Sterling Plate
View Similar Items
Sterling Plate
About the Item
- Creator:Gorham Manufacturing Company (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)Diameter: 10 in (25.4 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1940
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2676312377013
Gorham Manufacturing Company
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.
- Sterling PlateBy Lapierre Silver Co.Located in Brooklyn, NYThis plate has a scalloped edge and four shell designs surrounded by branches. It has a nice heavy feel and a clean modern look.Category
Vintage 1920s American Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
$600 - Sterling PlateBy Baldwin & MillerLocated in Brooklyn, NYA sterling silver dish this size can be used anytime you have guests over. It’s a nice size for hors d’oeuvres or even desserts. It’s not too big or too small and very functional. A ...Category
Vintage 1940s American Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
$550 - Sterling Tiffany PlateBy Tiffany & Co.Located in Brooklyn, NYA midcentury plate with ribbing around the rim. It’s just a simple design that compliments the edge. The plate sits on a slight pedestal that raises it off the surface. In the centre...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Sterling BreadbasketBy Gorham Manufacturing CompanyLocated in Brooklyn, NYWe are happy to offer this sterling silver breadbasket dated 1927 by the Gorham Silver Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Gorham sterling is synonymous with the finest American sil...Category
Vintage 1920s American Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Sterling Dish, 1899By Gorham Manufacturing CompanyLocated in Brooklyn, NYWe are so proud to offer this antique sterling silver Gorham dish. Signed 1899, it is 120 years old. A flat oblong dish that flares up o...Category
Antique 1890s American Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
$2,100 - Sterling Midcentury DishBy Gorham Manufacturing CompanyLocated in Brooklyn, NYWe are offering this midcentury sterling silver dish by Gorham Silver Company of Providence, Rhode Island signed 1956. It is a square shape with scal...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Antique Gorham Edwardian Regency Sterling Silver Platter TrayBy Gorham Manufacturing Company, Shreve, Crump & LowLocated in New York, NYEdwardian Regency sterling silver platter tray. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1915. Oval well with paneled curvilinear shoulder and reeded r...Category
Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Large and Heavy Gorham Chippendale Sterling Silver Serving TrayBy Gorham Manufacturing CompanyLocated in New York, NYChippendale sterling silver serving tray. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1944. Round with flat curvilinear ogee rim. A large and heavy piece in this pattern. Fully marked including ...Category
Vintage 1940s American Georgian Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Large and Old-Fashioned Sterling Silver Tea Tray by CartierBy Cartier, Gorham Manufacturing CompanyLocated in New York, NYLarge and old-fashioned American sterling silver tea tray, 1954. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Oval well and scrolled sides and rim; end bracket handles. Fully marked including re...Category
Vintage 1950s American Georgian Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Martele by Gorham .9584 Sterling Silver Large Meat Tray Platter HollowwareBy Gorham Manufacturing CompanyLocated in Big Bend, WIMartele by Gorham Art Nouveau Martele by Gorham .9584 sterling silver meat tray/platter with beautiful floral motif, #P/FY. It was made in August of...Category
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Cartier Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Footed PlateBy CartierLocated in New York, NYMid-Century Modern sterling silver footed plate. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Round and gently curved with short and flared foot. Fully marked includ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- John Dygle 17th Century Sterling Silver PlateBy John DygleLocated in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon TyneAn exceptional, fine and impressive antique James II English sterling silver plate; an addition to our 17th century ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional James II ste...Category
Antique 1680s English Platters and Serveware
MaterialsSterling Silver