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.
Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Calling/Business Card Case
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement sterling silver calling card/business card case having a hinged lid and its original chain, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, Ca...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Victorian Water Pitcher with Floral Repousse, 1887
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1887. Ovoid bowl with drum-form neck; beaded mouth rim and c-scroll spout. Repousse buds and blooms, includin...
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver-Gilt Calling Card/Business Card Case
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement calling card/business card case with hinged lid and original chain, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode island, Ca. 1875. The case is...
Gold, Sterling Silver
Very Large Art Deco Period Solid Sterling Silver Serving Platter/Tray by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Very large, Art Deco Period, solid sterling silver serving platter/tray, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1935. Measures 20 1/2 inches long x 14 1/2 inches...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Martelé Edwardian Art Nouveau Demitasse Holders & Saucers, 1920
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Set of 12 Edwardian Art Nouveau Martelé silver demitasse holders and saucers. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1920. Each holder: Curved and tapering bowl; high-looping handle and rai...
Silver
Art Deco Gorham Lyric Collection 9 Inches Lead Crystal Bowl Silver Plated Border
By Crystal Bent Fyrart Co., Gorham Manufacturing Company, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Gorham Lead Crystal Art Deco Serving Bowl with Silver Plated Top Rim. Vintage piece in good condition with no chips or cracks. Some wear to the Silver-Plated Rim. Please see...
Crystal, Silver Plate, Lead
Elegant 19th Century Gorham Sterling Serving Dish
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant 19th Century Gorham Sterling Serving Dish with wide floral border with nice weight. Flowers and scrolls decorate the 1.5" border. Gorham hallmarks dating to 1892. Weight 14 T...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau - Style Sterling Silver Pedestal, Based Vase by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau-Style, sterling silver, pedestal-based vase, Gorham Mfg. Company, Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1923. Hammered in design and chased with flowers. Measures...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Art Deco Gilt Sterling Silver Half Round Dresser or Jewelry Box
By Cartier, Asprey International Limited, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique American gilt silver box. By Gorham Manufacturing Co. In gilt sterling silver. In a very rare, half-round form. The lid with engraved rocaille and floral decorati...
Sterling Silver
Set of 12 Gorham Victorian Classical Bread & Butter Plates, 1899-1901
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Set of 12 Victorian Classical sterling silver bread and butter plates. Made by Gorham in Providence, 1899-1901. Each: Plain and round; applied leafing scroll and bud rim. Engraved sc...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Victorian Classical Coin Silver Baby Cup
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Classical coin silver baby cup. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. Straight sides with stepped mouth rim and base; scroll bracket handle with rosettes. Engraved stylize...
Silver
Set of 6 Sterling Silver Ice Tea Spoons by Gorham "Tipt" Pattern 1832
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in valatie, NY
Set of 6 Sterling Silver Ice Tea Spoons by Gorham Tipt Pattern 1832. The mark on the reverse dates from 1863-1890. They have initials "DD" on front. A simple iconic pattern, The Gorh...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Victorian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Napkin Ring
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Art Nouveau sterling silver napkin ring. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1890. Wavy rims with applied fruit and flower borders. Script monogram. Fully marked including mak...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Gravy Boat & Tray
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sterling silver gravy boat and under-tray by Gorham Silversmiths is an elegant expression of late-19th to early-20th-century American silver—refined, ceremonial, and unapologet...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Neoclassical-Style Sterling Silver Corinthian Column Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Neoclassical-Style, sterling silver Corinthian column candlesticks, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, Ca 1915. Each candlestick measures almost 7 1/2 in...
Sterling Silver
Strasbourg by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 48 Service 304 Pcs Huge
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Strasbourg by Gorham sterling silver flatware set of 304 pieces. This large set includes: 48 knives, 8 7/8", 48 forks, 7 1/8", 48 salad forks, 6 3/8", 48 teaspoons, 5 7/8", 48 c...
Sterling Silver
$1,900 / set
Sterling Silver Tea Set
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are thrilled to offer you this sterling silver tea set by Gorham Silversmiths, hallmarked 1874. This one hundred and fifty years old set has been ...
Sterling Silver
Large and Heavy Gorham Chippendale Sterling Silver Serving Tray, 1944
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Chippendale sterling silver serving tray. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1944. Round with flat curvilinear ogee rim. A large and heavy piece in this pattern. Fully marked including ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Sterling Silver Reticulated String or Thread Holder
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique string holder. In sterling silver. By the Gorham Manufacturing Company. Retailed by Black, Starr, & Frost. With a reticulated ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Etruscan by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 32 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Etruscan by Gorham Sterling Silver flatware set 32 pieces. This set includes: Eight knives, 8 3/4", eight forks, 7", ei...
Sterling Silver
Versailles by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 70 pcs Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
The Versailles pattern was created by the French sculptor, Antoine Heller, who was inspired by the murals in the Palace of Versailles. It is a multi-motif pattern from 1888 and each ...
Sterling Silver
Chantilly by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 90 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Chantilly by Gorham sterling silver flatware set of 90 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 3/4", 12 forks, 7", 12 ...
Sterling Silver
Set of 8 Gorham Buttercup Individual Sterling Silver Salt Spoons with Gilt Bowls
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 8 individual silver salt spoons. By Gorham. In sterling silver with gold-washed bowls. Each marked to the reverse. Simply a wonderful set of Buttercup salt dips! D...
Sterling Silver
Camellia by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service Luncheon 73 Pcs
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
12 knives 8 3/4", 12 forks 7 3/8", 12 salad forks 6 1/2", 12 teaspoons 6", 12 cream soup spoons 6 1/4", one gravy ladle 6 1/4", one serving spoon 8 1/2", one pierced serving s...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Chantilly-Grand Sterling Silver 3-Piece Coffee Set
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century Chantilly-Grand sterling silver 3-piece coffee set. Made by Gorham in Providence. This set comprises coffeepot, creamer, and sugar. Scrolled rims, spread and scro...
Sterling Silver
Large Aesthetic-Style Sterling Silver Shell-Form Serving Dish By Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Large, Aesthetic-Movement Style, sterling silver, shell-form serving dish on ball feet, Gorham Mfg. Company, Providence, Rhode Island, year date hallmarked for 1944. Measures 9 inche...
Sterling Silver
English Gadroon by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 70 pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
English gadroon by Gorham sterling silver flatware set, 70 pieces. This set includes: eight knives, 8 3/4", eight forks, 7 1/8", eight salad forks, 6 1/4", eight teaspoons, 5 3/...
Sterling Silver
English Gadroon by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set For 8 Service 53 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
ENGLISH GADROON BY GORHAM sterling silver Flatware set - 53 Pieces. This set includes: 8 KNIVES, 8 7/8" 8 FORKS, 7" 8 SALAD FORKS, 6 1/4" 8 TEASPOONS, 5 7/8" 8 CREAM SOUP SPOONS, 6...
Sterling Silver
La Scala by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service Luncheon 91-Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
12 knives 9", 12 forks 7 1/2", 12 salad forks 6 1/2", 12 teaspoons 6 1/8", 12 cream soup spoons 6 1/8", 12 hollow handle butter spreaders 6 1/2", 12 cocktail forks 5 7/8", one...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Sterling Silver Rabbit / Hare Place Card Holders in Original Case, 1913
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in London, GB
A whimsical set of three silver rabbit or hare shape menu holders made by Gorham Manufacturing Company in Birmingham, England in 1913. This set is very unusual and highly collectab...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Sterling Olive Bowl and Tongs
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1884, sterling, Gorham. This unequivocally charming serving piece embodies the relaxed refinement of the Victorian era. Complete with tongs, this rare example of a figural Gorham olive dish...
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Business/Calling Card Case In Original Box
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Lovely, Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver, bright cut, business/calling card case, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1870's. Holds a standard size business ca...
Sterling Silver
Chantilly by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service Luncheon, 110 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
12 knives 8 7/8", 12 forks 7", 12 salad forks 6 1/2", 12 teaspoons 5 3/4", 12 cream soup spoons 6 1/8", 12 iced tea spoons 7 5/8", 12 demitasse spoons 4", 12 coffee spoons 5 3...
Sterling Silver
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
Luxembourg by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 80 Pcs Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Dinner size Luxembourg by Gorham sterling silver flatware set of 80 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, with replaced blunt stainless blades, 9 3/4", 12 dinner size forks, 7 5/8", 12 fish forks, gold-washed, 6 7/8", 12 teaspoons, 5 3/4", 12 coffee spoons, 4 7/8", 12 gumbo soup spoons, 6 3/4", one mustard ladle, 4 5/8", one cheese knife with pick, original, 7 5/8", one jam server...
Sterling Silver
Buttercup Gorham Sterling Silver Set 8 Silverware Service Place Size 32 Pcs New
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
New, unused Buttercup by Gorham sterling silver place size flatware set, 32 pieces. This set includes: Eight place size knives, 9 1/4". Eight place size forks, 7 1/2". Eight place s...
Sterling Silver
Large Art Deco Period Solid Sterling Silver Serving Platter By Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Large, Art Deco Period, solid sterling silver serving platter/tray, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1933. Measures 18 3/4 inches wide (at wid...
Sterling Silver
Gorham American Modern Sterling Silver Box
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1940. Rectangular with straight sides and spread and stepped base. Cover hinged with gently curved top and wraparound ove...
Sterling Silver
King Edward by Gorham Gold Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 42 Pcs Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
King Edward Gold by Gorham sterling silver Vermeil dinner size flatware set - 42 pieces. This set includes: Eight dinner size knives, 9 5/8", eight dinner size forks, 7 3/4", eig...
Sterling Silver
Marie Antoinette by Gorham Sterling Silver Ice Bowl Set, Hollowware & Barware
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Marie Antoinette by Gorham. Marvelous Marie Antoinette by Gorham sterling silver ice bowl set. This set includes: One round tray that is marked #497, it weighs 37.75 ozt., and ...
Sterling Silver
Gorham American Victorian Classical Sterling Silver Baby Cup
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Classical sterling silver baby cup. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1910. Straight sides with skirted foot and beaded rims. Scroll bracket handle with paterae. Spare elega...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Small Sugar Tongs, Chantilly Pattern, No Monogram
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in valatie, NY
Gorham Small Sugar Tongs, Chantilly Pattern, No Monogram. With early 20th c maker's mark.
Sterling Silver
Sea Rose by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service Luncheon 84-Pcs
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
12 knives 9 1/4", 12 forks 7 1/2", 12 salad forks 6 5/8", 12 teaspoons 6", 12 place soup spoons 7", 12 hollow handle butter spreaders 6 1/2", 1 gravy ladle 7", One serving spoons...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Sterling Silver Reticulated String or Thread Holder
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique string holder. In sterling silver. By the Gorham Manufacturing Company. Retailed by Bailey, Banks, & Biddle. With a reticulate...
Sterling Silver
Set of 4 Spaulding Federal-Style Sterling Silver Mint Julep Cups
By Gorham Manufacturing Company, Spaulding & Company
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Federal-style sterling silver mint julep cups. Made by Spaulding & Co. (part of Gorham) in Chicago, ca 1920. Each: Straight and gently tapering sides and molded rims. A wond...
Sterling Silver
Old Orange Blossom by Alvin Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 110 pc Lunch
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Beautiful Old Orange Blossom by Alvin sterling silver flatware set, 110 pieces. This set includes: 12 Regular Knives, blunt, 8 7/8" 12 Regular Forks, 6 3/4" 12 Salad Forks with bar,...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver & Mixed Metals Fisherman & Fish Cocktail Fork
By Gorham Manufacturing Company, Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Aesthetic Period figural cocktail fork. By Gorham. In sterling silver and other metals with gilt tines. In the Japanese style with a copper male fisherman sitting on a log...
Sterling Silver, Copper
Buttercup by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 12 Set 78 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Buttercup by Gorham 78 piece sterling silver flatware set. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 3/4". 12 forks, 7". 12 salad forks, 6 1/4". 12 teaspoon...
Sterling Silver
Coligni by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 56 pcs Multi motif Dinner in Box
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rare Dinner Size Coligni by Gorham sterling silver figural multi-motif flatware set with Versailles by Gorham knives - 56 pieces in fitted chest. This pattern was designed by renowne...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Art Deco Sterling Silver 14-Inch Amphora Vase, 1913
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver vase. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1913. Tapering cylinder on raised and spread foot; tapering mouth-to-base scroll-bracket handles. A striking example of p...
Sterling Silver
Art nouveau sterling silver bowl, United States circa 1890.
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Milan, IT
Art Nouveau sterling silver bowl, round shape. The repoussé decoration is in purest Art Nouveau style, depicting violets. Gorham Manufacturing Co. United States circa 1890.
Sterling Silver
Imperial Chrysanthemum Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 168 Pcs
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous Dinner and Luncheon Size Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 168 pieces. This set includes: 8 Dinner Size Knives with blunt silverplated blades, ...
Sterling Silver
Medici New by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 72 Pieces Dinner Size
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Sparkling lace-like scrolls of deeply carved sterling link together to create a magnificent movement of intricate detail. Medici achieves balance between the pure lines of the column...
Sterling Silver
Golden Medici by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 50 pcs Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Sparkling lace-like scrolls of deeply carved sterling link together to create a magnificent movement of intricate detail. Golden Medici achieves balance between the pure lines of the...
Sterling Silver
Antique American Modern Classical Sterling Silver 18-Inch Vase
By William B. Durgin, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Black, Starr & Frost
Located in New York, NY
Modern Classical sterling silver vase. Made by William B. Durgin in Concord, New Hampshire, ca 1920. Curvilinear with molded mouth and base; tapering sides and domed foot. Fully mark...
Sterling Silver
Rare Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Gorham Martele Footed Inkstand with Hinged Lid
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous, rare, sterling silver (.950) Art Nouveau, Martele inkstand with ball feet and hinged lid, the Gorham Manufacturing Corp., Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1905. According to the PTB mark on the underside, most probably, the Gorham silversmith who made it...
Sterling Silver
English Gadroon by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 86 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Superb English Gadroon by Gorham sterling silver flatware set - 86 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 7/8" 12 forks, 7 1/8" 12 salad forks, 6 1/4" 12 teaspoons, 5 7/8" 12 cream...
Sterling Silver
Imperial Chrysanthemum Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 416 Pc Chest
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Provenance: This set was owned by then president of the Historic Broadmoor Resort, Charles L. Tutt II, for his home in Colorado Springs. That home was given to the Colorado College a...
Sterling Silver
Newport Scroll by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for Six Service 27 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Newport scroll by Gorham sterling silver flatware set - 27 pieces. This set includes: six place knives, 9 1/8", six place forks, 7 1/2", six salad f...
Sterling Silver
English Gadroon by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 87 pcs Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Dinner Size English Gadroon by Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 87 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Size Knives, 9 5/8", 12 Dinner Size Forks, 7 5/8", 12 Salad Forks, 6 1...
Sterling Silver