Gorham Manufacturing Co. Sterling Silver Hollowware Piece, Model 1651
Hollowware · Gorham Manufacturing Co., founded in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1831 by Jabez Gorham. Gorham is one of the most prominent, historic, and prolific American silversmithing companies, renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and supplying silver to the White House.
Pattern: Unidentified or standard Gorham hollowware line, catalog number 1651, produced during the late 19th or early 20th century.
Type
Hollowware
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Co., founded in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1831 by Jabez Gorham. Gorham is one of the most prominent, historic, and prolific American silversmithing companies, renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and supplying silver to the White House.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard for American high-end silver production post-1860.
Dimensions
Standard dimensions for a medium-to-large hollowware piece corresponding to model 1651, holding approximately 1 1/2 pints or quarts depending on the specific vessel type.
Description
An authentic antique American sterling silver hollowware piece crafted by the renowned Gorham Manufacturing Co. The base displays crisp, deeply struck hallmarks including the iconic anchor trademark, 'STERLING', pattern number 1651, and capacity mark 1 1/2, reflecting the rigorous quality control of late 19th-century American silversmithing.
Key Features
Authentic Gorham lion-anchor-G trademark, clear 'STERLING' stamp, model number 1651, and capacity designation 1 1/2.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard for American high-end silver production post-1860.
Finish & Decoration
High mirror polish with traditional American sterling silver craftsmanship. May feature hand-chased or applied decorative borders depending on the complete hollowware form.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Features the classic Gorham hallmarks visible in the image: the Gorham lion-anchor-G trademark (an anchor flanked by a lion and a gothic 'G'), the word 'STERLING', the pattern or item number '1651', and a sizing or capacity mark '1 1/2'.
Construction Details
Combination of traditional raising, spinning, and hand-soldering typical of Gorham's high-grade Victorian and Edwardian hollowware production.
Functional Features
Designed for formal dining service, likely a bowl, pitcher, jug, or sauce tureen with practical capacity denoted by the 1 1/2 stamp.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid or insulated silver handle attached via traditional soldering and joint methods appropriate for the specific hollowware body.
Craftsmanship Details
Exhibits high-quality American machine-assisted and hand-finished craftsmanship with precise die-stamping of hallmarks and excellent metal density.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are deeply and cleanly struck into the metal with proper proportions and alignment, matching authentic late-Victorian Gorham stamping practices.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Providence, Rhode Island, United States by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, adhering to strict American sterling standards.
Era & Period
Victorian Era / Edwardian Period (circa 1880-1910), indicated by the specific style of the Gorham trademark stamp and numbering format.
Age Estimate
Circa 1880 to 1910, based on the typography of the 1651 stamp and the implementation of the lion-anchor-G trademark.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of the American Gilded Age dining culture, where matching silver hollowware services signified wealth, refinement, and social status.
Condition Notes
Surface shows typical minor age-related hairline scratches and minor tarnish consistent with antique use and gentle polishing over time. Overall structural integrity remains very good.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $200 to $600 USD depending on the exact form, weight in silver, and overall preservation of the hollowware piece.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Use reputable silver polish like Wright's Silver Cream only when necessary, and store in anti-tarnish flannel storage bags.
Similar Pieces
Other Victorian-era hollowware pieces by Gorham, Tiffany & Co., and Reed & Barton featuring numeric model designations.
Interesting Facts
The Gorham anchor trademark was introduced in 1848 by John Gorham, who was inspired by the anchor hallmarks of British assay offices to establish a rigorous standard of excellence for American silver.