Skip to main content

Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

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.

9
to
7
1
9
9
9
2
2
7
5
2
2
1
1
9
9
8
6
6
1
1
1
362
60
48
47
45
Creator: Gorham Manufacturing Company
Antique William Roger Quadruple Plate Sugar Bowl & Gorham Sterling Silver Spoons
By William Rogers, Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique turn of the century 13 piece sugar bowl and hanging spoon set, featuring a trophy urn style bowl with etched palm leaves on the body, brackets to support twelve sugar spoons, squirrels in the pierced handles and a sparrow shaped finial. Set includes 11 Gorham sterling silver demitasse spoons in the New Queens pattern (introduced 1895); sold by J.E. Caldwell & Co. Bowl and lid by William Rogers (cross and keystone mark, circa 1900-1910), design number 57. "Gorham Silver was founded in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, a master craftsman, in partnership with Henry L. Webster. The firm's chief product was spoons of coin silver, but also made thimbles, combs, jewelry, and other small items. In 1865, the Rhode Island legislature granted a charter in the name of Gorham Manufacturing Company. During the heyday of American silver manufacturing, approximately 1850–1940, Gorham was highly influential. The company has produced matching hollowware in both sterling and silverplate, as well as running a foundry for bronze sculpture. The White House has used Gorham silver services during many administrations including those of Lincoln, Grant, and George W. Bush. Gorham artisans also sculpted several famous statues housed in the Capitol's Rotunda, overlooking the Museum of Natural History in New York, and topping the Rhode Island State House. Gorham has also designed a number of elaborate trophies for sporting events, including the Borg-Warner Trophy for the Indianapolis 500, designed by Robert J. Hill. The company has changed hands multiple times beginning with Textron (1967), to Dansk International Designs (1989), to Brown-Forman Corporation (1991), to the Lenox Group (2005), to Clarion Capital Partners (2009), now operating under the name Lenox Corporation." "William Hazen Rogers (born May 13, 1801) was an American master silversmith and a pioneer in the silver-plate industry and whose work and name have survived to the present day. Rogers partnered with other silversmiths at times, and his company and trademarks were eventually taken over by larger companies. Rogers was born on a farm on May 13, 1801, to Sarah Reynolds (1777-?) and Asa Rogers (1798-1824). After he left home, he went on to become a silversmith, watchmaker and jeweler. From 1820 to 1825, Rogers was an apprentice to Joseph Church, a silversmith and watchmaker in Hartford. In 1825, Rogers became partners with Church and their company, Church & Rogers, initially manufactured silver-plate flatware and hollowware. He was also partner, from 1832 to 1838, with Asa Harris Rogers, his younger brother, as "A Rogers Jr. & Co." while still associated with Church & Rogers. Rogers – together with his two brothers and, later, his son – was responsible for more than 100 patterns of silver and silver-plated cutlery and serving dishes. Many of Roger's designs were influenced by Louis XIV-style patterns of the 17th and 18th century in France, and he was best known for his Elberon pattern and "Presidential" cutlery series. The companies in which one or more of the original...
Category

Early 20th Century Late Victorian Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver

Gorham Narragansett Salt Spoon
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Riverdale, NY
Gorham Narragansett Salt Spoon from the late 19th Century in the Aesthetic taste. Applied Crab motif with barnacle decorated spoon. Marked Sterling...
Category

1880s American Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Salad Set
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“Willow” sterling silver salad set by Gorham Silversmiths, circa 1954. Sleek and chic in that quintessential Mid-Century style! On each handle a wheat...
Category

1950s American Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Dauphin Sterling Silver Mustard Ladle
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are offering a sterling silver mustard ladle in the Dauphin pattern by William B. Durgin (Gorham Silversmiths). Dauphin is one of the most s...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Edwardian Reticulated Gorham Sterling Silver Bread Cake Bridal Basket
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Gorham sterling silver 925 Edwardian style serving basket numbered 2225A with ruffled, reticulated / pierced edge, etched floral designs and monogram CLF on the handle.  
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Lorraine Server
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver server in the Lorraine pattern by Gorham Silversmiths. The handle is scalloped and has flowers around the to...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Pie / Cake Server
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Offering a sterling silver pie server by Gorham Silversmiths. It has a gadroon design along both sides of the handle. It’s not only beautiful but very practical. Makes a great hostes...
Category

1940s American Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gorham Sterling Silver American Figural Tea Urn
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Gorham sterling silver figural tea urn. It's Atlas (or Hercules) holding the world. 64 Ounces made in America Hallmark 1873. Lid is 5 inches round. 10 inches to the spig...
Category

19th Century American Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

English Silver Toast Rack by Gorham Manufacturing Co., Birmingham, 1919
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Delft, NL
English silver toast rack by Gorham Manufacturing Co., Birmingham 1919 A Silver toast rack for 6 slices of toast Made by Gorham Manufacturing Co. in Birmingham (1904-1938) Silve...
Category

Early 20th Century English Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

Related Items
Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Bread Dish
By William Wheatcroft Harrison & Co. 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver bread dish; an addition to our dining silverware collection. This fine antique sterling sil...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Sugar Caster
By Harrison Brothers & George Howson 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver sugar caster, an addition to our silver teaware collection. This fine antique Edwardian sterling silver sugar caster has a baluster form onto a circular domed spreading foot. The upper and lower portions of this piece are embellished with embossed and chased bead and scroll decoration accenting concave bordered, fluted decoration all in a spiral design. The sugar caster retains the original hallmarked screw fit cover, embellished with pierced decoration incorporating chased and embossed bead and scroll decoration, the screw fit attachment indicates the fine quality of this piece. The cover is further ornamented with a gadroon decorated border to the rim and is surmounted by a fine and impressive scroll decorated shaped baluster style finial. The foot of this piece is embellished with embossed and chased stylized fluted decoration in a spiral design. Condition This antique sugar caster...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

'Apostle' Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Tea Spoons & Tongs, London 1905
By William Hutton & Sons
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1905 by William Hutton & Sons, this charming set of 12 Antique Sterling Silver Tea Spoons & Matching Tongs, ...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Provence by Tiffany & Co. Sterling Pie Server HH with Stainless Custom
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Big Bend, WI
Sterling silver hollow handle with stainless implement pie server custom made 10 5/8" in the pattern Provence by Tiffany & Co. It is not monogrammed and is in excellent condition. ...
Category

20th Century Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Sterling Silver Egg Cruet Set for Three Persons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique George IV English sterling silver egg cruet set for three persons; part of our dining silverware collection. This exceptional antique George IV sterling silver egg cruet set consists of three egg cups and three associated spoons, displayed on a functional original purpose-made stand. The original hallmarked egg cups have a bell shaped form onto a circular spreading pedestal foot. These silver egg cups are embellished with cast and applied floral and foliate decorated borders to the upper portions, in addition to a band of leaf decoration to the each foot. The three associated hallmarked English sterling silver spoons have a plain tapering form with leaf ornamentation to the terminals. This silver cruet set is supported and displayed on the original and impressive cast sterling silver circular rounded stand, ornamented with foliate decoration. The surface of the stand bears three circular receivers enabling the egg cups to stand securely in situ; these supports alternate with integrated receivers for the three egg spoons. The receivers surmount an exceptional pedestal constructed of three putto figures stood with their arms elevated, bracing scrolling supports to the plain circular boss. The original antique stand features a central carrying handle modelled in the form of a foliate wreath. Each antique egg cup and egg spoon retains the original gilt interior. The initials displayed within the maker's marks, in addition to the standardization of the surround could pertain to a multitude of antique silversmiths; these silversmiths include William Eaton, Ellerby, Esterbrook and Eley II. In art and culture, a putto (plural: putti) is a chubby male child, usually nude and occasionally bearing wings. Condition These antique sterling silver egg cruet...
Category

1820s British George IV Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Dutch Silver Bread Basket, Aubert & Zn
Located in Delft, NL
Dutch silver bread basket, Aubert & Zn An oval Dutch silver bread basket with openwork decor.  The silversmith is Aubert & Zn. D.J. Aubert, Den...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

Dutch Silver Bread Basket, Aubert & Zn
Dutch Silver Bread Basket, Aubert & Zn
H 3.35 in W 12.33 in D 7.88 in
Antique Sterling Silver Fruit Serving Set
By Various Makers
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique Victorian English sterling silver fruit / dessert serving set; an addition to our silver flatware collection This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver fruit serving...
Category

19th Century English Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage Set of 12 Sterling Silver Goblets
By Bishton's Ltd
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage Elizabeth II English sterling silver goblets; an addition to our range of wine and drink related silverware. These exceptional vintage sterling silver goblets have a flared bell shaped form supported by a plain paneled pedestal to a circular domed spreading foot. The surface of each solid silver goblet...
Category

1660s British Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Floral Repousse Berry Spoon
By Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co.
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rare sterling silver ornate floral repousse serving or berry spoon by Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co. Founded in 1866 in Wallingford, Connecticut. They were fa...
Category

Early 20th Century American Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Floral Repousse Berry Spoon
Sterling Silver Floral Repousse Berry Spoon
H 1.25 in W 2.12 in D 7.12 in
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Fruit Serving Set
By Elkington & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver fruit serving set, boxed, an addition to our dining silverware collection. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver fruit serving set consists of a pair of fruit serving / berry spoons and a pair of grape shears. Each piece has exceptional scrolling leaf decorated handles, accented with paralleling incurved borders, in addition to bright cut engraved geometric detailing. The posterior surface of each piece is plain and unembellished. The serving/berry spoons have elongated, rounded bowls embellished with exceptional chased floral and scrilling leaf ornamentation amidst bead borders; the outer rim of each spoon has a crimped finish. The interior of each silver spoon bowl retains the original gilding. The fine pair of antique Victorian sterling silver grape shears has a hinged scissor action. The handles of the grape scissors reflect the identical ornamentation of that to the spoons, in addition to bright cut engraved rounded fingerpieces. The circular hinged portion is embellished with a floral rosette design. The hallmarked, rounded blades of these fine grape shears are plain and unembellished. This antique sterling silver scissor...
Category

1890s British Victorian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gorham 'Narragansett' Gold Washed Sterling Shell Dish & Figural Crab Spoon
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gorham 'Narragansett' Gold Washed Sterling Shell Dish & Figural Crab Spoon USA, circa 1890s A rare find, two piece set in one of scarcest patter...
Category

Late 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Atkin Brothers Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Asparagus Tongs
By Atkin Brothers
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique Edwardian English sterling silver asparagus tongs; an addition to our silver flatware collection. These exceptional antique Edwardian sterling silver asparagus server tongs have a rectangular rounded shaped form. The surface of the blades are embellished with a impressive bright cut engraved simplified scrolling leaf decoration with a suspended leaf festoon accented with a central floral motif. The plain tapering handle is embellished with an applied reed bordered stylised bud motif, reflecting a classic King's shape design. The interior of the blades, stems and bridge are plain and unembellished. The pinching action of these sterling silver asparagus tongs is guided by a plain hallmarked cylindrical support to the lower portion of the blades; this hallmarked silver dowl indicates the high quality of the piece. Condition These antique asparagus server...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Previously Available Items
Sterling “Versailles” Salad Set
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are thrilled to offer you this sterling silver salad set by Gorham Silversmiths of Providence, Rhode Island. Manufactured in 1888, “Versailles” quickly we...
Category

1880s American Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling “Versailles” Salad Set
Sterling “Versailles” Salad Set
H 9 in W 2.5 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Old French Gorham Sterling Silver Coffee Tea Creamer Sugar Bowl 909/910
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage "Old French" Gorham sterling silver .925 coffee /tea creamer and sugar bowl featuring ornate baroque design handles. 909 and 910. Measures: 5.25” x 3.5” x 3.875” / Combine...
Category

Late 20th Century Baroque Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Gravy Ladle
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver gravy ladle in the “Sovereign” pattern by Gorham Silver. It has a great Art Deco look to it with the acorn tip. It goes ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Gravy Ladle
Sterling Gravy Ladle
H 7 in W 2.5 in D 1.5 in
Sterling Serving Spoon
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Buttercup by Gorham Silver Co., a lovely pattern that has been delighting customers for over one hundred years. This sterling silver serving spoon is not...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Serving Spoon
Sterling Serving Spoon
H 8.5 in Dm 2.5 in
Sterling Serving Spoon
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
If you enjoy entertaining in style, you will love this super-large sterling silver pierced serving spoon. It has an extra long handle and delicate openwo...
Category

1930s American Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Serving Spoon
Sterling Serving Spoon
H 11.5 in Dm 3.5 in
Sterling Serving Spoon, 1929
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The pattern for this sterling serving spoon is Cellini. It was manufactured by the Gorham Corporation in 1929. It has a straight handle which ta...
Category

1920s American Vintage Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gorham Art Silver Aesthetic Bamboo Sterling Silver Salad Serving Set 2pc in Box
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Superb Gorham art silver, circa 1860-1883 aesthetic sterling silver salad serving set two-piece, #330, gold washed, with sterling bamboo-like handle and shell-like bowls, stippled. M...
Category

Mid-19th Century Aesthetic Movement Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Salad Set
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This lovely salad set is one hundred and thirty-three years old. It has a Art Deco look with the square tip and shell design. Either used together or separat...
Category

1880s American Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Salad Set
Sterling Salad Set
H 10.5 in Dm 2.5 in
Gorham Silver Punch Bowl and under Plate
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New Orleans, LA
Detailed in an intricate repoussé and chased floral, scroll and shell motif is this exqusite silver punch bowl and under plate by the highly respecte...
Category

20th Century American Other Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

Etruscan by Gorham Sterling Silver Cheese Server Serving Set 2 Pc HHWS Custom
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Etruscan by Gorham Sterling Silver custom-made hollow handle with stainless implements two-piece cheese server serving set which includes: One-cheese...
Category

Early 20th Century Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel

Buttercup by Gorham Sterling Silver Wedding Cake Set Server 2pc Custom-Made HHWS
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Buttercup by Gorham sterling silver custom-made hollow handle with stainless two-piece wedding cake set which includes: Wedding cake knife approximately 11" Cake server approxima...
Category

20th Century Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel

Strasbourg by Gorham Sterling Silver Avocado Knife, Custom-Made
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Sterling Silver Avocado knife 5 5/8” in the pattern Strasbourg by Gorham. This all-sterling avocado knife features a gently curved sterling bla...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Gorham Manufacturing Company Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gorham Manufacturing Company serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs.

Gorham Manufacturing Company serving pieces are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of silver and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Gorham Manufacturing Company serving pieces, although silver editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original serving pieces by Gorham Manufacturing Company were created in the Victorian style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider serving pieces by Gorham, and Reed and Barton. Prices for Gorham Manufacturing Company serving pieces can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $58 and can go as high as $14,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $450.

Creators Similar to Gorham Manufacturing Company

Recently Viewed

View All