Few companies have left a legacy and craftsmanship in the silver flatware industry like Gorham has. From its beginnings in the early 19th century to its current place as one of the most respected brands in silver flatware, Gorham has always had an eye for artistry and innovation.
From the iconic Chantilly pattern to their pioneering use of steam-powered presses, Gorham’s contributions to the world of silverware endure to this day. Let’s explore 7 of the most important facts about Gorham silver flatware to fully appreciate their impact and legacy.
1. Gorham Was Founded in 1831
The history of Gorham silver flatware stretches back to the early 19th century. Gorham Manufacturing Company was founded by Jabez Gorham (1792-1869) in partnership with Henry L. Webster in Providence, Rhode Island. The company’s first products were coin-silver spoons.
2. Gorham Created the Famous Chantilly Pattern in 1895
Gorham was among the leading players of the golden age of American silver manufacturing between 1850 and 1940. The creation that best exemplifies their influence was the Chantilly pattern. Created by designer William Christmas Codman in 1895 and praised for its elegance, the Chantilly pattern remains one of Gorham’s main claims to fame.
3. Gorham Was One of the First to Use the Steam-Powered Press for Silver
John Gorham, who succeeded his father after he retired in the 1840s, traveled to England looking for ways to make the manufacturing process less manual. There, John Gorham met the inventor of the steam-powered draw press. This way, Gorham became the first silver manufacturer to have this machinery, helping them increase production across all products, including silver flatware.
4. Gorham Has Long Provided Silver Flatware for the White House
Gorham has a prestigious history of creating bespoke silver pieces for the White House, U.S. Presidents, and other high-profile clients. The White House still uses Gorham sterling flatware in the King Charles pattern.
They also created a silver service for the Vanderbilt family’s Biltmore Estate.
5. Everyone Loves Gorham’s Silver
Gorham silver flatware‘s craftsmanship and designs have been recognized and awarded multiple times over the years, especially after the release of the Chantilly pattern. For example, their creations have been celebrated at international expositions, including the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876 and the Paris Exposition of 1889.
6. Gorham Silver Flatware is Extremely Valuable to Collectors
Vintage Gorham silver pieces, especially those in discontinued patterns or from limited edition collections, are highly sought-after by collectors and can reach high prices. The silver content adds to the price, but most come from their craftsmanship, beauty, and long history of defining the silver flatware industry with intricate designs.
7. Gorham Has Various Current Lines
While Gorham will be forever associated with the Chantilly pattern, the company also offers various stainless silver flatware patterns. Some of our favorite ones are:
- Ribbon Edge Frosted Stainless Flatware. This pattern has a detailed ribbon design on the border, with heavyweight hollow-handled knives and a frosted finish. There’s also a version with a gold accent and a high-polish finish called the Golden Ribbon Edge.
- Valcourt Stainless Flatware. Inspired by the Chantilly pattern, Valcourt has a unique design with a heavyweight, shiny, high-polish finish and delicate floral elements.
- Studio Stainless Flatware. Introduced in 1993, this pattern has a sleek silhouette, a glossy high-polish shine, and the option for custom engravings to make them yours truly.
- Biscayne Stainless Flatware. Introduced in 2005, Biscayne is a modern, textured design with a lightly hammered design and a shiny finish that adds elegance to the dinner table.
Gorham Silver Flatware Has a Timeless Beauty
Gorham silver flatware has indeed left a mark in the industry, remaining one of the top-rated brands today. Gorham’s journey has been unique from its humble beginnings crafting coin-silver spoons to pioneering the steam-powered press in silverware and becoming the White House’s preferred silver flatware brand.
With all its accomplishments, it remains a symbol of sophistication and refinement that many continue to admire nearly 200 years later.