Gorham Manufacturing Company

A Gorham advertisement from 1923

The Gorham Manufacturing Company was one of the largest American manufacturers of sterling and silverplate and a foundry for bronze sculpture.

 Gorham Silver was founded in 1831 in Providence, Rhode Island by Jabez Gorham, a master craftsman, in partnership with Henry L. Webster. The firm's chief product was spoons of coin silver. The company also made thimbles, combs, jewelry, and other small items. In 1842, the Congress enacted a tariff which effectively blocked the importation of silverware from outside the United States, which aided the American silver industry. Jabez Gorham did not take full advantage of this opportunity, but in 1847 Jabez retired and his son, John Gorham succeeded him as head of the company.

John Gorham introduced mechanized production methods, enlarged the premises in downtown Providence, improved the designs, and expanded the product line. In 1852, Gorham toured many of Europe's silver workshops and manufacturers, speaking with individual specialists, including master craftsmen and toolmakers. He sought highly skilled foreign workmen to train his American workers and hired George Wilkinson, a premier designer and workshop manager, from England. In 1865, the Rhode Island legislature granted a charter in the name of Gorham Manufacturing Company and in 1890, the company relocated to a factory on Adelaide Avenue in Providence.

During the heyday of American silver manufacturing, from 1850 to 1940, Gorham was highly influential. William Christmas Codman, one of Gorham's most noted designers, created the Chantilly design in 1895, which has become the most famous of Gorham's flatware patterns. The company has produced matching hollowware in both sterling and silverplate.

In 1884, the company opened a store in the Ladies' Mile shopping district in Manhattan, New York City, but moved in 1905 to a Fifth Avenue building which it commissioned from architect Stanford White. In 1906, Gorham purchased another long-time rival, New Jersey–based Kerr & Co. In 1924, the company absorbed the Massachusetts jewelry company Whiting Manufacturing Company, founded by William Dean Whiting in 1866.

Bowl from a Martelé silver tea service set produced by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, ca. 1904-1912. On display at the Huntington Library and Botanical Garden, San Marino, California, USA.

Textron purchased the company in 1967, a move that some critics claim decreased quality due to management's lack of understanding of Gorham's specialty, producing high-quality sterling silverware and holloware. Textron began planning to sell the unit in 1988, completing the sale in 1989 to Dansk International Designs.Brown-Forman Corporation acquired Gorham from Dansk in 1991. The unit was sold in 2005 to Department 56 in the Lenox holdings transaction, with the resulting company renamed as Lenox Group.

Martele dressing table and stool, designed by William C. Codman, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, silver, glass, fabric, ivory - Dallas Museum of Art

Teapot from a Martelé silver tea service set produced by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, ca. 1904-1912. On display at the Huntington Library and Botanical Garden, San Marino, California, USA.

However, in 2009 Lenox Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and it was subsequently acquired by Clarion Capital Partners, now operating under the name Lenox Corporation, which has three operating divisions, Lenox, Dansk, and Gorham.

Pitcher from a Martelé silver tea service set produced by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, ca. 1904-1912. On display at the Huntington Library and Botanical Garden, San Marino, California, USA.

The White House has used Gorham silver services during many administrations. Mary Todd Lincoln purchased an impressive tea and flatware service for use in the White House in 1859. The tea service was presented to the National Museum of American History in 1957. Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant asked Gorham to commemorate the country's one-hundredth anniversary with a spectacular Century Vase that contained over 2,000 oz (57,000 g) of sterling silver, and in 1899, it produced a grand "loving cup" composed of 70,000 dimes was designed for Admiral George Dewey. Colonel Henry Jewett Furber, president of Universal Life Insurance Company of New York, placed the largest single commission Gorham ever received for what became known as the famous Furber service. The opulent 740-piece service represents Victorian era dining at its most elaborate. The monumental silver and parcel-gilt "Neptune" epergne made for Furber as part of this service was displayed at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. Textron donated a large portion of the service along with other pieces to the Rhode Island School of Design Museum and they are on display in the permanent collection of American decorative arts.

Vase from a Martelé silver tea service set produced by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, ca. 1904-1912. On display at the Huntington Library and Botanical Garden, San Marino, California, USA.

William Christmas Codman – Martelé covered pitcher, 1904, Silver, Gorham Manufacturing Company, High Museum of Art

Happy Halloween Classroom Music Playlist

 

Waterford Lismore Pattern Hand Cut Crystal Glassware

 

Waterford Lismore Pattern Hand Cut Crystal Glassware Set- 61 Pieces

12 each Lismore 12.5 ounce Double Old Fashioned

12 each Lismore Water Goblets Fluted Top

12 each Lismore Goblet 8 ounce volume

12 each Lismore Fluted Champagne 4.0 ounce volume

11 each Lismore Balloon Wine 11.5 ounce

2 each Lismore White Wine

61 Total

The Waterford maker's mark is an essential feature that authenticates genuine Waterford crystal. Over the years, Waterford Crystal has used several different marks to signify its craftsmanship, heritage, and authenticity. Here's an overview of the key Waterford maker's marks:

   

Early Marks

**18th and 19th Century:**

- **Original Waterford:** During the original production period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Waterford pieces were not consistently marked. Some early pieces may have a simple etching of "Waterford" or may lack a mark entirely.

20th Century Onward

 

**Post-1947 Revival:**

- **Etched Marks:** After Waterford Crystal was revived in 1947, the company began etching a distinctive mark onto its pieces. The most common mark from this period is the word "Waterford" etched in a Gothic-style font. This mark is usually found on the base or the underside of the item.

- **Seahorse Logo:** Starting in the late 20th century, Waterford introduced a seahorse logo as part of its maker's mark. The seahorse, often seen in conjunction with the word "Waterford," symbolizes the brand’s Irish heritage and maritime connections.

Variations and Special Marks

    

**Special Edition and Limited Runs:**

- **Additional Markings:** Limited edition pieces or special runs may feature additional marks or engravings to denote their exclusivity. These could include a year, a designer's signature, or a specific series name.

- **Commemorative Marks:** On certain commemorative pieces, such as those celebrating significant anniversaries or events, you might find unique marks that highlight the occasion.

   

**Modern Era:**

- **Laser-Etched Marks:** In more recent years, Waterford has adopted laser etching technology, allowing for more precise and consistent marks. The modern mark typically includes the "Waterford" name and the seahorse logo.

  

- **Country of Origin:** Modern marks may also include information about the country of origin. For pieces made in Ireland, you might see "Made in Ireland" or similar wording etched alongside the maker's mark.

Authenticity Verification

**Checking the Mark:**

- **Location:** Look for the maker's mark on the base or underside of the crystal piece. It is often subtle and may require careful inspection under good lighting to see clearly.

- **Clarity and Precision:** Genuine marks are typically clear and precisely etched. Blurry or poorly executed marks could indicate a counterfeit item.

The Waterford maker's mark is a crucial aspect of identifying and verifying genuine Waterford crystal. Understanding the variations and history of these marks can help collectors and enthusiasts ensure they have authentic pieces.

The Waterford Lismore pattern of 1970-1980 is a testament to the enduring appeal and exquisite craftsmanship that has defined Waterford Crystal for centuries. By 1970, the Lismore pattern, introduced in 1952, had firmly established itself as a symbol of elegance and luxury. Here's a more detailed look at the hand-cut Waterford Lismore pattern during that time:

Craftsmanship

**Artisan Skills:**

- **Master Craftsmen:** Each piece of Waterford Lismore crystal from this era was hand-cut by master craftsmen who had honed their skills over many years. These artisans were adept at transforming raw crystal into beautifully detailed works of art.

- **Intricate Cutting Process:** The process of creating the Lismore pattern involved several stages, including marking, cutting, smoothing, and polishing. Artisans used diamond-tipped wheels to cut the distinctive diamond and wedge patterns into the crystal.

- **Attention to Detail:** The craftsmanship required a high level of precision and attention to detail. Each piece was inspected multiple times to ensure it met Waterford's rigorous quality standards.

  

**Design Features:**

- **Diamond and Wedge Cuts:** The Lismore pattern is characterized by its intricate combination of diamond cuts (small, flat facets) and wedge cuts (long, V-shaped cuts). These cuts create a pattern that reflects and refracts light, giving the crystal its signature sparkle.

- **Symmetry and Balance:** The design is noted for its symmetry and balance, with each cut carefully placed to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing pattern.

- **Clarity and Brilliance:** The quality of the crystal itself is essential. Waterford used high-quality lead crystal, which is known for its clarity and brilliance, enhancing the visual impact of the Lismore pattern.

Queen Anne Cherry Shepherd Crook Arm Chairs - a Pair

 A pair of Queen Anne style lounge chairs , solid cherry frames with Shepard’s crook style arms, light green off white diamond patterned fabric 

Blue and White Double Happiness Porcelain Chinese Tea Jar

 

The Chinese symbol for "Double Happiness" has long been a favorite expression of wishes to newlyweds and is frequently used on porcelain. First imported from China in the 17th century, blue and white porcelain is still perennially fresh in any decor. This tea jar is designed in Qing Dynasty motif, making it one of the classics. 

Tiffany & Co. Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Shaped Fruit Bowl

 Tiffany & Co. Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Shaped Fruit Bowl

A fine signed vintage silver fruit bowl.

By Tiffany & Co.

In sterling silver.

With a shaped rim and lobed walls.

Fully marked to the base.

Simply wonderful Tiffany design!

Date:

Mid-20th Century

Overall Condition:

It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition.

Condition Details:

There are some light scratches, particularly to the basin and interior walls of the bowl. Otherwise, there are some fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age.

French Renaissance Revival Silver Pepper Mill with Peugeot Mechanism, circa 1900

 

French Renaissance Revival Silver Pepper Mill with Peugeot Mechanism, circa 1900

A fine French export silver pepper mill, Belle Époque period, measuring 5 inches high by 2.5 inches in diameter, fitted with its original Peugeot Brevete S.G.D.G. steel grinding mechanism. Total weight 240 grams, including mechanism.

The baluster-form body is richly decorated in repoussé and chased silver with bold Renaissance Revival ornament: scrolling acanthus, strapwork, and expressive bearded masks whose flowing mustaches transform into vegetal arabesques, evoking the natural abundance and vitality celebrated in Renaissance design. A vacant cartouche remains unengraved, framed by foliate scrolls, while the domed lid is crowned with a knopped finial and fruiting vine motifs.

Hallmarked on the underside with French silver marks (including the Minerva standard for .950 silver) and stamped Brevete S.G.D.G. Export, confirming patent protection for export. The mill retains its original Peugeot steel mechanism, prized for precision and durability.

An elegant fusion of artistry and function, this piece embodies Belle Époque luxury while recalling the grandeur of Renaissance ornament.

Dimensions: 5" high × 2.5" diameter

Weight: 240 g (with mechanism)

Date: circa 1890–1910

Origin: France

Big Daum Pink and Green Pate-De-Verre Glass Roses Vase

 

Big Daum Pink and Green Pate-De-Verre Glass Roses Vase

Big Daum Pink and Green Pate-De-Verre Glass Roses Vase.

Creator: Daum (Maker)

Dimensions: Height: 11.75 in (29.85 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 11 in (27.94 cm)

Daum is a name in the first rank of the French makers of art glass, along with those of Émile Gallé and René Lalique. Led in its early decades by the brothers Auguste (1853–1909) and Antonin Daum (1864–1931), the company, based in the city of Nancy, established its reputation in the Art Nouveau period, and later successfully adopted the Art Deco style.

In 1878, lawyer Jean Daum took over the ownership of a glassworks as payment for a debt and installed his sons as proprietors. Initially, Daum made glass for everyday purposes such as windows, watches and tableware, but the success that Gallé enjoyed at the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris — the international showcase for which the Eiffel Tower was built — inspired the Daum brothers to begin making art-glass pieces. They produced popular works of cameo glass, a decorative technique in which an outer layer of glass is acid-etched or carved off to reveal the layer below, but Daum became best known for vessels and sculptures in pâte de verre — a painstaking method in which finely ground colored glass is mixed with a binder, placed in a mold and then fired in a kiln. 

   

Though early Daum glass was never signed by individual artists, the firm employed some of the masters of the naturalistic, asymmetrical Art Nouveau style, including Jacques Grüber, Henri Bergé and Amalric Walter (whose first name is frequently misspelled). Daum also collaborated with furniture and metalware designer Louis Majorelle, who created wrought-iron and brass mounts for vases and table lamps. In the 1960s, Daum commissioned fine artists, most notably Salvador Dalí and sculptor César Baldaccini, to design glass pieces. As you see from the works offered on 1stDibs, Daum has been home to an astonishingly rich roster of creative spirits and is today a state-owned enterprise making pâte de verre figurines. 

What is Chinoiserie?

 What is Chinoiserie?

Originating in the 17th century, Chinoiserie is a western European style of art and design influenced by the artistic traditions of pre-industrial China and East Asia. Its most common application can be seen in the decorative arts, in which it shares many elements with French rococo style such as abundant ornamentation or decoration, highly stylized nature, expansive color palette, and an extravagant aesthetic. The signature quality of much Chinoiserie furniture and decor is the use of fantasized imagery derived from European interpretations of life, art, and culture in China.

   

The style became more popular in the 18th century largely as a result of a rapidly expanding trade market between Europe, China, and India. These improved trade relations allowed westerners to become much more exposed to the art and culture of the eastern world, which from a western perspective was viewed as exotic and unexplored creative ground.

How to Pronounce Chinoiserie?

People who are unfamiliar with the term are often curious about the correct pronunciation. Originating from the French word “Chinois”, which translates literally to “from China”, phonetically it sounds like “shin-wahz-ree”. For English speakers, there is a tendency to see the word “noise” (like a loud or unpleasant sound) in the spelling of Chinoiserie when it is read. This is likely what leads to its most common mispronunciation.

Interior Design Trends

In terms of interior design fashion within the United States, Chinoiserie has long been trendy among the elite and experienced its peak from the 19th century to the later 1920s. It saw a resurgence in the 80s and 90s, and today is in favor again. Regardless of time period, it is a style that has always been favored for its uniquely ornate and exotic aesthetic.

Chinoiserie design motifs can be seen in everything from wallpaper, upholstery, fine china, ceramics, and even furniture. Imagery like idyllic rural Chinese landscapes, pagodas, traditional courtyards, and dragons are commonly featured. For more examples of Chinoiserie furniture, Chinoiserie porcelain, and other asian home decor, browse our featured sections below.

  

  

Figurines and statues of foo dogs have long been a classic (and subtle) way to invite an east Asian element into a space. They can be purchased in several styles, poses, materials, and colors to fit your needs. They also carry with them symbolic appeal, regarded as guardians that prevent harmful things from happening to the family. See more from our selection of Foo Dog decor.

For a bolder approach, Chinoiserie wallpaper can create a rich color palette and chic environment. There is no end to the wide variety of designs and different types of imagery available so the only boundary is your individual creativity.