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.
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
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
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
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....
Sterling Silver
Set of 4 Spaulding Federal-Style Sterling Silver Mint Julep Cups
By Spaulding & Company, Gorham Manufacturing 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
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
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; bracket handle with volute scroll cap and split mount. Engraved leafing-scroll cartou...
Silver
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
Wonderful Gorham Sterling Silver Rattan Dolphin Coffee Tea Pot Decanter Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful North American sterling silver black coffee pot, Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, Ri, Baluster form with long slender spout, the lower body embossed, the handle wrapped with ...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Brilliant-Cut Glass and Sterling Silver Moon Flask Decanter
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Brilliant-cut-glass and sterling silver decanter. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1894. Round body with thumb ring handle. Cut ornament in arched frames. Co...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Edwardian Sterling Silver & Crystal Decanter
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian crystal decanter with sterling silver stopper. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1897. Bell-form bowl with baluster neck, U-form spout, and c...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Gorham Silver and Crystal Decanter, circa 1910
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Gorham silver and crystal decanter, circa 1910. Gorham silver stopper.
Crystal, Silver
Gorham Victorian Sterling Silver & Brilliant-Cut Glass Decanter, 1892
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian brilliant-cut glass decanter with sterling silver mounts. Made by Gorham in Providence, in 1892. Globular bowl with fluted neck and faceted c-scroll handle. Fern and diaper...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co sterling silver set of 4 shot / cup # 25005
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of 4 cups / shots in sterling silver model number 25005.
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Art Deco Period Octagonal Mug/Cup by Blankensee
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver, Art Deco period, octagonal-shaped mug/cup, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1923, S. Blankensee and Sons - makers. Measures 3 1/4 inches high x 3 1/16 inches...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Liquor Decanter Bottle Name Tags 7 Available
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful sterling silver liquor & wine decanter name tags. Marked sterling, some with hallmarks two marked made in Spain. They run the gamut from gin to...
Sterling Silver
Art Deco Period Sterling Silver Mint Julep Cup by Alvin
By Alvin Silver Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco period, sterling silver mint julep cup, Alvin Silver Manufacturing. Company, Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1930s-1940s. Measures 3 3...
Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Goblet
By Thomas Smily
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, large antique Victorian English sterling silver goblet; an addition to our collection of wine and drinks related silverware This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver goblet has a circular bell shaped form onto a knopped stem and circular spreading foot. The body of this large silver goblet is embellished with bright cut engraved suspended leaf festoons accented with ribbon bow motifs and interlacing swags. The decoration to the body incorporates a large oval vacant cartouche to either side. The upper portion of the goblet is encompassed with bright cut engraved interlacing and scalloped borders below an applied moulded rim. The knop to the stem is encircled with a bead decorated border. The foot is ornamented with further bright cut engraved simplified leaf festoon decoration accented with a scalloped border to the rim. This exceptional and large silver goblet retains the original gilded interior. Condition This antique silver wine goblet...
Silver, Sterling Silver
American Coin Silver '.900' Cup/Mug on Pedestal Base by Bailey & Co.
Located in New York, NY
American Coin Silver (.900) cup/mug on pedestal base, Bailey and Company, Philadelphia, circa 1846-1878. Decorated with country cabins in the woods. Bead work decorates the upper rim...
Sterling Silver
Victorian 1856 Sterling Silver Goblet
By Charles Thomas Fox & George Fox
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver goblet made by Charles Thomas Fox & George Fox; an addition to our wine and drinks related silverware collection. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver goblet has a plain bell shaped form onto a waisted pedestal, to a circular spreading foot. The surface of the antique silver goblet is plain and unembellished. The circular spreading foot is encircled with an applied border to the rim and ornamented with the contemporary engraved crest of griffin's head erased and collared by a coronet. The interior of this antique English silver goblet...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$320Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5.5 in Dm 2.75 in
Set of Eight Kentucky Derby Official Mint Julep Glasses
Located in San Diego, CA
Great set of eight Kentucky Derby official mint julep glasses, circa 1980s and later from Churchill Downs in Lexington, KY. Each glass is dated and lists the previous winners of the race; there are seven Kentucky Derby glasses...
Glass
Antique Victorian 1890s Sterling Silver Goblet
By Charles Stuart Harris
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver goblet has a circular bell shaped form onto a knopped pedestal and circular spreading foot, in the Classic pineapple style. The ...
Silver, 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
Neoclassical Sterling Silver Mug/Cup by The Whiting Mfg. Co.
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical, sterling silver mug/cup, Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1880's, Whiting Mfg. Co. - maker. Measures almost 4 inches high x 4 1/2 inches wide fr...
Sterling Silver, Gold
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
Sold
H 9.13 in W 4.5 in D 1 in
Antique Gorham 1 Pint Sterling Silver Art Deco Blimp or Dirigible Quilted Flask
By Tiffany & Co., Frank Lloyd Wright, Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine American Art Deco flask. By Gorham. In the elusive pattern often referred to as 'Quilted'. This pattern is said to mimic the design of Deco period dirigibles or blimps. By...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Four Pint Cocktail Jug, circa 1946
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in London, GB
An exceptionally large 4 pint sterling silver (925 purity) American cocktail jug, with integral strainer in the top. The base of the jug is stamped with the three marks that America’...
Sterling Silver
Set of 6 Gorham Newport Sterling Silver Mint Julep Cups
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 sterling silver mint julep cups. Made by Gorham in Providence. Each: Straight and tapering sides, reeded rim and foot. Marked “Newport / Sterling 1673”. Newport was a Gorham...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Gorham Lancaster Sterling Silver Ice Tongs
By Shreve & Co., Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Lancaster sterling silver ice tongs. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1900. U-form with beaded stem and floral terminal. One jaw ovoi...
Sterling Silver
Brass Gun Shell Cocktail Shaker & Server, circa 1920
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in London, GB
A magnificent brass, copper and silver plate cocktail set made circa 1920 by the renowned American silversmiths Gorham Manufacturing Company as...
Silver Plate, Brass, Copper
Sold
H 3.5 in Dm 1.625 in
Vintage Gorham Sterling Silver 339 Double Jigger Bar Cocktail Shot Measure 38g
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Dayton, OH
"Vintage Gorham number 339 sterling silver double sided jigger. Weight 37.6 g ""The Gorham Manufacturing Company is one of America’s largest manufacturers of silver-plate and ster...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 2.5 in Dm 2.25 in
Art Deco Gorham Sterling Silver 354 Stoplight Enamel Jigger Bar Measure Cup 54g
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Dayton, OH
"Vintage Gorham number 354 sterling silver “Stoplight Jigger,” featuring a ridged design measuring out 1, 2.5 and 3.5 ounces, decorated with old fashioned stoplights painted in the a...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair of Gorham Sterling Silver Mint Juleps with Midcentury Birds
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Modern sterling silver mint julep cups. Made by Gorham in Providence. Each: Straight and tapering, and reeded rim and foot. Cutout pair of semi-abstract birds applied to side...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Ice Tongs
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern sterling silver ice tongs. Made by Gorham in Providence. U-form with talon jaw and round bowl with concentric piercing. Fully marked. Weight: 2.4 troy ounces.
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 6.5 in W 3.75 in D 1.38 in
Antique American Big-Game Era Sterling Silver and Leather Safari Flask
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Big-game era flask. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1891. Clear-glass body. Top encased in leather and bottom has detachable sterling silver cup. Neck sterling silver as is hinged and cork-lined bayonet cover for convenient one-handed opening while holding tight to the hunting rifle...
Sterling Silver
Rare Antique Gorham Hindostanee Sterling Silver Ice Tongs
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Rare Hindostanee sterling silver ice tongs. Made by Gorham in Providence. U-form with gilt jaws, of which one claw-form and the other flower head. Terminals in the desirable pattern ...
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 ...
Sterling Silver