In its heyday, the Durgin Silver Company was one of the largest sterling silver flatware and hollowware manufacturers in the United States. Responsible for the trailblazing Fairfax pattern — one of the most popular patterns in the U.S. for a time during the early 20th century — Durgin Silver established a reputation for quality and durability.
The company was founded in 1853 in Concord, New Hampshire, by William Butler Durgin. Raised by farmers in Campton, New Hampshire, in 1833, Durgin grew up learning about agriculture from his parents. To their dismay, he decided life as a farmer wasn’t for him, and he shifted his focus to jewelry.
Durgin left Campton for Boston, where openings in the jewelry trade were scarce at the time. Undaunted, he became an apprentice to a silversmith named Newell Harding. In his second year as an apprentice, however, Durgin fell ill and returned to New Hampshire, settling in Concord. After he recovered, Durgin established his eponymous company.
Over the next 50 years, the Durgin Silver Company earned accolades for its role as one of the finest producers of sterling silverware in America. From its large brick factory in Concord, the firm manufactured exquisite tableware, serving pieces, tea sets and home decor such as candleholders. Its variety of elegant patterns, including Chatham, Chrysanthemum, English Rose, Louis XV, Victorian, Orange Blossom and the aforementioned Fairfax, were extraordinarily popular.
In 1878, Durgin’s son George Francis, who had learned silversmithing from his father, became a partner and the company enjoyed considerable success around the turn of the 20th century. Among their clients were the Packard Motor Company, the Davis Cup, the National Cash Register Company and the battleship U.S.S. New Hampshire, for which they made a 72-piece silver service and bell.
Durgin died in 1905 of cystitis and pneumonia, and tragically, George died soon afterward. That year, Durgin Silver became a division of another well-known American silver firm, the Gorham Silver Manufacturing Company. Today, Durgin Silver remains highly coveted among collectors of American silver.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique William B. Durgin silver.
William B. Durgin Sterling Silver Bon Bon Spoon Pattern DUS18, c1890
By William B. Durgin
Located in valatie, NY
William B. Durgin Sterling Silver Bon Bon Spoon Pattern DUS18, c1890. A beautiful pattern with reticulated bowl and shell motifs on bowl and handle. Also can be used to serve berries...
Sterling Silver
1892 Rose Pattern Sterling Silver Bon Bon Spoon by Stieff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Stieff Rose sterling silver bon bon spoon, 1892. Marked "Sterling Stieff." Scalloped bowl. 1.15 troy oz. 5.25
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Serving Spoon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver(serving)spoon. The bowl has a scalloped rim which is very unique— it’s usually smooth all the way around. The handle has a fancy design with a ha...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Hammered Sterling Silver Egg Spoon in Acorn Pattern
By Georg Jensen
Located in New York, NY
Georg Jensen sterling silver hand-hammered egg spoon in the celebrated Acorn pattern from the early 20th century. It measures 5'' in length and bears hallmarks as shown. Danish silv...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Mashed Potato Spoon in Acorn Pattern
By Georg Jensen
Located in New York, NY
Georg Jensen sterling silver mashed potato spoon in the celebrated Acorn pattern. It measures 9'' in length and bears hallmarks as shown. Danish silversmith Georg Jensen (1866-1935)...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Cast Gorham Sterling Silver Bon Bon Spoon No. 589 with Cherubs
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, antique bon bon spoon. By Gorham. In cast sterling silver. No. 589. With an ornate, reticulated handle and a gilt, pierced bowl with a scene including a bare-breasted wo...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Kirk & Sons Bon Bon Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sterling silver bon bon bowl is signed sterling & S. Kirk & Sons Inc. This is a heavy bowl and looks like a finger bowl or candy dish. Very well made...
Sterling Silver
$949
H 5.71 in W 4.34 in D 1.58 in
Antique Sterling Silver Bon Bon Dish, Birmingham 1906, Openwork Design
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Sterling Silver Bonbon Dish – Birmingham 1906, Embossed Oval Bowl A truly exquisite example of Edwardian craftsmanship, this antique sterling silver bon bon dish captures the elegance and refinement of early 20th-century British silversmithing. Fully hallmarked for Birmingham, 1906, this remarkable piece showcases a beautifully pierced openwork border and finely embossed pastoral scene, depicting figures in a romantic garden setting—an artistic narrative rarely found in such delicate tableware. The oval form is gracefully proportioned, enhanced by a scalloped rim and intricate cut-out detailing, allowing light to pass through and accentuate its dimensional beauty. Whether used as a luxury fruit bowl, candy dish, or decorative centrepiece, this piece brings timeless sophistication into any interior. Crafted from high-quality sterling silver (800 grade), the dish reflects both durability and refined artistry. Its excellent condition further enhances its desirability for collectors and connoisseurs of fine antique silver. Key Features Authentic antique sterling silver – Birmingham hallmarks, dated 1906 Elegant embossed relief scene with romantic figural decoration Intricate openwork & pierced border with scalloped edge Versatile use – bonbon dish, fruit bowl, or decorative object Edwardian era collectible silverware Excellent condition Measurements Length: 19.7 cm Height: 3.2 cm Weight: 146 grams Silver: 800 grade antique sterling silver bon bon dish, Birmingham 1906 silver bowl, Edwardian silver fruit basket, hallmarked sterling silver dish, antique silver candy dish...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Sauce Ladle Spoon in Hampton Pattern
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. sterling silver sauce ladle in the Hampton pattern, and in Art Deco style. It measures 7 1/2'' in length by 2 1/2'' in width by 7/8'' in height, weighs 3.2 troy ounces,...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Cut Glass and Sterling Silver Bon Bon Basket
By James Deakin & Sons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine antique George V English sterling silver and cut glass bon bon basket; an addition to our silverware collection This fine antique George V sterl...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Buttercup Pattern Sterling Silver Large Oyster Serving Spoon
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine large serving spoon. By Gorham. In the Buttercup pattern. We think that this a rare solid oyster spoon. With a shaped bowl and thick gauged handle. Fully hallmarked to t...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Serving Spoon
By Theobold Olson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver serving spoon made in Norway by the famous silversmith Theo Olsen. The handle has a magnificent hand-...
Sterling Silver
M M Henderson Ltd Antique Sterling Silver Bon Bon Dish
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Edward VIII English sterling silver bon bon dish; an addition to our dining silverware collection This fine antique Edward VIII sterling silver bon bon dish has an oval shaped form with a flared rim. Each convex lobed portion of the octofoil shaped body is embellished with a panel of pierced trellis diaper pattern accented with a trefid motif to the centre of each lozenge. The flared shaped rim of the dish is encompassed with an applied scrolling leaf decorated border. The convex well of this fine example of antique silverware is plain and unembellished. Condition This antique silver bon bon dish...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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H 0.25 in W 5.5 in D 1.375 in
10 Antique Assorted Sterling Silver Twisted Scalloped Serving Spoons 184g
By Bruckmann & Söhne, Whiting Manufacturing Company, Towle Silversmiths, William B. Kerr & Co., William B. Durgin
Located in Dayton, OH
Lot of 10 antique sterling and one 800 silver sugar / tea spoons in a variety of styles and designs including shell bowls, twisted handles, floral motifs and one enameled. Makers inc...
Sterling Silver
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H 4.75 in W 14.75 in D 12.16 in
William B. Durgin Co. 1900 Edwardian Neo Classic Center Bowl 925 Sterling Silver
By Durgin Silver Company, William B. Durgin
Located in Miami, FL
An impressive center bowl designed by William B. Durgin Co. Magnificent very rare piece, created in the United States by the silversmiths and silverware makers William B. Durgin Co, back in the turn of the 19th century, circa 1900. This fabulous center vase bowl was crafted with Edwardian neoclassical patterns in solid .925/.999 sterling silver with high polished finish. The vase stand in a rounded pedestal foot and suited with a pair of elaborated handles with multiples garlands and tassels. The upper border is adorned with four groups of organic motifs of flowers chiseled in low and high relief and a fine bright cut decoration along the rim. The design of this piece is extremely interesting as it brings together various artistic movements such as the Art Nouveau, the Edwardian, the Neoclassical with a hint of neo-Gothic details and the Greek Revival. Has a total weight of 972 Grams and a measurements of 389 mm by 375 mm by 120 mm (12.16 x 14.75 x 4.75 Inches). Stamped with the maker's mark cartouche with a D associated to William B. Durgin Co, the model number and signed, "D STERLING 930C". NutmegGraters.Com ~ American Sterling Nutmeg Grater By Durgin William B. Durgin Co. (1853 - 1924) was a noted American sterling silver manufacturer based in Concord, New Hampshire, and one of the largest flatware and hollowware manufacturers in the United States. Over the period between the 1905-1924 it was merged into the Gorham Manufacturing Company. The company was founded by the silversmith William Butler Durgin (July 29, 1833 - May 6, 1905). Durgin was born in Campton, New Hampshire, and from 1849-1853 apprenticed to Boston silversmith Newell Harding. In the 1840s Durgin moved back to Concord, where he opened a small shop making spoons opposite the Free Bridge Road. He incorporated as William B. Durgin Company in 1853, in 1854 added the manufacture of silverware, and in 1866 established a large brick factory on School Street. In 1905, after the death of both Durgin and his son, George F. Durgin, the company was acquired by Gorham through a long process that culminated with an official purchase in 1924. Production was moved to Providence, Rhode Island, in 1931. The company made the Davis Cup, the silver service for the battleship USS New Hampshire, and medals for St. Paul's School. Its Fairfax flatware...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Large Sterling Silver-Mounted Controlled Bubbles Crystal Inkwell by Durgin
By William B. Durgin
Located in New York, NY
Large, Edwardian-Period, sterling silver mounted controlled bubbles design crystal inkwell with hinged lid, William B. Durgin Co., Concord, New Hampshire, Ca. 1900. Measures 4 1/2 in...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
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H 0.88 in W 3 in D 3.88 in
Set of 12 Gorham Modern Sterling Silver Nautical Place Card Menu Holders
By William B. Durgin, Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Set of 12 Nautical sterling silver place card holders. Made by Durgin (part of Gorham) in Providence, ca 1950. Each: Open knotwork with back clip mounted to fluted scallop shell bowl...
Sterling Silver
Pretty Antique American Sterling Silver Scallop Shell Bowl
By William B. Durgin
Located in New York, NY
Pretty sterling silver scallop shell. Made by Durgin (later part of Gorham) in Concord, New Hampshire. Narrow with deep flutes, scalloped...
Sterling Silver