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Gorham Silverware

Gorham Silverware is regarded as some of the finest in the world, used in the White House by many administrations dating back to Abraham Lincoln. The master craftsman, Jabez Gorham, founded the company in Providence, Rhode Island in 1831. But it was not until he retired in 1847, handing off the reins to his son, John Gorham, that Gorham Silverware began its evolution into the powerhouse manufacturer that it is known today.

John Gorham, a man of considerable foresight, enlarged the premises of his factory and overhauled production, introducing improved designs, an expanded product line, and mechanized fabrication strategies. He also employed William J. Codman, a veteran British designer who trained his American staff in the silversmith methods of the Old World.

Codman was instrumental in developing the Martelé line, which used a grade of silver that was even softer than sterling (.950 compared to the .925 of sterling). This allowed artisans to hammer out elaborate Art Nouveau designs that were previously impossible. Gorham flatware including the King Edward and Chantilly lines remain among the most popular flatware patterns in the world.


Quick Facts

  • In 1875, Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant commissioned Gorham Silver to produce the Century Vase commemorating the United States' one hundredth anniversary. The spectacular vase used more than 2,000 ounces of sterling silver
  • The Martelé line beat Tiffany in the silver furniture category of the 1900 World Fair
  • A Gorham silver presentation pitcher sold at Cowan auctions in 2014 for $9,000

Recommended Items at Auction

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11 Piece Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware
Jan 04, 11:00 AM EST
11 Piece Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $200- $300
$253 Bids
Collection of Gorham and Other Sterling Silver Flat Articles 11.3 ozt
Dec 05, 10:00 AM EST
Collection of Gorham and Other Sterling Silver Flat Articles 11.3 ozt
by Weschler's
Est: $200- $300
$1253 Bids
GROUP OF AMERICAN SILVER TEASPOONS; TOGETHER WITH SIX OTHER SILVER TEASPOONS
Dec 08, 12:00 PM EST
GROUP OF AMERICAN SILVER TEASPOONS; TOGETHER WITH SIX OTHER SILVER TEASPOONS
by Potomack Company
Est: $200- $400
$1252 Bids
GORHAM 'CHANTILLY' SILVER FLATWARE PIECES
Dec 08, 12:00 PM EST
GORHAM 'CHANTILLY' SILVER FLATWARE PIECES
by Potomack Company
Est: $300- $500
$1752 Bids
Group of 5 Sterling Silver Serving Pieces
Jan 04, 11:00 AM EST
Group of 5 Sterling Silver Serving Pieces
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $100- $200
$102 Bids
Gorham Sterling Silver Rondo Flatware Set, 72 Pcs.
Dec 07, 10:00 AM EST
Gorham Sterling Silver Rondo Flatware Set, 72 Pcs.
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $1,000
$92 Bids
Extensive Gorham sterling flatware, Strasbourg
Dec 06, 11:00 AM EST
Extensive Gorham sterling flatware, Strasbourg
by South Bay Auctions Inc
Est: $2,500- $3,500
$1,0001 Bid
6 Whiting Mfg. Co. Sterling Spoons
Dec 07, 10:00 AM EST
6 Whiting Mfg. Co. Sterling Spoons
by Cordier Auctions & Appraisals
Est: $50- $60
$251 Bid
63 Pcs Gorham 'Lyric' Sterling Silver Flatware
Dec 07, 10:00 AM EST
63 Pcs Gorham 'Lyric' Sterling Silver Flatware
by Cordier Auctions & Appraisals
Est: $600- $800
$3001 Bid
STERLING SILVER WEIGHTED SERVING KNIVES & UTENSILS
Dec 09, 1:00 PM EST
STERLING SILVER WEIGHTED SERVING KNIVES & UTENSILS
by Omnia Auctions
Est: $30- $70
$201 Bid
6 Whiting Mfg. Co. Sterling Spoons
Dec 07, 10:00 AM EST
6 Whiting Mfg. Co. Sterling Spoons
by Cordier Auctions & Appraisals
Est: $50- $60
$251 Bid
Gorham sterling silver flatware service
Dec 06, 9:00 AM EST
Gorham sterling silver flatware service
by Pook & Pook Inc.
Est: $1,300- $1,500
$6501 Bid
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62pc Gorham Silverplate Flatware Set, Cavalier
Dec 13, 2:00 PM EST
62pc Gorham Silverplate Flatware Set, Cavalier
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $10- $200
$101 Bid
Gorham Sterling Flatware Set for 12
Dec 06, 10:00 AM EST
Gorham Sterling Flatware Set for 12
by Caza Sikes
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$1,0001 Bid
STERLING SILVER GORHAM OLD FRENCH BABY SPOON & FORK
Dec 09, 1:00 PM EST
STERLING SILVER GORHAM OLD FRENCH BABY SPOON & FORK
by Omnia Auctions
Est: $60- $80
$401 Bid
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6pc Gorham Sterling Silver Dinner Forks, Chantilly
Dec 13, 2:00 PM EST
6pc Gorham Sterling Silver Dinner Forks, Chantilly
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $200- $800
$201 Bid
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60pc Gorham Sterling Silver King Edward Flatware Set
Dec 13, 2:00 PM EST
60pc Gorham Sterling Silver King Edward Flatware Set
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$2001 Bid
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6 Pc. Gorham "Versailles" Sterling Carving Set & Spoon
Dec 06, 6:30 PM EST
6 Pc. Gorham "Versailles" Sterling Carving Set & Spoon
by Market Auctions Inc.
Est: $200- $300
$1000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Gorham Silverware


Lion and Unicorn

Lion and Unicorn

A.B.Levy’s Palm Beach

A.B.Levy’s Palm Beach

Weschler's

Weschler's

Gulfcoast Coin and Jewelry

Gulfcoast Coin and Jewelry