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.
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
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
Pair of Gorham Victorian Classical Repousse Chambersticks, 1891
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Victorian Classical sterling silver chambersticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1891. Round and footed socket; plain and detachable bobeche with applied leafing scroll rim...
Sterling Silver
$1,500 / set
Sterling Silver Candlesticks, 1927
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are happy to offer you this pair of sterling silver candlesticks by Gorham Silversmiths of Providence, Rhode Island. Hallmarked 1927, there’s an inscription on the bottom-side “Fr...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Gorham Florenz Sterling Silver Candlesticks, 1924
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Florenz sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1924. Each: Urn socket on upward tapering and knopped shaft; raised and spread base with four satyr head...
Sterling Silver
$1,080Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gorham Neoclassical Corinthian Column Candlesticks for Broadmoor Hotel
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Broadmoor Hotel Neoclassical Corinthian Column Candlesticks, are a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. These candlesticks were made in 1914 using electroplated metalw...
Silver
Gorham Silver-Plated Candle Lamps by Henry Webster, Circa 1875
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Lincoln, GB
Exceptional Gorham and Henry Webster Silver-Plated Candle Lamps An extraordinary and historically significant pair of Gorham silver-plated candle lamps, crafted in Rhode Island, USA...
Silver Plate
$1,525 / set
Sterling 1915 Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are excited to offer this pair of sterling silver candlesticks dated 1915 by Gorham Silver Co, Providence Rhode Island. They have pretty etching around the base as well as top near the neck. They have an oval base and a tapered body. Gorham sterling antique...
Sterling Silver
$1,900 / set
Sterling Candlesticks, 1916
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are happy to offer this pair of sterling silver candlesticks in the Plymouth pattern by Gorham Silversmiths, circa 1916. They have a scalloped base and bobeche and the body also h...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Silver-Plated Candle Lamps by Henry Webster, Circa 1875
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Lincoln, GB
Exceptional Gorham and Henry Webster Silver-Plated Candle Lamps An extraordinary and historically significant pair of Gorham silver-plated candle lamps, crafted in Rhode Island, USA...
Silver Plate
$4,500 / set
H 11.07 in W 5.25 in D 5.25 in
Large Pair of Neoclassical Sterling Silver Column-Form Candlesticks
By Henry Wigfull
Located in New York, NY
Large pair of Neoclassical (made in the Victorian Period), sterling silver column-form candlesticks, Sheffield, England, year-hallmarked for 1898, Henry Wigful - maker. Each candlestick measures 11 1/6 inches high x 5 1/4 inches deep x 5 1/4 inches wide. Columns are swirled in design. The capital of each column is designed with acanthus leaves. The base of each candlestick is decorated with profiles of the Green Man (a good luck symbol...
Sterling Silver
Edwardian Sterling Silver Chamberstick by Tiffany and Company
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian, sterling silver chamber stick, Tiffany and Company, New York, inventory marked for 1902-1903. Measures 4 inches high x 5 1/2 inches in diameter x 7 1/4 inches across from ...
Sterling Silver
Pair of American Tiffany Sterling Silver Monkey Candlesticks
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of American Tiffany sterling silver monkey candlesticks.
Georgian Sterling Silver Column Candlesticks (1803)
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...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Deco Corinthian Column Candlesticks in Pewter, Sweden 1920s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of candleholders in patinated pewter. Fluted design derived from Corinthian Columns. This design resembles the style of Sylvia Stage and Just Andersen. Made in Sweden during t...
Pewter
$22,463Sale Price / set|24% Off
H 10.5 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in
1763 Pair of George III Sterling Silver Candlesticks by William Cafe, English
By William Cafe
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing an exceptional pair of George III sterling silver candlesticks, meticulously created in 1763 by the skilled silversmith William Café. These candlesticks stand as a testam...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Neoclassical Sterling Silver Column candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sterling silver, Neoclassical-Style, square based column candlesticks, American, Ca. 1930's. Each candlestick measures 7 1/8 inches high x 3 inches wide (at widest point acro...
Sterling Silver
$950 / set
H 2.25 in Dm 2.5 in
Pair of Sterling Silver Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks by Timo Sarpeneva
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern, sterling silver candlesticks, hallmarked for Stockholm, Sweden, circa 1950s, Timo Sarpeneva, maker. Each candlestick measures 2 1/4 inches high x 2 1/2 in...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By James Dixon & Sons
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks in the arts and crafts style, hallmarked in the city of Sheffield in 1905/06 by James Dixon...
Silver
Pair of Sterling Silver Neoclassical-Style Column-Form Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sterling silver, Neoclassical-Style, column-form candlesticks, Empire Silversmiths Co., New York, Ca. 1960's. Each candlestick measures 5 1/2 inches high x 3 inches wide (at ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Silverplate Chamberstick
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique silverplate chamberstick In the manner of Tiffany & Co. USA, Early 19th Century Measures: 3.25"W x 2.75"D x 2"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Silver Plate
Pair of Unusual 16th Century-Style Capstan Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Unusual pair of sterling silver, Capstan candlesticks, in the 16th century style, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1895. Each candlestick measures 4 inches...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 9.5 in Dm 4.25 in
Pair of Tall Victorian-Style Sterling Silver Chantilly Candlesticks by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of tall, sterling silver, Victorian-style, Chantilly pattern candlesticks, made by The Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence Rhode Island, Ca. 1930's - 1940's. Each candlesti...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Tall Sterling Silver Georgian-Style Candlesticks By Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of tall, sterling silver, Georgian-Style candlesticks, Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1930's. The pair is weighted, and comes apart into three separate sections ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 4.75 in Dm 2.75 in
Unusual Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Candlesticks by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Unusual set of four, sterling silver, Mid-Century Modern, graceful candlesticks, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1950's. Each candlestick measures 4 3/4 i...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Antique Gorham Edwardian Classical Column Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Edwardian Classical sterling silver column candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1911-15. Each: Column with fluted shaft on stepped square base. Corinthian capital wi...
Sterling Silver
Pair Gorham Silverplate Candlesticks in the English Regency Style
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Pair of silverplate candlesticks by Gorham with hand engraved designs in the English Regency style. Each in very good condition with slight bends to one bobeche. Each currently well ...
Silver Plate
Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a pair of candlesticks by Gorham Silversmiths, hallmarked 1923. They are designed as Corinthian Columns and have a square shaped base. Around the base a row of beads...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 13.25 in W 11.25 in D 4.5 in
Pair Estate American "Gorham" Sterling Silver Convertible Candelabra, Circa 1930
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Estate American "Gorham" hallmarked sterling silver convertible candelabra, Circa 1920-1940. Converts from triple cup candelabra to single...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 8.25 in W 4.25 in D 4.25 in
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...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Tall Silver Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in London, GB
This unusually tall and elegant pair of silver candlesticks was made by the eminent American silversmith Gorham & Co in Rhode Island. With simple domed round bases, supporting long s...
Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Gorham Sterling Silver Candlesticks Candle Holders 960
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of mid-century Gorham reinforced sterling silver candlestick holders decorated with bands of flowers. 960. ""The Gorham Manufacturing Company is one of America’s largest manu...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver 1916 Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a pair of sterling silver candlesticks by Gorham Silversmiths hallmarked 1915. They are simply beautiful in their shape and elegance. They have a tapered body giving...
Sterling Silver