Gorham Manufacturing Company Chantilly Pattern Sterling Silver Teaspoon
Flatware (Teaspoon) · Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, it became the most influential American silver firm, known for high-quality production and innovative design.
Pattern: Chantilly, designed by William C. Codman in 1895. It is the best-selling flatware pattern in history, inspired by French Rococo design and named after the Chantilly district in France.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, it became the most influential American silver firm, known for high-quality production and innovative design.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for strength.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size, approximately 5.75 to 6 inches in length. Weight is typically between 28 to 34 grams depending on the specific production year and weight class (e.g., regular vs. heavy).
Description
This is an iconic Gorham Chantilly teaspoon, representing the height of American silver craftsmanship. Introduced in 1895, Chantilly became a staple of the American bridal registry. Its design features elegant, flowing scrollwork that traces the perimeter of the handle, ending in a graceful crown. The simplicity of the central handle spine allows the luster of the sterling silver to shine, making it a versatile complement to both formal and casual table settings.
Key Features
Characteristic 'scroll and shell' border on the handle; thin, elegant neck; distinct 'Gorham Sterling' mark visible on the back of the handle.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for strength.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished bowl with a handle featuring delicate scrolled edges, fleur-de-lis motifs, and a scalloped end. The style is Rococo Revival, notable for its fluid, organic lines and lack of heavy ornamentation.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Reverse handle features the Gorham trademark (Lion anchor, and Gothic letter 'G'), followed by 'STERLING'. Early 20th-century pieces may include a numeric code or date symbol, though standard modern pieces often just bear the brand and purity.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a single piece of sterling silver sheet. The design is pressed into the metal using high-pressure steel dies, followed by hand-finishing and polishing.
Functional Features
Deep, oval-shaped bowl for liquid containment; ergonomic handle tapering with a reinforced neck to provide strength against bending.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a flared, scalloped tip. The grip is relatively thin but structurally sound due to the high-quality die-striking process.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. While die-struck rather than hand-forged, the precision of the pattern and the quality of the finish-work are hallmarks of Gorham's premium standards.
Authentication Indicators
Typical Gorham 'block' lettering for the brand mark; correct die-struck sharpness in the pattern; natural wear patterns consistent with genuine sterling silver rather than plated alternatives.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States: Providence, Rhode Island. Manufactured using the world's most advanced semi-automated silver production facilities of the time.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Rococo Revival. Though introduced in 1895, its peak popularity spanned from the Edwardian era through the mid-20th century.
Age Estimate
Latter half of the 20th century based on the crispness of the stamp and surface patina; specifically, the 'Gorham Sterling' block lettering suggests post-1950s production.
Cultural Significance
Chantilly represents the democratization of luxury in 20th-century America, where middle-class families began investing in fine sterling flatware sets as heirlooms.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The piece shows visible 'patina'—thousands of tiny surface scratches from use and cleaning—and some tarnish in the recessed areas of the pattern. The bowl appears symmetrical with no major dents or 'flea bites' on the edge.
Value Estimate
$35 to $55 USD. Value varies based on silver spot prices and whether the piece is the 'heavyweight' or 'standard' version.
Care & Maintenance
Regular hand washing with mild soap; use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's for deep cleaning. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll to prevent tarnish from atmospheric sulfur.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'English King' (more ornate), Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (higher relief/repousse), Kirk Stieff 'Repousse' (all-over floral).
Interesting Facts
Chantilly was used aboard Air Force One during several presidencies and remains one of the most widely collected silver patterns in the world.