For nearly 160 years, the Gorham Manufacturing Company turned out a wide range of beautiful silver flatware, tea sets, serving bowls and other silver pieces, indelibly influencing the field of decorative arts in ways that still resonate.
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 Silver Candlesticks
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These sterling silver candlesticks by Gorham Silversmiths are a refined exercise in classical restraint—clean, architectural, and impeccably balanced, proving that Gorham didn’t need...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By Goodnow & Jenks
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A refined pair of sterling silver candlesticks by the esteemed American silversmiths Goodnow & Jenks, each standing 9 inches tall and exemplifying early 20th century elegance....
Sterling Silver
Wm. Durgin Candlesticks
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A very handsome pair of candlesticks that are sure to delight the buyer. They have a square base with a four leaf clover holding them up. There are leaves on each corner of the base,...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By Reed & Barton
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a pair of sterling silver candlesticks by Reed and Barton. They have a faceted shape, unlike the usual round ones. Beautiful etched work is found around the base a...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By Frank Smith Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant pair of sterling silver candlesticks exemplifies timeless classical design, executed with precision and restraint. Each candlestick is raised on a stepped hexagonal base, providing both visual weight and excellent stability. The crisp geometry of the base transitions seamlessly into a faceted, tapering column, subtly interrupted by a molded knuckle joint that adds architectural interest without excess ornamentation. The upper section terminates in a shaped candle cup with a gently flared rim, designed to catch wax drips while maintaining clean, refined lines. The overall silhouette is balanced and harmonious—neither overly ornate nor stark—making these candlesticks exceptionally versatile for both traditional and modern interiors. Crafted in solid sterling silver, the surfaces display a high polish that accentuates the sharp edges and planar facets, reflecting light beautifully from every angle. The underside is clearly stamped “STERLING”, along with a corresponding production or pattern number, confirming silver content and period manufacture. These candlesticks are ideal for formal dining tables, mantels, or sideboards, and they pair effortlessly with both antique silver services...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By Redlich & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a pair of sterling silver candlesticks by Redlich & Company. Manufactured during WWII, they have an austere and simple shape and design. This was the period th...
Sterling Silver
Pair of American Edwardian Sterling Silver Candlesticks by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Edwardian sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1905. Each: Ovoid, tapering, and fluted shaft with interlaced script monogram; stepped oval foot. Urn ...
Sterling Silver
Antique George VI Sterling Silver Candlesticks (1937)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive, pair of antique George VI English sterling silver candlesticks; part of our ornamental silverware collection. These impressive antique 1930s English sterling silver candlesticks have a plain subtly tapering columnar form. The impressive Corinthian capital of each retains the original hallmarked detachable push fit sconce ornamented with embossed bead decoration to the rim. The subtly tapering panelled columns are supported by a circular boss to a square swept foot. The base of each candlestick is embellished with a band of embossed floral rosette and bud garlands, flanked with bead decorated borders. Both candlesticks have weighted bases and are fitted with green baize to the underside. NOTE: * The initials displayed within the maker's marks (MS), in addition to the standardisation of the surround could pertain to a multitude of antique silversmiths...
Sterling Silver
Antique sterling silver pair of candlesticks made in 1917 by Thomas Bradbury
By Thomas Bradbury & Sons Ltd.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1917 by Thomas Bradbury, this attractive, Antique, George V period, Sterling Silver Pair of Candlesticks, are round in shape, and feature sunken fluting an...
Sterling Silver
Pair of English Victorian Classical Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By Elkington & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Victorian Classical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Elkington & Co. in Birmingham 1894. Each: Tapering and fluted pillar on raised and square foot. Fluted socket with d...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Gorham Neoclassical Sterling Silver Candlesticks, 1929
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Neoclassical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1929. Each: Bellied socket with detachable reeded bobeche; tapering shaft and raised foot. Ovoid an...
Sterling Silver
Pair of American Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By Frank M. Whiting & Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Edwardian Classical sterling silver candlesticks, ca 1950. Each: Bellied socket with detachable bobeche; tapering columnar shaft with knop and flange and raised foot. Gadroon...
Sterling Silver
