scarce at the time. Undaunted, he became an apprentice to a silversmith named Newell Harding. In his second year as an apprentice, however, Durgin fell ill and returned to New Hampshire, settling in Concord. After he recovered, Durgin established his eponymous company.
Over the next 50 years, the Durgin Silver Company earned accolades for its role as one of the finest producers of sterling silverware in America. From its large brick factory in Concord, the firm manufactured exquisite tableware, serving pieces, tea sets and home decor such as candleholders. Its variety of elegant patterns, including Chatham, Chrysanthemum, English Rose, Louis XV, Victorian, Orange Blossom and the aforementioned Fairfax, were extraordinarily popular.
In 1878, Durgin’s son George Francis, who had learned silversmithing from his father, became a partner and the company enjoyed considerable success around the turn of the 20th century. Among their clients were the Packard Motor Company, the Davis Cup, the National Cash Register Company and the battleship U.S.S. New Hampshire, for which they made a 72-piece silver service and bell.
Durgin died in 1905 of cystitis and pneumonia, and tragically, George died soon afterward. That year, Durgin Silver became a division of another well-known American silver firm, the Gorham Silver Manufacturing Company. Today, Durgin Silver remains highly coveted among collectors of American silver.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique Durgin-Gorham silver on 1stDibs.
Pair of Sterling Silver Swan Decorative Bowls Signed Gorham Sterling
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful pair of Art Deco Sterling silver swan decorative bowls were executed by the legendary American silver maker, Gorham circa 1920. They feature elegantly streamlined demi...
Sterling Silver
$644Sale Price|30% Off
H 5.91 in W 12.21 in D 5.52 in
Large Antique Silver Cup Rose Silver & Crystal European Decorative Bowl Cup
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Silver-Plated Repoussé Floral Basket with Glass Liner, 14 x 31 cm An elegant and highly decorative antique silver-plated basket featuring exquisite repoussé floral decoration with richly sculpted roses, leaves, and scrolling foliage surrounding the entire body. Raised on delicate bun feet and fitted with a practical swing handle, this charming piece retains its original removable glass liner, making it both beautiful and functional. The basket reflects the refined craftsmanship associated with late Victorian and Edwardian silverwork, where naturalistic floral motifs were celebrated for their romantic appeal and artistic quality. The deeply embossed rose decoration creates exceptional visual depth, while the oval form and polished silver-plated finish enhance its timeless elegance. Perfect as a centerpiece, fruit basket, flower holder, wedding table decoration, vanity accessory, or luxury decorative accent, this versatile piece complements traditional, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Victorian, Hollywood Regency, and classic interior styles. A desirable addition for collectors of antique silverware, decorative arts, and fine table accessories, it offers both decorative charm and practical use. Dimensions: * Length: 31 cm * Width: 14 cm * Original glass liner included Antique silver plated basket, Victorian silver basket, Edwardian silver plate, floral repoussé basket, rose decorated basket, antique centerpiece, silver table decoration, antique fruit basket, decorative silverware, antique serving basket, silver plated centerpiece, Art Nouveau floral design, antique home décor, luxury interior accessory, collectible silver plate, vintage flower basket, decorative arts, English silver plate, antique tableware, elegant centerpiece bowl. Perfect gift for collectors, wedding gift, anniversary gift, housewarming gift, Mother’s Day gift, luxury home décor gift, interior designer gift, antique silver gift...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Reproduction of Paul Revere Sterling Silver Bowl
Located in East Hampton, NY
Reproduction of Paul Revere sterling silver bowl. Engraved "Rosemary Lee 1957.
Silver
$460Sale Price|30% Off
H 7.76 in W 5.91 in D 1.58 in
Antique Sterling Silver Bowl Small Fruit Basket Relief Pictori Decorative Object
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique silver bowl small fruit basket with relief, openwork decorative object hallmarked sterling silver oval bon bon dish bowl intricate cut out ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$20,000 / set
H 2.76 in Dm 7.88 in
Pair of Rare Georg Jensen Jardinières in Sterling Silver, Dated 1925-1932
Located in København, Copenhagen
A pair of rare Georg Jensen jardinières in sterling silver. The bowl is raised on leaves and acorns. Designed by Georg Jensen. Model number 296D. Dated 1925-1932. Measures: 20 x...
Sterling Silver
$1,060Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 10.5 in W 5.38 in D 4.25 in
Pair of American Edwardian Sterling Silver Candlesticks by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Edwardian sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1905. Each: Ovoid, tapering, and fluted shaft with interlaced script monogram; stepped oval foot. Urn ...
Sterling Silver
$440Sale Price|20% Off
H 1 in Dm 6 in
Sterling Silver " Lilly of the Valley " Bon Bon Dish by Whiting Division
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in Huntington, NY
Sterling Silver " Lilly of the Valley " Bon Bon Dish by Whiting Division Whiting had small production but produced exceptional handmade silverware in relatively small quantities. This Company's most important designer was Charles Osborne...
Sterling Silver
Octopus Sterling Silver and Crystal Tureen
By Fratelli Lisi
Located in Milan, IT
Original octopus tureen in crystal and silver, handmade by Florentine silversmiths, the Lisi Brothers. The hyper realistic centerpiece is transformed into a tureen by adding a detach...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
$3,500
H 1.5 in W 14.25 in D 12 in
Antique Signed Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Serving Dish with Floral Decoration
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique sterling silver serving dish or tray was made by the renowned Tiffany and Co. of the United States in approximately 1860 in the period Victorian style. This oval sterling silver tray...
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian 1899 Sterling Silver Presentation Bowl
By Elkington & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive, large Victorian English sterling silver presentation bowl made by Elkington & Co Ltd; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This...
Sterling Silver
Garrard & Company Edwardian Antique Sterling Silver Basket
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London, in 1908 by Garrard & Co., this pretty, Edwardian, sterling silver basket, features pierced decoration, and a ribbon and reed border. The basket measures 8.5 inc...
Sterling Silver
$500
H 1.25 in W 2.63 in D 4 in
BIRKS - Pair of Pierced Sterling Silver Candy Dishes - Canada - Mid 20th Century
By Henry Birks & Son
Located in Chatham, ON
BIRKS - Pair of vintage sterling silver candy or nut dishes - pierced basket design - signed - Canada - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - all original - no loss - no d...
Sterling Silver
21th Century Italian Sterling Silver decorative Vase or Bowl
By Arval Argenti Valenza
Located in VALENZA, IT
Sack-shaped sterling silver vase or bowl. The vase was completely handmade starting from the sterling silver plate, skilfully modeled until it took the shape of a sack. The body wa...
Sterling Silver