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Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

American

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.

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Creator: Gorham Manufacturing Company
Dealer: Tudor Rose Antiques
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 dia...
Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Sterling Silver Neoclassical-Style Corinthian Column Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Edwardian Period, sterling silver, neoclassical-Style Corinthian Column candlesticks, Gorham Manufacturing Corp., Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1906. Each can...
Category

Early 1900s American Neoclassical Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Sterling Silver Figural Bud Vase By Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian, sterling silver, figural bud vase, Gorham manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1865. Monogrammed with an Old English letter K. Measures 6 3...
Category

1860s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

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...
Category

1920s American Art Nouveau Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Deco Jensen-Style Sterling Silver Centerpiece Bowl by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco, Jensen-Style, sterling silver centerpiece bowl, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1954. Bowl is hammered in design. Measures 9 5/8 inc...
Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Period Sterling Silver Heart-Form Trinkets Box by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period, sterling silver heart-form trinkets box, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1893. Measures 3 inches wide (at widest point) ...
Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Sterling Silver-Mounted Decanter and 4 Matching Glasses, Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period, sterling silver-mounted decanter with hinged lid and having four matching glasses, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1894....
Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Edwardian-Style Sterling Silver Picture Frame with Wood Back
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian-style, sterling silver picture frame with wood back, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1940's. Frame will stand both horizontally and vertically. Outs...
Category

1940s American Edwardian Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Neoclassical Sterling Silver Gilt Centrepiece by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical, sterling silver gilt centrepiece, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1865. Dish is oval in form and has pendant handles that move. Stem is flanke...
Category

1860s American Neoclassical Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver

Suite of Four American Colonial Style Sterling Silver Candlesticks by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Suite of four, American, Colonial style, sterling silver candlesticks, The Gorham Corp., Providence Rhode Island, circa 1910. Each candlestick is etched. Bases are octagonal is shape...
Category

1910s American American Colonial Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Aesthetic Movement Calling Card/Business Card Holder by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver, Aesthetic Movement calling card/business card holder, Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, Rhode Island, year hallmarked fo...
Category

1880s American Aesthetic Movement Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Salt Cellars by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver salt cellars with gilt interiors and applied insects, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1864. Each h...
Category

1860s American Aesthetic Movement Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Gold, 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...
Category

1890s American Art Nouveau Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

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...
Category

Early 1900s American Neoclassical Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Unusual Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Candlesticks By Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Unusual pair of Mid-Century Modern, sterling silver candlesticks (having a Danish influence), The Gorham Corp., Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1950s. 5" tall x 2 3/4" diameter at w...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Lovely Sterling Silver Gorham Edwardian-Style Cake Basket on Pedestal Base
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Lovely, sterling silver, Edwardian-style, cake basket on pedestal base, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, year-marked for 1916. Beautiful pierced work. Silver is li...
Category

1910s American Edwardian Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Neoclassical Sterling Silver Child's Cup/Mug by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical, sterling silver child's mug/cup, Gorham Mfg. Co, Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1860. Handle is decorated with a neoclassical woman's head. Interior is lightly gilded....
Category

1860s American Neoclassical Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

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Gorham Art Nouveau Green Silver Overlay Jug Decanter
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
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Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass jug decanter with silver overlay. Made by Gorham in Providence. Round with flat front and back; neck cylindrical with sterling silver collar and...
Category

Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

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Loetz Silberiris Art Nouveau Iridescent Silver Overlay Vase
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century Silberiris glass vase by Loetz with engraved silver overlay. Ovoid with flared rim in silver collar. Overlay in form of open and stylized leaf band and c-scroll n...
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Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

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Antique 1803 Georgian Sterling Silver Column Candlesticks
By George Eadon & Co ( Eadon, Kibbles & John Weaver ) 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, exceptional, fine and impressive, pair of large antique Georgian English sterling silver architectural column candlesticks; part of our ornamental silverware collection. These magnificent antique Georgian English sterling silver candlesticks have a plain subtly tapering columnar form. The large and impressive Corinthian capital of each candlestick retains the original hallmarked detachable push fit sconce ornamented with a plain moulded rim. The cylindrical columns are supported by a cuboid plinth to an impressive plain square stepped three tier base. Each plinth is embellished with a fine and impressive bright cut engraved coat of arms depicting the Head family coat of arms encircled with a belt accented with the family motto 'Study Quiet'. The bases retain the original contemporary engraved inscription 'A token of respect from Francis Head to her aunt Dame Mary Ann Head. 1803' to the lowest tier. Both candlesticks are fitted with turned mahogany bases to the underside. These magnificent Georgian candlesticks were crafted by George Eadon, George Kibbles & John Weaver of George Eadon & Co. The title ‘Dame’ was the traditional style for the wife of a baronet at this time and before although it was interchangeable with the title ‘Lady’. Condition These antique Georgian candlesticks...
Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

George II Period Sterling Silver Candlesticks, Corinthian, William Cafe, 1758
By William Cafe
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1758 by William Cafe, this exceptional pair of George II period, antique sterling silver candlesticks, are unfilled, with cast bases, and in the Corinthian fo...
Category

1750s English George II Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Ring Box
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Love is in the air!! This sterling silver box is the perfect accessory for that special moment; asking the person you love “will you marry me?” A heart-shaped ring box is the perfec...
Category

1950s American Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

  • Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Ring Box
  • Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Ring Box
  • Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Ring Box
  • Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Ring Box
H 1 in. W 2 in. D 2.5 in.
Cartier Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Bud Vase
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern sterling silver bud vase. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Girdled cone on raised and round foot with open and stylized leaf ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Gorham Victorian Repousse Sterling Silver Soap Box
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian sterling silver soap box. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1896. Hinged and rectangular with curved corners. Allover floral repous...
Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gorgeous Loetz Silberiris Art Nouveau Silver Overlay Vase
By La Pierre Manufacturing
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century silberiris glass vase by Loetz with engraved silver overlay. Ovoid with impressed shoulder and molten-style irregular turned-down rim. Overlay in form of whiplash...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Silver

Antique American Victorian Sterling Silver Vase
By Redlich & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Victorian sterling silver vase. Made by Redlich in New York, circa 1900. Wide quadrilateral baluster with flared rim and domed foot. Chased scrolled frames inset with flowers at rim ...
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Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large Gorham Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver & Crystal Vase
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Large Edwardian Classical sterling silver and crystal vase. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1929. Ovoid glass body; wide plain facets alternating with facets engraved with stylized f...
Category

1920s American Edwardian Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Pair of American Modern Classical Sterling Silver Low Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company, Friedman Silver Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Modern classical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Friedman Silver Co., Inc. in Brooklyn, ca 1940. Each: Urn socket on round stepped ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

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Sterling Silver

Pair of Antique Austrian Biedermeier Silver Trinket Boxes
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Austrian Biedermeier 812 silver trinket boxes, 1840. Each: Round and lobed bowl. Cover raised and same with central square ogee frame inset w...
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1840s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Silver

Previously Available Items
American, Neoclassical Coin Silver Vase by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
American, neoclassical coin silver vase, Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1865. Gilded interior. Applied beading under the upper rim. Monogrammed with an Old English ...
Category

1860s American Neoclassical Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Period Sterling Silver-Mounted Controlled Bubbles Crystal Inkwell
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian period, sterling silver-mounted controlled bubbles crystal inkwell with hinged lid, Gorham Mfg. Corp., Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1895. Interior of sterling silver hinge...
Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

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Crystal, Sterling Silver

Pair of Sterling Silver Neoclassical-Style Corinthian Column-Form Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Edwardian period, Neoclassical-Style sterling silver candlesticks, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1906. Each candlestick measures 8 1...
Category

Early 1900s American Neoclassical Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Very Large, Edwardian, Sterling Silver Oval Picture Frame on Ball Feet
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Very large, Edwardian, sterling silver oval picture frame on ball feet, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1910. Back is dark blue velvet. Measures 14 3/4 inch...
Category

1910s American Edwardian Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Period Sterling Silver Soap Box with Hinged Lid, Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period, sterling silver soap box with hinged lid, Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, Rhode Island, year hallmarked for 1899. Measures 3...
Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gold

Victorian Style Sterling Silver - Mounted Crystal Heart-Shaped "Trinkets" Box
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian - Style, sterling silver and cut crystal heart-shaped "trinkets" box, The Gorham Corp., Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1950's. Measures 2 1/4 inches high x 4 1/4 inches ac...
Category

1950s American Victorian Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Victorian Period Sterling Silver Mug/Cup by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period, sterling silver mug/cup, Gorham Mfg. Co, Providence, Rhode Island, year hallmarked for 1890. Decorated with leaves and flowers. Handle fans out in design. Measures ...
Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Sterling Silver Picture Frame by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian, sterling silver picture frame, Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1894. Measures 6 inches high x 6 inches wide; when easel is in open position,...
Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Unusual Victorian Footed Sterling Silver Toast Rack by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Unusual, Victorian, footed, sterling silver toast rack Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1895. Sterling silver wires that separate slices of toast are des...
Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Coin Silver '.900' Calling Card/Business Card Holder by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian, Coin Silver (.900) calling card/ business card holder, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1860-1870. Two figures (one on each side) are holding the ...
Category

1860s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Neoclassical Pair of Sterling Silver Corinthian Column Candlesticks by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Category

Early 1900s American Neoclassical Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Midcentury Sterling Silver-Mounted Wood Poker Players Top by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury, sterling silver-mounted wood poker player's top (in original box), Gorham Mfg. Company, Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1960s. Measures 2 1/2 inches high (at highest poin...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gorham Manufacturing Company furniture for sale on 1stDibs

Furniture by Gorham Manufacturing Company are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are frequently made of metal and designed with extraordinary care. In our collection of Gorham Manufacturing Company furniture, there are many options to choose from, although silver editions of this piece are particularly popular. In-stock of these items we have 517 vintage editions, while there is also 0 modern edition to choose from. Many of the original furniture by Gorham Manufacturing Company were created in North America during the 20th century in the Art Nouveau style. Many customers also consider furniture by International Silver, Towle Silversmiths and Wallace Silversmiths if you’re looking for additional options. Prices for furniture from the Gorham Manufacturing Company can vary depending upon size, time period and other attributes. 1stDibs's price starts at $69 and tops out at $59,900, while pieces like these can sell for $2,775.

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