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.
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
Antique Gorham Victorian Water Pitcher with Floral Repousse, 1887
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1887. Ovoid bowl with drum-form neck; beaded mouth rim and c-scroll spout. Repousse buds and blooms, includin...
Sterling Silver
$6,160Sale Price|20% Off
Gorham Coin Silver Water Pitcher in Classic Medallion Pattern
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Medallion coin silver water pitcher. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. Globular bowl on raised and stepped foot; tall straight neck and helmet mouth. Straight and high-looping h...
Silver
Antique Gorham Victorian Classical Sterling Silver Water Pitcher, 1887
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Classical sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1887. Globular bowl with embossed twisted fluting and gadrooning. Drum-form neck with small lip spo...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Water Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oval shaped with delicate etching around the top and middle of the pitcher. Notice the elegant shape of the handle and the indentations throughout the body. This piece is sure to cat...
Sterling Silver
$14,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Antique Gorham American Classical Silver Ewers
By Starr & Marcus, Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of striking midcentury Classical coin silver ewers. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. Each: Ovoid bowl with helmet mouth and raised foot. On...
Silver
$742Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.82 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
Antique Silver Pitcher, Crystal CLARET JUG Decorative Crystal Flask Silver Itay
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Italian Crystal & Silver-Plated Claret Jug / Wine Decanter – Vecchia Romagna – 20th Century – Decorative Barware Elevate your interior with this elegant Antique Italian Crystal Claret Jug, beautifully crafted with a richly cut crystal body and ornate silver-plated (nickel silver) mounts. Produced for Vecchia Romagna, this distinguished decanter combines timeless Italian craftsmanship with refined decorative appeal, making it an exceptional addition to any traditional or contemporary home. The decanter features a striking faceted crystal body with intricate diamond-cut decoration, a star-cut base, and an elaborate silver-plated collar with a decorative mask-form pouring spout, domed hinged lid, and elegant scroll handle. Originally designed for serving claret, wine, or spirits, it also serves as a sophisticated decorative centrepiece for a dining room, drinks cabinet, or collector's display. Dating from the 20th century and inspired by late Victorian and Art Nouveau aesthetics, this beautifully preserved piece showcases the quality and elegance associated with classic Italian tableware. Perfect for collectors of antique crystal decanters...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Silver
Early 20th Century Sterling Silver Tableware Serveware Pitcher
By Bigelow Kennard & Co.
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Indulge in the timeless charm of this early 20th-century North American sterling silver serveware pitcher by Bigelow Kennard & Company, Bos...
Sterling Silver
$3,891Sale Price|20% Off
H 15.16 in Dm 4.14 in
Pair Of Antique Ornamental Ewers, Italian, Bronze, Grand Tour, Victorian, C.1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique ornamental ewers. An Italian, bronze Grand Tour decorative pourer with classical taste, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Striking classic...
Bronze
Sterling Water Pitcher
By Reed & Barton
Located in Brooklyn, NY
There isn’t much in the way of decoration but the shape and style of this water pitcher is fabulous. Notice the curved body juxtaposed against the straight handle. There’s a ribbing pattern along the neck that’s complimented in the lines and curl in the handle. The spout is narrow, which is helpful when pouring. There is an Old English letter L monogram...
Sterling Silver
$12,246
H 12.01 in W 8.08 in D 7.09 in
Racing Interest - Victorian Sterling Silver Water Jug - Jubilee Ladies Cup 1887
By James Barclay Hennell
Located in London, London
Created in London in 1884 by James Barclay Hennell, this wonderfully decadent jug was given as the first prize at the Jubilee Ladies Cup race of 1887 at...
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Topazio Silver Plate and Cut Glass Pitcher Caraffe Claret
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique silver plate Art Nouveau Topazio silver plate and cut lead glass pitcher / caraffe / claret. Holds 28 fl ounces. Very good condition. Dim...
Glass
Silver Water Pitcher with Japanese Flower Etching
By Orf Silver
Located in Asheville, NC
This elegant example of Aesthetic Movement silver was manufactured by ORF Silver Company. This decorative motif clearly displays the influence of Japanese art on Victorian design. Th...
Pair of Victorian English Silver Ewers
Located in New York, NY
Marked: London, 1859, Maker: John S. Hunt.
Silver
$150
H 9 in W 8.75 in D 6 in
Vintage Poole Victorian Silver Plated Bulbous Footed Water Pitcher w/ Ice Lip
By Poole Silver Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Poole Victorian Silver Plated Bulbous Footed Water Pitcher w/ Ice Lip. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 9" H x 8.75" W x 6" D.
Silver Plate
Antique Art Nouveau German WMF Green Glass Pewter Claret Pitcher Jug 16"
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Germany WMF Art Nouveau green glass and silver-plated/pewter claret jug / pitcher / wine carafe. Circa 1900–1906. Cast with flowing whiplas...
Silver Plate
$3,250
H 8 in W 6.5 in D 3.5 in
Vintage Signed Sterling Silver Modernist Sculptural Pitcher, Mexico, 1979
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage substantial and signed sterling silver hallmarked modernist pitcher is fantastic. It has been professionally polished and looks like a piece of jewelry. It is so modern ...
Sterling Silver
An unusual modernist water pitcher in pewter
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A very nicely executed pewter pitcher in the modernist style. Hand bent, faceted planes ending in a solid rosewood top stopper.
Pewter
$2,660
H 12.49 in W 7.41 in D 6.7 in
WMF Art Nouveau Claret Jug Decanter with Mermaid Handle, Germany, c. 1901
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
A beautiful quality art nouveau decanter made by WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) in Germany in c. 1901. The silver plated mount features a mermaid as a handle, outstretche...
Silver Plate
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Pitcher, Water Jug
By Brandimarte
Located in VALENZA, IT
Pitcher in 800 silver handmade in Italy. The jug was made from a silver plate, shaped and welded. The imposing base of the jug, round in shape, is hammered and proportioned to give...
Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Hot Water Jug by Henry Wilkinson, 1857
By Henry Wilkinson & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver wine or water jug, an addition to our antique silverware collection. This impressive Victorian sterling silver hot water...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Gorham Sterling Mounted ABP Cut Glass Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Norwood, NJ
American Brilliant Cut Glass Pitcher, late 19th c., possibly C. Dorflinger and Sons, hobstar, diamond and fan pattern with Gorham ...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Sold
H 9.25 in Dm 10 in
Superb Renaissance Style Large Antique Gorham Sterling Silver Pitcher, Circa 1880
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent ewer with exquisite repousse silver work depicting generous campagna vases overflowing with flowers, set on scrolled foliate bases. The rim decoration featuring a lined ribbon motif adorned with wreaths. Front design with a large oval laurel leaf border medallion topped with a depiction of a beautiful maiden flanked by wide foliate forms and Belle Epoque scrolls. Very good condition commensurate with age, a few tiny unobtrusive surface dings- please see detail photographs. Museum quality work of art, a spectacular vessel for all forms of libations. Makes an outstanding centerpiece, wedding / anniversary gift. 32.8 troy ounces. Marks: Sterling, Gorham Manufacturing Co. late 19th century hallmarks, letter M for the year 1880. Measures: diameter: 10 inches handle to spout, 6.5 inches body. height: 9.25 iinches. The Gorham Manufacturing Co. along with Tiffany & Co. are considered the two most influential American silver makers of the 19th century. Gorham pieces were the choice of a number of United States presidents: Ulysses S. Grant comissioned the spectacular Century Vase, Mary Todd...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Water Pitcher, 1915
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This magnificent & regal sterling silver water pitcher made by Gorham Silversmiths, is hallmarked 1915. The floral motif, the swirls and ...
Sterling Silver
Large Gorham Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Water Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Classical sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1904. Fluted baluster with helmet mouth and leaf-mounted and leaf and flower-capped s-scroll handle...
Sterling Silver
Gorham American Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Water Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1910. Ovoid with bellied bowl, helmet mouth, and flower capped and fern-wrapped high-looping handle. Shaped...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 8.5 in W 6.25 in D 8.5 in
Antique 1940s Gorham Sterling Silver 5 Pint Water Pitcher A11710 .925 80oz
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 1940’s Gorham sterling silver water pitcher. Baluster body, helmet mouth with molded rim, and capped double-scroll handle. Molded bands encircle body. Model number A11710, ca...
Sterling Silver
Sterling 1908 Water Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sterling silver water pitcher is signed 1908; that’s one hundred and twelve years ago. We had it restored to its original beauty— dents and scratches removed and polished to per...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Water Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are pleased to offer this sterling silver water pitcher from 1912 (signed) by the Gorham Silver Co., of Providence Rhode Island. At 108 years old thi...
Sterling Silver
Mid Century Silver Plate Martini Pitcher Donald Colflesh for Gorham
By Donald Colflesh, Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Classic midcentury martini pitcher designed by Donald Colflesh for Gorham, circa 1950s. Dramatic, elegant and exaggerated organic handle, on a sleek cy...
Silver Plate
Sterling Water Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Every dining table would look so much more beautiful if it had a sterling silver water pitcher gracing it, fact! This silver water pitcher by the Gorham ...
Sterling Silver
Sterling 1898 Water Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sterling water pitcher is dated 1898. Picture it, William McKinley was President and there were only 48 states in the Union. This one hundred and...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Water Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A tailored, clean look on this sterling silver water pitcher from 1929. Straight lines and a tapered body give it a handsome, sophisticated look. The Gorham Company was based out of Providence, RI. It went on to become an influential player within the burgeoning 19th century American silver industry and counted Mary Todd Lincoln...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Puritan Water Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A rich and vibrant etched design can be found on both sides of this water pitcher. Flowers, sprigs and elaborate swirls around the cartouche. The handle has a rounded shape that comp...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Water Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This silver pitcher has a terrific shape; a hexagon body to match the base. On the front and back there is a cartouche and etched baskets of flowers and a medallion. The handle and b...
Sterling Silver
Spectacular Gorham Water Pitcher
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Every so often you come across an item that makes you say, wow. Here’s that piece... a true work-of-art. This pitcher has a square base that has etching on each corner. That same web...
Sterling Silver