Gorham Mfg. Co. 'Strasbourg' Pattern Sterling Silver Flatware Piece
Flatware (Teaspoon or Place Spoon) · Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham became the world's leading silversmithing firm in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for exceptional quality and mass-market innovation.
Pattern: Strasbourg pattern, designed by William C. Codman and introduced in 1897. It is one of the most successful and enduring silver patterns in American history, remaining in production for over a century.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon or Place Spoon)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham became the world's leading silversmithing firm in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for exceptional quality and mass-market innovation.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity per the standard required by law for the 'Sterling' mark). Hand-wrought visual texture but likely die-struck in origin.
Dimensions
Estimated at 6 to 7 inches in length; approximately 30 to 45 grams (1.0 to 1.5 troy oz) depending on whether it is a teaspoon or place spoon variant.
Description
The Gorham Strasbourg pattern is an icon of American silver design. Inspired by the Rococo style of 18th-century France, it features elegant curves and a distinctive beaded edge. This piece represents the late-19th-century American trend of elevating the middle-class dining experience to one of European-style grandeur.
Key Features
Characteristic 'Lion, Anchor, G' Gorham trademark; 'Pat. 1897' date mark; Rococo-inspired shell and scroll flourishes; high-relief beading.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity per the standard required by law for the 'Sterling' mark). Hand-wrought visual texture but likely die-struck in origin.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish with oxidized highlights in the recessed beading. Features a classic Rococo Revival style with a heavy beaded border and a scrolled, foliate tip.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Official Gorham marks visible: the Lion (passant), Anchor (symbol for Birmingham/Providence inspiration), and Gothic 'G' (maker's mark), followed by the word 'STERLING' and the pattern-specific 'PAT. 1897' stamp.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped/die-struck from solid sterling silver blanks, then hand-finished and polished. This method allowed for the high-relief detail of the Strasbourg pattern.
Functional Features
Standard flatware ergonomics; the handle has a subtle flare at the tip for comfortable grip. Concave bowl for liquid or food containment.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with an integrated transition to the neck and bowl. Characterized by a double-beaded border that follows the contoured 'fiddle' shape of the handle.
Craftsmanship Details
Exemplifies the high-quality industrial craftsmanship of Gorham. The die-striking is deep and crisp, ensuring that even after a century of polishing, the beaded details remain distinct.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are deep, clear, and consistent with known Gorham stamps of the period. The weight-to-size ratio feels correct for solid sterling versus plated alternatives.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Manufactured in the Gorham industrial plant, which at its peak was the largest silver factory in the world.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Rococo Revival. Introduced at the end of the 19th century when elaborate, romantic designs were highly fashionable in American dining rooms.
Age Estimate
Produced between 1897 and the mid-20th century. While the pattern was patented in 1897, the specific crispness of the stamp suggests a mid-century production run.
Cultural Significance
Strasbourg reflects the 'Gilded Age' of American dining, where a complete set of sterling silver was a primary indicator of social status and domestic stability.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Significant surface micro-scratching ('patina') consistent with regular use. Moderate oxidation in the recessed areas (intentional for depth). No visible bending or severe dents.
Value Estimate
Individual teaspoons or place spoons generally retail between $40 USD and $85 USD depending on current silver spot prices and market demand.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; polish with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) only when tarnish appears. Avoid dishwashers, as high heat and detergents can pit the silver.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' (more scrolls, no beading); Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (more ornate/3D); Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (fruit and floral motifs).
Interesting Facts
The Strasbourg pattern was so popular that Gorham offered a massive range of specialized pieces for it, including asparagus tongs, fried oyster servers, and ice cream forks.