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Durgin Silver Company

American

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. Raised by farmers in Campton, New Hampshire, in 1833, Durgin grew up learning about agriculture 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 Silver Company serveware and decorative objects.

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Creator: Durgin Silver Company
Rare American Sterling Silver-Mounted Threaded Crystal Match Striker By Durgin
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in New York, NY
Rare, American, Edwardian Period, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, The Durgin Silver Co. (William B. Durgin), Concord, New Hampshire, Ca. 1900. Measures 2 1/...
Category

Early 1900s American Edwardian Antique Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Hunt Club, Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Eight Service 44 Pcs Dinner Size
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Eight dinner size knives 9 5/8", eight dinner size forks 7 3/4", Eight salad forks 6 1/2", eight teaspoons 6", Eight flat handle butter spreaders 5 5/8", one serving spoon 8 5/8",...
Category

Mid-20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chrysanthemum by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 135 pieces Dinner
By Durgin Silver Company
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 2 chrysanthemums in...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Durgin Sterling Silver Pitcher Jug in Art Nouveau Style from Early 20th Century
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in New York, NY
Durgin sterling silver pitcher or jug from the early 20th century, in Art Nouveau style, beautifully adorned with floral and curvilinear motifs. It measures 10 1/2'' in height by 9 1...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Durgin Gilt Sterling Silver Salad Serving Set in New Art Pattern Art Nouveau
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in New York, NY
Durgin sterling silver salad serving set in the celebrated New Art Pattern and in Art Nouveau Style. In heavy gage and with gilt wash bowls, the fork and spoon are in crisp condition and measure 9 1/4'' in length. Hallmarks are shown. William B. Durgin Company (1853 - 1924) was a noted American sterling silver manufacturer based in Concord, New Hampshire, and one of the largest flatware and hollowware manufacturers in the United States. Over the period 1905-1924 it was merged into the Gorham Manufacturing Company. The company was founded by silversmith William Butler Durgin (July 29, 1833 - May 6, 1905). Durgin was born in Campton, New Hampshire, and from 1849-1853 apprenticed to Boston silversmith Newell Harding. In the 1840s Durgin moved back to Concord, where he opened a small shop making spoons opposite the Free Bridge Road. He incorporated as William B. Durgin Company in 1853, in 1854 added the manufacture of silverware, and in 1866 established a large brick factory on School Street. In 1905, after the death of both Durgin and his son, George F. Durgin, the company was acquired by Gorham through a long process that culminated with an official purchase in 1924. Production was moved to Providence, Rhode Island, in 1931. The company made the Davis Cup, the silver service for the battleship USS New Hampshire, and medals for St. Paul's School. Its Fairfax flatware...
Category

Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Durgin Set of 12 Gilt Sterling Silver Teaspoons in Heraldic Pattern
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in New York, NY
Durgin set of 12 gilt sterling silver teaspoons in the Heraldic pattern, beautifully adorned with a lion, a castle, and a crown, among other motifs. They measure 6'' in length and be...
Category

19th Century American Antique Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Empire by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set For 8 Service 51 pieces Dinner
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rare Dinner Size Empire by Durgin sterling silver flatware set - 51 pieces. This pattern was introduced in the year 1895 and features a crown above a central cartouche. This set incl...
Category

20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Essex by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 112 pieces Dinner Art Deco
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Large Dinner & Luncheon Essex by Durgin, c1911, sterling silver Flatware set - 112 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Size Knives, 9 5/8" 12 Dinner Size Forks, 8" 12 Regular Knive...
Category

20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Madame Royale by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 24 pieces
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Madame Royale by Durgin sterling silver Flatware set, 24 pieces. Great starter set! This set includes: 6 Regular Knives with blunt silverplated blades, 8 5/8" 6 Regular Forks, 7" 6 ...
Category

20th Century American Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Iris by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Art Nouveau 98 Pieces Dinner
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
"New Art" - the name is a literal translation of the French "Art Nouveau" was introduced as a not-full-line pattern with four motifs: Iris, Easter Lily, Narcissus, & Orange Blossom. In 1900, one year after New Art was introduced, Durgin introduced the single motif full-line pattern "Iris", as a compliment to New Art. The 1905 New Art Catalog...
Category

Mid-20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of 6 Durgin Black Starr & Frost Sterling Silver “ABS” Shot Glasses
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set Of 6 Durgin Black Starr & Frost Sterling Silver “ABS” Shot Glasses. 2.25” h x 2.125” w Set of 6 shot glasses each with “ABS” monogram to center. Each marked properly to b...
Category

20th Century American Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Watteau by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner Pieces
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Watteau by Durgin Sterling Silver Dinner Size Flatware set - 74 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Knives, blunt silverplated blades, 9 5/8" 12 Dinner Forks, 7 5/8" 12 Salad F...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Wm. Durgin Candlesticks
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are delighted to offer you this pair of sterling silver candlesticks by William Durgin Silver. If you appreciate delicate old-world work, these candlesticks are for you!! Beautifu...
Category

1910s American Vintage Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Gravy Boat
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are happy to offer you this sterling silver gravy boat by Wm. Durgin Silver from the 1940’s. Manufactured during WWII it is understated...
Category

1940s American Vintage Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

William B. Durgin Co. 1900 Edwardian Neo Classic Center Bowl 925 Sterling Silver
By William B. Durgin, Durgin Silver Company
Located in Miami, FL
An impressive center bowl designed by William B. Durgin Co. Magnificent very rare piece, created in the United States by the silversmiths and silverware makers William B. Durgin Co, back in the turn of the 19th century, circa 1900. This fabulous center vase bowl was crafted with Edwardian neoclassical patterns in solid .925/.999 sterling silver with high polished finish. The vase stand in a rounded pedestal foot and suited with a pair of elaborated handles with multiples garlands and tassels. The upper border is adorned with four groups of organic motifs of flowers chiseled in low and high relief and a fine bright cut decoration along the rim. The design of this piece is extremely interesting as it brings together various artistic movements such as the Art Nouveau, the Edwardian, the Neoclassical with a hint of neo-Gothic details and the Greek Revival. Has a total weight of 972 Grams and a measurements of 389 mm by 375 mm by 120 mm (12.16 x 14.75 x 4.75 Inches). Stamped with the maker's mark cartouche with a D associated to William B. Durgin Co, the model number and signed, "D STERLING 930C". NutmegGraters.Com ~ American Sterling Nutmeg Grater By Durgin William B. Durgin Co. (1853 - 1924) was a noted American sterling silver manufacturer based in Concord, New Hampshire, and one of the largest flatware and hollowware manufacturers in the United States. Over the period between the 1905-1924 it was merged into the Gorham Manufacturing Company. The company was founded by the silversmith William Butler Durgin (July 29, 1833 - May 6, 1905). Durgin was born in Campton, New Hampshire, and from 1849-1853 apprenticed to Boston silversmith Newell Harding. In the 1840s Durgin moved back to Concord, where he opened a small shop making spoons opposite the Free Bridge Road. He incorporated as William B. Durgin Company in 1853, in 1854 added the manufacture of silverware, and in 1866 established a large brick factory on School Street. In 1905, after the death of both Durgin and his son, George F. Durgin, the company was acquired by Gorham through a long process that culminated with an official purchase in 1924. Production was moved to Providence, Rhode Island, in 1931. The company made the Davis Cup, the silver service for the battleship USS New Hampshire, and medals for St. Paul's School. Its Fairfax flatware...
Category

Late 19th Century North American Edwardian Antique Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Princess Patricia by Durg Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 90 Pcs Dinner
By Durgin Silver Company, Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Princess Patricia by Durgin / Gorham sterling silver dinner size flatware set - 90 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, 9 1/2" 12 di...
Category

Early 20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Louis XV by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 54 Pc Rare in Fitted Box
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rare Louis XV by Durgin, circa 1891, sterling silver Flatware set - 54 pieces (plus 12 Mother of Pearl handle knives). This set includes: 12 Mot...
Category

Early 20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Iris & New Art by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Nouveau 167 Pieces
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
"New Art" - the name is a literal translation of the French "Art Nouveau" was introduced as a not-full-line pattern with four motifs: Iris, Easter Lily, Narcissus, & Orange Blossom. In 1900, one year after New Art was introduced, Durgin introduced the single motif...
Category

Mid-20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Wm. Durgin Candlesticks
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A very handsome pair of candlesticks that are sure to delight the buyer. They have a square base with a four leaf clover holding them up. There are leaves on each corner of the base,...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chatham by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 109 Pieces Dinner
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous Dinner & Luncheon Chatham by Durgin, c1915, sterling silver flatware set - 109 pieces. This set includes: 8 dinner size knives, 9 5/8" 8 dinner size forks, 8" 8 regular...
Category

Early 20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chrysanthemum by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 126 Pieces
By Durgin Silver Company
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 2 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. Superb Chrysanthemum by Durgin...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Madame Royale by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 148 Pieces
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental Madame Royale by Durgin sterling silver flatware set, 148 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, 9 3/4" 12 dinner size forks, 7 1/2" 12 regular knives, 8 7/8" ...
Category

20th Century American Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

New Queens by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 87 Pieces Dinner Shell
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
New Queens by Durgin sterling silver dinner flatware set, 87 pieces. This timeless, Classic, shell-motif pattern was introduced in the year 1900. This set includes: 8 dinner size kn...
Category

20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chatham by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 132 Pieces Dinner
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental dinner & Luncheon Chatham by Durgin sterling silver flatware set - 132 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives 9 5/8", 12 dinner size forks 8", 12 luncheon kni...
Category

Early 20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

New Queens by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 96 Pcs "W" Mono
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Exceptional New Queens by Durgin sterling silver dinner flatware set, 96 pieces. This shell motif pattern was introduced in the year 1900. This set includes: 8 dinner size knives, 9...
Category

20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

#19 by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 212 Pieces Dinner Deco
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental Art Deco "Number Nineteen" by Durgin, circa 1916-1952, sterling silver flatware set, 212 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, 9 3/4" 12 dinner size fork...
Category

20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Watteau by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner Size 168 Pieces
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental Watteau by Durgin circa 1890-1920 sterling silver dinner size flatware set - 168 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, blunt blades, 9 5/8" 12 dinner size forks, 7 5/8" 12 luncheon/dessert forks, 7 1/8" 12 salad forks, 6 1/8" 12 teaspoons, 5 3/4" 12 place soup spoons, 6 7/8" 12 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 3/4" 12 oyster forks, 5 3/4" 12 gumbo soup spoons, 7" 12 large dinner spoons/serving spoons, 8 1/4" 12 pastry forks, 3-tine, 5 7/8" 12 fish forks, 7 3/8" 12 fish knives, 8 1/8" 1 gravy ladle, 7 3/8" 1 large stuffing spoon w/button, 11 1/2" 1 roast carving set, 5-pc, some wear to original steel blades/tines, as shown in photo. 1 fish serving set, 2-pc, 11" & 8 3/4" 1 pierced olive spoon, 5 3/4" 1 berry spoon, 9" 1 ice cream serving spoon...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fashion Lane by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 54 Pcs Scarce
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Scarce "Fashion Lane" by Durgin circa 1955 sterling silver Flatware set, 54 pieces. This set includes: 8 knives, 8 7/8" 8 forks, 7 1/4" 8 salad forks, 6 1/2" 16 teaspoons, 5 7/8" 8...
Category

20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Wellington by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 34 Pieces
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Wellington by Durgin sterling silver flatware set, 34 pieces. This set includes: Eight knives, 8 7/8", eight forks, 7", eight salad forks, 5 7/8", eight teaspoons, 5 5/8", two ...
Category

Early 20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Wellington by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 146 Pieces
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Wellington by Durgin sterling silver flatware set, 146 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 7/8", 12 forks, 7", 12 salad forks, 5 7/8", 12 teaspoons, 5 5/8", 12 gumbo soup s...
Category

20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chatham by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 12 Set of 72 Pieces
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Timeless heirloom quality Chatham by Durgin sterling silver flatware set, 72 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 3/4". 12 forks, 7 1/4". 12 salad forks, 6 1/8". 12 teaspoons, 5 3/4". 12 cocktail forks, 5 1/2". 12 gumbo spoons...
Category

Early 20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Wellington by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 121 Pc Dinner "S" Mono
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
12 dinner size knives (silver plate blunt blades) 10", 12 dinner size forks 7 5/8", 12 regular knives (silver plate blunt blades) 8 5/8", 12 regular forks 7", 12 salad forks 5 7/8",...
Category

Early 20th Century Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

25.5 in - Sterling Silver Durgin Antique Octagonal Tray
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dimensions: 25.5 x 16 5/8 x 1 3/8 in Weight: 96 toz Durgin for Theodore B. Starr
Category

Early 20th Century American Durgin Silver Company

Materials

Sterling Silver

Durgin Silver Company furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Durgin Silver Company furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of sterling silver and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Durgin Silver Company furniture, although silver editions of this piece are particularly popular. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Shreve & Co., Tuttle Silver Company, and Frank Smith Co.. Prices for Durgin Silver Company furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $390 and can go as high as $31,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,948.
Questions About Durgin Silver Company
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Yes, the International Silver Company produced real silver products. The marking IS, or International Silver, does not indicate the purity of the silver. In order to determine if the piece is real silver, look for the mark “925,” which indicates sterling silver.

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