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.
Antique Durgin Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Fork & Spoon Salad Servers
By William B. Durgin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of sterling silver salad servers. By Durgin (and also bearing marks for Black, Starr & Frost). In sterling silver. With a gold wash to both the spoon bowl and fork ti...
Sterling Silver
Allan Adler Salad Servers
By Allan Adler
Located in Darnestown, MD
Modernist set of salad servers by Allan Adler in sterling and ebony. Streamlined and elegant. Spoon is 13" in length; fork is 12 7/8". Very good condition.
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Fish Server w/Mono 11 1/8" #15320
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver fish knife or server by Tiffany & Co in the Chrysanthemum pattern with monogram. Monogram appears to be B The Chrysanthemum pattern, designed by Charles T. Grosjean...
Sterling Silver
$325
W 1.5 in L 6.88 in
Tiffany & Co Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Shell Bowl Spoon 6 7/8" w/Mono 22622
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver spoon with shell bowl in the Chrysanthemum pattern by Tiffany & Co with monogram. Monogram appears to be SB The Chrysanthemum pattern, designed by Charles T. Grosje...
Sterling Silver
$547Sale Price|25% Off
W 0.85 in L 3.75 in
Vintage Cartier Sterling Silver Child’s Fork Signed .925 Silver
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A rare and charming collectible, this Cartier child’s fork is crafted in fine .925 sterling silver, weighing approximately half an ounce and measuring 3.75 inches in length. Elegantly signed on the reverse, it reflects the heritage of Cartier’s master silversmithing, made in the USA with exceptional craftsmanship. Sterling silver baby gifts...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$320Sale Price / set|20% Off
L 4.5 in
Marina J. One of A Kind Antique Sterling Silver and Baroque Pearl Spoons
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ultimate One of A Kind Antique Spoon set from Marina J. This set of six spoons features Vintage Sterling Silver and are all stamped on the bottom. Me...
Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Floral Fork with VS Diamonds
Located in BADALONA, ES
Decorative fork crafted in sterling silver, featuring a sculptural floral motif set with nine natural VS diamonds. The handle is shaped with flowing organic lines, balancing function...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Acorn Sterling Silver Coffee Spoon & Hors D'Oeuvres Fork #18329
By Georg Jensen
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Georg Jensen Denmark sterling silver coffee spoon and hors d'oeuvres fork in the Acorn pattern. No monogram. The Acorn pattern was introduced in 1915 as a collaboration be...
Sterling Silver
Potter & Mellen Sterling Silver Cocktail Fork #18331
By Mellen
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Potter & Mellen sterling silver cocktail fork. No monogram. The design of this long fork made by Cleveland based Potter & Mellen is inspired by Georg Jensen's Continental pattern....
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Table Spoon with Diamond Accents
Located in BADALONA, ES
Handcrafted table spoon in sterling silver. The form is defined by a sculptural floral handle, integrated into the structure of the object rather than applied as decoration. The silv...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Set of 3 Tiffany & Co Shell & Thread Sterling Serving Spoons & Fork mono #15284
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 3 Tiffany & Co sterling silver serving spoons and fork in the Shell & Thread pattern by Tiffany & Co with monogram. Monogram appe...
Sterling Silver
Sculptural Sterling Silver Oyster Fork with Diamonds
Located in BADALONA, ES
This one-of-a-kind oyster fork is handcrafted in solid sterling silver, featuring a fluid, sculptural silhouette inspired by ocean waves and organic motion. The twisted handle flows ...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Hans Hansen Denmark Sterling Silver Salad Fork & Spoon Serving Set #23227
By Hans Hansen
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Hans Hansen Denmark Sterling Silver Salad Fork & Spoon Serving Set Hans Hansen was a prominent Danish designer of the mid-20th century. This serving set includes a fork and a spoon ...
Sterling Silver
Antique American Sterling Silver Jewelry Box, Circa 1890
By William B. Durgin
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful rectangular shaped Sterling Silver hinged Jewelry Box decorated with a lovely design of figural oval plaques connected by bow and floral swags. This design covers the top...
Sterling Silver