Gorham Manufacturing Co. Sterling Silver Hollowware Vessel Base
Hollowware (Bowl / Base) · Gorham Manufacturing Co. founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, later led by John Gorham who mechanized production and established Gorham as one of the premier and largest American silver manufacturers, renowned for exceptional quality and artistic design.
Pattern: Unspecified standard hollowware line with model number 22140
Type
Hollowware (Bowl / Base)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Co. founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, later led by John Gorham who mechanized production and established Gorham as one of the premier and largest American silver manufacturers, renowned for exceptional quality and artistic design.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with a reinforced or loaded interior base typical of hollowware vessels to provide stability.
Dimensions
Standard hollowware base approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter; weight is estimated to include internal weighting material.
Description
A base of a sterling silver hollowware piece produced by the eminent American firm Gorham Manufacturing Co. The underside clearly displays the iconic Gorham anchor hallmark alongside the 'STERLING' stamp and inventory number 22140, showcasing the authentic maker's identification of late 19th or early 20th-century American silver production.
Key Features
Authentic Gorham anchor hallmark, clear 'STERLING' stamp, and stamped model number 22140 on the base interior.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with a reinforced or loaded interior base typical of hollowware vessels to provide stability.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish with standard circular base interior showing typical surface scratching from use and age.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Gorham anchor mark inside a shield, 'STERLING', model number '22140', and date symbol or additional workshop letters.
Construction Details
Machine-assisted stamping and spinning combined with traditional hand-finishing and solder joinery.
Functional Features
Designed as the weighted or reinforced base of a hollowware piece such as a compote, vase, or trophy cup.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A for base component.
Craftsmanship Details
Typical high-grade commercial American sterling production featuring cleanly struck hallmarks and uniform metal thickness.
Authentication Indicators
Clear punch of the Gorham anchor-and-shield logo, crisp numeric stamping, and appropriate period font style for the model number and silver designation.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Providence, Rhode Island, United States by the Gorham Manufacturing Company.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early 20th Century (c. 1890-1920) based on hallmark style and numbering sequence.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890 to 1920, indicated by the style of the Gorham anchor mark and model numbering format.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of American industrial silversmithing during the Gilded Age, where high-quality sterling silver became accessible to a growing prosperous middle class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. The surface shows heavy circular scratch marks, minor tarnish, and wear consistent with age and regular use. Structurally intact with no visible major dents on the underside.
Value Estimate
Valued primarily for its melt weight and collector interest in Gorham hollowware parts, typically ranging from $50 to $150 depending on the complete piece context.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a reputable silver polish like Wright's Silver Cream, apply using a soft microfiber cloth, avoid abrasive scouring pads, and store in a tarnish-resistant bag.
Similar Pieces
Similar hollowware bases and components from contemporary American makers such as Tiffany & Co., Reed & Barton, and Wallace Silversmiths.
Interesting Facts
Gorham supplied silver for the White House during multiple presidential administrations, including those of Ulysses S. Grant and Abraham Lincoln.