What Determines Value
What makes inherited Gorham silver valuable
Gorham is one of the most important names in American silver. For nearly two centuries, the company produced everything from everyday flatware to museum-quality art silver. But value varies enormously across that range. Understanding what you have requires knowing a little about Gorham's history, its most significant patterns, and the special lines that collectors prize above all else.
A brief history
Gorham was founded in 1831 by Jabez Gorham in Providence, Rhode Island. What began as a small shop producing coin silver spoons grew into one of the largest silver manufacturers in the world. By the mid-19th century, Gorham had become one of the "Big Three" American silver makers, alongside Tiffany and Reed & Barton. The company's output was vast — flatware in dozens of patterns, holloware ranging from simple bowls to elaborate tea services, and special art silver lines that pushed the boundaries of the craft.
Gorham adopted the sterling silver standard (.925 fine) in 1868 and simultaneously introduced its date letter system, allowing every piece made from that year forward to be precisely dated. The company remained a dominant force in American silver well into the 20th century.
Key patterns
Gorham produced more flatware patterns than almost any other American maker. Among the most significant and valuable:
Versailles (1888) — The most ornate Gorham pattern and one of the most elaborate American flatware designs ever produced. Richly decorated with classical motifs inspired by the Palace of Versailles, Versailles is the pattern collectors seek most avidly. Large sets command premium prices.
Chantilly (1895) — The most popular sterling silver pattern in American history. Chantilly has been in continuous production for over a century, which makes it widely available but also means large, complete sets are always in demand. Its graceful French-inspired scrollwork is instantly recognizable.
Buttercup — A perennial favorite with a naturalistic floral design. Widely collected and consistently in demand on the secondary market.
Strasbourg — An elegant pattern with strong collector interest, particularly in larger sets and serving pieces.
King Edward — A stately, formal pattern that appeals to collectors of traditional American silver.
Fairfax — A clean, Art Deco-influenced pattern. Widely produced and commonly found in estates.
Gorham Martelé
Martelé is the pinnacle of Gorham's artistry and the most valuable silver the company ever produced. Made from 1897 to approximately 1912, Martelé pieces are entirely hand-hammered from .950 fine silver — a higher purity than standard sterling. Each piece features flowing Art Nouveau forms with organic, naturalistic decoration. No two pieces are exactly alike because each was individually crafted by master silversmiths.
Martelé silver is museum-quality work. It has been exhibited at major institutions worldwide and is avidly collected. Pieces range from small bowls to large vases, tea services, and candelabra. Values start around $10,000 for modest examples and can exceed $100,000 for exceptional forms. If you have inherited Martelé silver, you have something genuinely rare and important.
Mixed metals
In the 1880s, Gorham produced a line of mixed-metals silver inspired by Japanese metalwork. These pieces combine sterling silver with copper, brass, gold, and other metals in intricate applied decoration featuring insects, fish, flowers, and other naturalistic motifs. The Japanese-inspired mixed metals line is rare and highly collectible, with pieces selling for $5,000 to $50,000 depending on the form and complexity of decoration.
Holloware
Beyond flatware, Gorham produced extensive lines of holloware — tea services, coffee pots, water pitchers, candelabra, bowls, and serving pieces. Early holloware, particularly pieces from before 1900, is especially desirable. Gorham tea services in elaborate patterns are among the most sought-after American silver holloware. Large, impressive forms in excellent condition command strong prices well above their silver melt value.
Marks and dating
Gorham's hallmark is the distinctive lion-anchor-G symbol: a lion (representing quality), an anchor (referencing Providence, Rhode Island), and the letter G (for Gorham). This mark has been used consistently since the mid-19th century. Beginning in 1868, Gorham added date letters — a specific letter or symbol stamped alongside the hallmark that corresponds to the exact year of manufacture. This system makes Gorham one of the easiest American silver makers to date precisely, which is valuable for both collectors and appraisers.