Skip to main content

Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

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.

5
to
5
3
2
349
4,495
4,491
3,875
3,861
4
1
4
3
1
1
1
1
Creator: Gorham Manufacturing Company
1892 Gorham Sterling Silver Chicago Columbian Exposition Isabella Souvenir Ring
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, antique Chicago Columbian Exposition souvenir ring. The so-called "Isabella" ring by Gorham. In sterling silver. Issued for the 500th annive...
Category

1890s American Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair Antique Art Deco Gorham Sterling Silver Japonisme Martini-Cocktail Glasses
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Art Deco martini or cocktail glasses In sterling silver. By the Gorham Manufacturing Co. Each with engraved feet supporting slender pedestals and tapered cups with ...
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Gorham Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Mirror & Brush Pair
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Classical sterling silver vanity pair. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1900. This pair comprises hand mirror and hairbrush. Mirror has round scalloped frame and the brush ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Vintage Gorham Co Sterling Silver Drummer Christmas Ornament No. 80
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Christmas ornament of a drummer. By Gorham Co. In sterling silver. Model no. 80. In the form of a (toy?) soldier playing ...
Category

20th Century American Retro Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Cent Gorham Coin Silver Handled Tazza of New Orleans, LA Southern Interest
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine 19th century tazza of Southern interest. In coin silver by Gorham Manufacturing Co. The tazza having a sturdy swing handle set with graduated spheres, a pierced gallery rim, a wide border with etched anthemion devices, and a center engraved with a family crest with what appears to be a Live Oak Tree...
Category

19th Century American Empire Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Silver

Related Items
1987 Set of 3 Matching MMA Sterling Silver Snowflake Ornaments #18720
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1987 Set of 3 Matching MMA Sterling Silver Snowflake Ornaments #18720 This beautiful set of matching snowflake ornaments by the Metropolitan Museum of Art features 3 stunning snowfl...
Category

20th Century Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cartier Sterling Silver Vintage Matchstick Holder
By Cartier
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Enjoy this vintage Cartier table accessory in sterling silver which functions as a match stick holder for a table scape or perhaps as toothpick hold...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tourmaline sterling silver Wide Ring (DCG)(W)
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Ring Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Artisan Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Tourmaline, Sterling Silver

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 1995 Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 1995 Band Ring Metal: Sterling silver 925 Weight: 6.43 grams Width: 8.5mm Signed: TIFFANY & CO. ©1995 925 Size: 7.5 (US)
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Sterling Silver Mesh Evening Bag
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
An elegant accessory for bridal or that special evening occasion. Circa pre-war, this finely made continental European lady's evening bag is entirely made of sterling silver. The neck of this drawstring purse is enhanced with a decorative collar accented with silver beads. The bead accents also are repeated along the base of this Art Deco bag...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Jungle Animals
Located in Darnestown, MD
Five sterling silver jungle animals to include: an elephant; a lion; a rhinoceros; a jungle cat and a wading bird with a fish in its mouth. The pieces ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Silver Plate Champagne Punch Bowl
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Silver-plate punch bowl with grape and vine motif embossed rim. Removable insert for champagne or wine bottle cooling. Circa 1910. Unmarked. Measuring 11" in height and 15" in diame...
Category

1910s Unknown Edwardian Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Silver Plate Champagne Punch Bowl
Antique Silver Plate Champagne Punch Bowl
Free Shipping
H 11 in Dm 15 in
Los Castillo Copper Sterling Silver Nude Women Goblets
By Los Castillo
Located in Darnestown, MD
Voluptuous women hold up the bowls of these six unusual champagne coupes or sherbert cups. Thumbnail images indicate how perfectly formed they are in the round. The women are made of...
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hermes Paris Sterling Silver Vintage Heavy Ring
By Hermès
Located in Aspen, CO
Hermes Paris sterling silver heavy vintage ring. Signed Hermes with a DP in a cartouche which is probably the maker of the ring for Hermes, this wide double crossover band ring has a substantial weight of 12.2 grams. It is an American size 5 3/4, and a European size of 51. The ring is marked 925 for Sterling Silver which means it is at least 92.5% pure. The shank width is 5.6 to 15.3 mm. This vintage Hermes ring...
Category

1990s French Contemporary Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Hand Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Sterling silver hand mirror with hammered rim. Engraved handle and back. Mirror is clean and has minimal wear.
Category

20th Century Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Hand Mirror
Sterling Silver Hand Mirror
Free Shipping
W 4.75 in D 0.5 in L 8.5 in
Vintage Gucci Sterling Silver Rhinestone Mirror Powder Compact #16521
By Gucci
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage sterling silver mirror powder compact by Gucci. Beautiful textured design featuring red and blue rhinetstones and an etched sho...
Category

20th Century Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Edwardian William B Kerr Sterling Silver Purse or Lady's Evening Bag
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Edwardian purse or evening bag. In sterling silver. By William B. Kerr & Co. The purse has a small chain and opens with a button. The interior has two pockets on ei...
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Previously Available Items
Mid-Century Modern Gorham Sterling Silver Old Sovereign Sugar Tongs or Nips
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of sugar tongs or nips. In sterling silver. By the Gorham Manufacturing Co. In the Old Sovereign pattern that appears to heavily lean on ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modernist Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Gorham Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Repousse Chamberstick or Candlestick
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, vintage sterling silver chamberstick or candle holder. By Gorham Silver. The wax pan is heart shaped and decorated with repousse floral swags throughout. Model no. 324 S...
Category

20th Century American Victorian Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Deco, Platinum, Amethyst, and Diamond Brooch
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A fine platinum brooch mounted with a cabochon amethyst and old European cut diamonds, in its original retailing box. This pin is beautifully handcrafted from pierced platinum and fe...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum

Whimsical Gorham Sterling Silver Spinning Top
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Gorham Sterling Executive whimsy. The sterling silver Top with a faceted composite base.. perhaps of Melamine. Designed as an executive decision maker, this top takes the guess work ...
Category

20th Century American Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of GORHAM Sterling Column Candlesticks Dated 1908
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Antique American sterling silver candlesticks designed in the Corinthian Column style. Beautiful Acanthus leaf scrollwork adorns the top of the ribbed column and heavy gau...
Category

20th Century American Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

12 GORHAM MFG. CO. Sterling Hors d'Oeuvres Plates, 1940s & 1950s
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This elegant set of 12 Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence,RI, 1940’s and 1950’s, Sterling Silver Shell form Plates is perfect for serving hors d'oeuvres, shellfish, or desserts. The dishe...
Category

1940s American Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

GORHAM Sterling Corinthian Column Candlesticks, Circa 1940
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Gorham Mfg. Co. Sterling silver Candlesticks, Providence, RI, Circa 1940. This pair of candlesticks was made in the form of fluted Corinthian Columns on a square stepped bea...
Category

1940s American Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

GORHAM MFG. CO. Antique Sterling Olive Dish, 1890
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This antique sterling silver Olive dish was made by Gorham Mfg. Co. of Providence, RI, in 1890. It is in the Naturalistic style and is realistically formed...
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Magnificent GORHAM MFG. CO. Sterling Pitcher, 1893
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent sterling silver pitcher was made by the Gorham Mfg. Co. of Providence, RI in 1893. It is fully hallmarked with Gorham’s maker’s mark, style # 5128 and date mark for...
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique GORHAM MFG. CO. Sterling Silver Bottle Coaster, 1910
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This is an elegant sterling silver bottle coaster made in the Edwardian style by Gorham Mfg. Co. of Providence, RI in 1910. It is fully hallmarked on the underside of the base with ...
Category

20th Century American Edwardian Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

GORHAM MFG. CO. Sterling Mounted Crystal Compote, 1905
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This is a prime example of the synergy of American silversmithing and American glassworks at its finest. The footed cut crystal centerpiece is of lemon-lime ground with a clear wrea...
Category

20th Century American Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

GORHAM MFG. CO. 14 Karat Gold Mounted Perfumes Circa 1915
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
This is an elegant pair of etched crystal Perfume Bottles with 14 Karat Gold mounted stoppers by Gorham. Mfg. Co., Providence, RI, made circa 1915. The stoppers are hallmarked with ...
Category

20th Century American Gorham Manufacturing Company Jewelry & Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Gorham Manufacturing Company jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Gorham Manufacturing Company jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using silver. We have 6 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. art deco and Art Nouveau are among the most popular styles of Gorham Manufacturing Company jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Reed & Barton, Unger Brothers, and Theodore B. Starr. Prices for Gorham Manufacturing Company jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $195 and tops out at $3,850, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $633.

Creators Similar to Gorham Manufacturing Company

Recently Viewed

View All