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
Chrysanthemum by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 300 Pieces Massive
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
One of Durgin's most popular and beautiful patterns is "Chrysanthemum". The design is of leaves and chrysanthemum buds and blooms on the front. The back displays two chrysanthemums in bloom among leaves and buds. The chrysanthemum flowers flow down beautifully onto the tines, bowls and serving areas of many of the pieces. Chrysanthemum by Durgin...
Sterling Silver
Sheaf of Wheat by Durgin Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service 91 pcs Dinner
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Dinner Size Sheaf of Wheat by Durgin-Gorham sterling silver flatware set, 91 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Size Knives, 9 1/2" 12 Dinner Size Forks, 7 3/4" 12 Luncheon/Desser...
Sterling Silver
Fairfax by Gorham-Durgin Sterling Silver Kettle on Stand Marked #04
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorham Fairfax by Gorham-Durgin sterling silver kettle on stand marked #04 & 2 pint. It measures: 10 3/4" x 8 1/2" and weighs 40.7 ozt. It is not mo...
Sterling Silver
Sheaf of Wheat by Durgin Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service 8 Set 59 pcs
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rare Sheaf of Wheat by Durgin-Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 48 pieces. This set includes: 8 Knives, 9" 8 Forks, 7 1/4" 8 Salad Forks, 6 1/4" 8 Teaspoons, 6" 8 Cream Soup Spoo...
Sterling Silver
$736Sale Price|20% 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
$2,410 / set
H 7.29 in W 1.38 in D 0.99 in
19th Century French Silver Vermeil Flatware Dessert Set for Six, 18 Pieces
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming 19th century French 18-piece cased dessert silverware / flatware set, with its unique, slightly grotesque satyr mask motif and warm ve...
Vermeil, Silver
Chantilly Sterling Silver Flatware by Gorham, Service for Twelve
By Henry Birks
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage stylish sterling silver service for twelve is designed in the Chantilly pattern, by Gorham. The signature is found in a groove on the back of each handle & dates the...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
$1,500 / set
H 0.5 in W 0.75 in D 9.25 in
Twenty-Two Piece Set of Sterling Silver and Ebony "Contrast" Flatware by Lunt
By Lunt Silver
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous twenty-two piece set of sterling silver and ebony nylon "Contrast" flatware by Lunt Silver Co.., circa 1950s. The set is in very good vintage condition and is stamped on the...
Sterling Silver
$1,196Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 0.75 in W 8.25 in D 1.75 in
Christian F. Hiese 18 Piece Danish Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver Flatware Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This eighteen piece set of flaware was made by the well known Christian F. Hiese of Denmark in approximately 1905 in the period Arts and Crafts style. This hand hammered set is compo...
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
$74,975 / set
H 1 in Dm 10.8 in
Set of 12 Exquisite "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charger Plates
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite set of 12 "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charges was realized in America in 1905. Each plate has heavily detailed boarders featuring a Kylix cup amid scrolling s...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Salt Pepper Shakers Gorham
By Gorham
Located in New York, NY
A pair of sterling silver salt and pepper shakers from Gorham Silversmiths, circa early-20th century, America. Classic sterling silver shakers with finial top and footed base. Beauti...
Sterling Silver
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.5 in W 3.63 in D 3.13 in
Antique Tiffany Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Oyster Ladle
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Chrysanthemum sterling silver oyster ladle. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1920. Round bowl with twisted fluting and curved and reeded stem with d...
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
$524Sale Price|20% 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
$920Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 0.75 in Dm 10.5 in
Set of Six Sterling Silver Overlay Service Dinner Plates
By Lenox's Ceramic Art Company
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A set of elegant sterling silver overlay service plates with the pre-1930 Lenox green mark. This opulent set is early 20th century, circa 1915 in an Edward...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 18 in W 18 in D 18 in
Fairfax by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 53 Pieces Place Size
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous Fairfax by Gorham-durgin sterling silver place size flatware set - 53 pieces. This set includes: 8 place size knives, 9 1/8" 8 place size forks, 7 3/8" 8 place size salad f...
Sterling Silver
Fairfax by Durgin-Gorham Sterling Silver Tea Set 6-Piece Antique
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Fairfax by Durgin-Gorham Fabulous Fairfax by Durgin-Gorham sterling silver 6-piece tea set marked #04. This set includes: 1 - Coffee pot: Measures 7" x 10 1/4" x 3 1/2" and weighs...
Sterling Silver
Durgin Gorham Fancy Regent Sterling Silver Asparagus Fork, circa 1910
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Durgin Gorham Fancy Regent sterling silver Asparagus Fork, circa 1910. Scrolled and pierced handle with engraved flowers and scallop shell terminal. Flat lifter with concave sides, t...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
Sheaf of Wheat by Durgin Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 125 Pieces
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Incredible Sheaf of Wheat by Durgin - Gorham sterling silver dinner size flatware set of 125 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner knives, 9 1/2" 12 dinner forks, 7 3/4" 12 lunch...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Durgin Sterling Silver Elongated Figural Swan Centerpiece
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Signed with the Gorham and Durgin mark, this rare sterling silver centerpiece features a double swan boat design. Reminiscent of the Boston commons boats, the double swans decorate e...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Fairfax Durgin Gorham Sterling Silver Demitasse Tea Set 3-Piece #40 Hollowware
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Fairfax by Durgin-Gorham three-piece sterling silver demitasse tea set. The pieces are all marked with #40. The set includes: One demitasse pot: ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
Sheaf of Wheat by Durgin Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 48 pc
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Sheaf of Wheat by Durgin-Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 48 pieces. This set includes: 8 Knives, 8 7/8", 8 Forks, 7 1/4", 8 Salad Forks, 6 1/4", 8 Teaspoons, 6 1/8", 8 Pla...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Fairfax by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 32 Pieces Place Size
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Fairfax by Gorham sterling silver place size flatware set - 32 pieces. This set includes: eight place size knives, 9 1/8", eight place size forks,...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Fairfax by Durgin-Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 6 Set 53 Pieces
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Fairfax by Durgin-Gorham sterling silver flatware set, 53 pieces. This set includes: Six knives, 8 7/8", six forks, 7 1/4", six salad forks, 6 1/8", six teaspoons, 5 3/4", six ...
Sterling Silver
Fairfax by Durgin-Gorham Sterling Silver Tea Set of Six Pieces Hollowware
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Embodying the spirit of casual luxury, Fairfax has a sterling design that never goes out of style. As timely today as when it was first introduced in 1910, this design is influenced ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
Sheaf of Wheat by Durgin-Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 61 Pieces No Monos!
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rare Sheaf of Wheat by Durgin / Gorham sterling silver flatware set of 61 pieces. This set includes: Eight knives, 8 7/8". Eight forks, 7 1/4". Eight salad forks, 6 1/4". Eight...
Sterling Silver
19th century Sterling Silver Nut Spoon Chrysanthemum Pattern
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Savannah, GA
Sterling silver nut spoon made by the American company Durgin. It is in an intricate design in the chrysanthemum pattern introduced in 1893 and designed by G...
Sterling Silver