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.
Versailles by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 121 pcs Dinner Mono S
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
Victorian Period, Sterling Silver Mustache Cup by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period, sterling silver mustache cup, Gorham manufacturing Corp., Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1895. Measures 3 inches high x 3 inches diamet...
Sterling Silver
Set of 12 Gorham Puritan Goblets with Neoclassical Harp
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Set of 12 Puritan sterling silver goblets. Made by Gorham in Providence. Each: Spare and elegant form with subtle bell-form bowl on cylindrical stem flowing into raised foot. Etched ...
Sterling Silver
$7,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
English Gadroon by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set For 8 Service 43 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Beautiful ENGLISH GADROON BY GORHAM sterling silver Flatware set - 43 Pieces. This set includes: 8 KNIVES, 9" 8 FORKS, 7 1/8" 8 SALAD FORKS, 6 1/4" 8 TEASPOONS, 5 3/4" 8 HOLLOW HAN...
Sterling Silver
Neoclassical Style, Victorian Period Sterling Silver Tazza by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical style, Victorian period, sterling silver tazza, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, year hallmarked for 1901. Decorated with grapes and mythological face...
Sterling Silver
Rondo by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 93 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental Rondo by Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 93 pieces, including many serving pieces. This set includes: 12 Knives, 8 7/8" 12 Forks, 7...
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
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
Marguerite by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 10 Service 53 pcs Floral
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Beautiful Marguerite by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware set with daisy flower motif - 53 pieces. This set includes: 10 Knives with Blunt blades, 8 1/2" 10 Forks, 6 7/8" 10 Salad For...
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
$184Sale Price|20% Off
Gorham Hexagon Silver Plate Wire Basket, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1960s
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage 1960s Gorham silver-plated hexagonal wire basket (specifically model number YC 746). Produced by the renowned Gorham Manufacturing Company. Mid-Cen...
Metal, Silver Plate
Celeste by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service, 79 Pieces, Modern
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Mid-Century Modern Celeste by Gorham, circa 1956 sterling silver flatware set of 79 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 9 3/8". 12 forks, 7 1/2". 12 salad forks, 7 1/8". 12 teaspo...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Savoy-Plaza Hotel Silver-Plated Coffee Pot, circa 1930
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gorham Savoy-Plaza Hotel Silver (Silver-Soldered) Coffee Pot, circa 1930 A Gorham Hotel silver (silver-soldered) coffee or hot-water pot made for t...
Silver Plate
Versailles by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 119 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 for 12 Service 48 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
CHANTILLY BY GORHAM sterling silver Flatware set - 48 Pieces. This set includes: 12 KNIVES, MODERN BLADE, 8 7/8" 12 FORKS, 7" 12 SALAD FORKS, 6 1/2" 12 TEASPOONS, 5 3/4" Includes bo...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Ring Tray
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are proud to offer this sterling silver Art Nouveau ring tray by Gorham Silversmiths of Providence, Rhode Island. It has a scalloped rim with aesthetic work around the edge. The...
Sterling Silver
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
Classic Bouquet by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 56 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Classic Bouquet by Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 56 pieces. The handle design is a bouquet of flowers with pierced and beaded detailing. This se...
Sterling Silver
King Edward by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 58 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental King Edward by Gorham sterling silver flatware set - 58 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 7/8" 12 forks, 7" 12 salad forks, 6 1/8" 12 teaspoons, 6" 1 gravy ladle, 6...
Sterling Silver
Classic Bouquet by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 65 pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Classic Bouquet by Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 65 pieces. The handle design is a bouquet of flowers with pierced and beaded detailing. This set includes: 12 Place Size Kniv...
Sterling Silver
Sovereign Old by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 81 Pieces Acorn
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Sovereign Old by Gorham (1941) sterling silver flatware set with stylized acorn or pineapple motif - 81 pieces. This set includes: 8 knives, 8 7/8" 8 forks, 7 1/4" 8 salad forks, 6 ...
Sterling Silver
La Scala Gold by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service 8 Set Vermeil 58 Pcs
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
La Scala Gold by Gorham Sterling Silver flatware set - 58 pieces. This set is vermeil (completely gold-washed) and includes: 8 Knives, 9" 8 Forks, 7 1/2" 8 Salad Forks, 6 1/2" ...
Sterling Silver
English Gadroon by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 40 Pcs Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous Dinner Size English Gadroon by Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 40 pieces. This set includes: 8 Dinner Size Knives, 9 1/2" 8 Dinner Size Forks, 7 5/8" 8 Salad Forks...
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
Gorham Art Deco Pair of Silver Plated Breakfast Jugs with Raffia Handles
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Pair ...
Silver Plate
Sea Rose by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set For 8 Service 40 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Beautiful Sea Rose By Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 63 pieces. This pattern has a flowing modern design and was designed by Richard L. Huggins in the year 1958. This set inclu...
Sterling Silver
Camellia by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 41 Pieces Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Camellia by Gorham sterling silver dinner size flatware set of 41 pieces. This set includes: Eight dinner knives, 9 1/2" Eight dinner forks, 7 7/8" Eight salad forks, 6 1/2" Eight t...
Sterling Silver
Gossamer by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service For 12 Set 70 Pieces Modern
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Simple and modern Gossamer by Gorham Sterling Silver flatware set - 70 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 7/8" 12 forks, 7 3/8" 12 salad forks, 6 5/8" 12 teaspoons, 6" 12 place...
Sterling Silver
$2,640Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Sea Rose by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 79 Pieces Modern
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Large Sea rose by Gorham sterling silver flatware set, 79 pieces. This pattern has a flowing modern design and was designed by Richard L. Huggins in the year ...
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
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
Sovereign Old by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 42 Pieces Stylized Acorn
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Soverign old by Gorham Sterling silver large flatware set of 42 pieces. This set includes: Eight knives, 8 7/8". Eight forks, 7 1/4". Eight salad f...
Sterling Silver
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Gorham Green Decanter with Ye Olden Days Pictorial Silver Overlay
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian glass whiskey jug decanter with engraved silver overlay. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1886. Round bowl with flat sides and c-scroll handle mounted to neck and shoulder....
Silver
Etruscan by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service For 12 Set 130 Pieces Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Vintage Dinner Size Gorham sterling silver flatware set in the Etruscan pattern featuring an Art Deco style Greek Key design. Huge Etruscan by Gorham Sterling Silver Dinner and Reg...
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
Washington Irving by Gorham Silverplate Flatware Set for 12 Service 65 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Washington Irving by Gorham Silverplate Flatware set - 65 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Knives, 9 3/8" 12 Dinner Forks, 7 7/8" 12 Salad Forks, 6 3/4" 12 Teaspoons, 6" 12 Plac...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Daum Claret with Gorham Sterling Mounts
By Gorham Manufacturing Company, Daum
Located in Riverdale, NY
Extraordinary Art Nouveau sterling silver mounted claret jug by Gorham, circa 1900. The glass body, imported from France, is signed Daum, Nancy. It has been tinted emerald green and ...
Glass
Alencon Lace by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 77 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Alencon Lace by Gorham circa 1965 sterling silver flatware set of 77 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 9 1/8" 12 forks, 7 1/2" 12 salad forks, 6 3/4"...
Sterling Silver
Chantilly by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service Luncheon, 63 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 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 7/8" Two serving spoons, 8 3/8" One sugar spoon, 5 7/8" Includes bonus...
Sterling Silver
Henry II by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 18 Service 278 pcs Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental Henry II by Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 240 pieces. This incredible pattern features a heavy weight and a figural griffin and gargoyle motif. This set includes: ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Victorian Repousse Sterling Silver Flask, 1890
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian sterling silver flask. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1890. Ovoid bowl with dense floral repousse. Plain, hinged, and cork-lined bayonet cover. Ladylike medicinal size. Fu...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Gorham Modern Georgian Sterling Silver Candlesticks, 1922
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Modern Georgian sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1922. Urn socket mounted mounted to columnar shaft with base knop; raised foot. Round and taperi...
Sterling Silver
Very rare coffee and tea service. In solid silver by A. Gorham, Art Nouveau.
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Very rare coffee and tea service. In solid silver by Gorham, Art Nouveau model circa 1908, 7 pieces in total make up this set consisting of a coffee pot, a chocolate pot, a sugar bow...
Silver
$1,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Gorham Sterling Silver Baby Cereal Bowl on Plate
By J.E. Caldwell & Co., Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian sterling silver baby bowl on plate. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1911. Bowl has curved and tapering sides. Plate has well and wide should...
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
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
Nocturne by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 8 Set 38 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Nocturne by Gorham sterling silver flatware set, 38 pieces. This pattern has a great look! This set includes: 8 knives, 9" 8 regular forks, 7 1/4" 8 salad forks, 6 5/8" 8 teaspoons,...
Sterling Silver
Edgemont Gold by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 38 Pieces Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Edgemont gold by Gorham sterling silver flatware set - 38 pieces. This set includes: eight dinner size knives, 9 3/8", eight dinner size forks, 7 3/4", eight salad forks, 6 1/2",...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Gorham Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Pepper Shakers
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Edwardian Classical sterling silver pepper shakers. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1900. Each: Baluster bowl on wavy raised foot; cover domed and pierced. Chased leafing-sc...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Chantilly Grand Sterling Silver Gravy Boat on Stand
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Chantilly-Grand sterling silver gravy boat on stand. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1899. Bellied oval bowl with helmet mouth, high-looping leaf-capped and -mounted handle, and spre...
Sterling Silver
$3,520Sale Price|20% Off
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
$1,060Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Gorham Florenz Sterling Silver Centerpiece Flower Bowl, 1924
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Florenz sterling silver centerpiece bowl. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1924. Deep and tapering well and wide turned-down rim with chased Quattrocento grotesque ornament, including...
Sterling Silver
$11,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Gorham Medallion Coin Silver 5-Piece Coffee & Tea Set
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Medallion coin silver coffee and tea set. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. This set comprises 5 pieces: coffeepot, teapot, creamer, sugar, and waste bowl. Globular bowls on ste...
Silver
Gorham Japonesque Mixed Metal Copper Brush Pot, 1882
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Japonesque mixed metal on copper brush pot. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1882. Bowl has curved sides and ruffled wavy rim. Applied silver crane and stem flowers rooted in granulat...
Sterling Silver, Copper
Golden Crown Baroque by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 53 pieces Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Dinner size Golden Crown Baroque by Gorham sterling silver with gold accent Flatware set - 53 pieces. This pattern is large, heavy, and impressive. This set includes: 8 Dinner Knive...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Silver Plate Wine Bottle Holder/Pourer
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a beautifully designed and practical wine holder and pourer made by Gorham, with an adjustable neck ring accommodating any bottle shape; Burgundy or Bordeaux. The two-part st...
Silver Plate