Durgin 'Chrysanthemum' Pattern Sterling Silver Berry or Ice Tongs
Flatware (Serving Piece - Torgs) · Wm. B. Durgin Co. (Concord, New Hampshire). Founded in 1853, Durgin was a premier American silversmith known for high-quality flatware; it was eventually acquired by Gorham in 1905, but continued production under its own name for years.
Pattern: Chrysanthemum (pattern number 1893), introduced in 1893. Designed by F.A. Durgin, it remains one of the most celebrated Art Nouveau multi-motif floral patterns in American silver history.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece - Torgs)
Maker
Wm. B. Durgin Co. (Concord, New Hampshire). Founded in 1853, Durgin was a premier American silversmith known for high-quality flatware; it was eventually acquired by Gorham in 1905, but continued production under its own name for years.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction without base metals; weighted slightly in the handle for balance.
Dimensions
Estimated length of 5.5 to 6.5 inches. Typical weight for this serving piece is approximately 45-65 grams (1.5 to 2 troy ounces).
Description
These Durgin Chrysanthemum tongs represent the pinnacle of American Art Nouveau silver. Each piece in this multi-motif set features slightly different botanical renderings, but all share the signature deep-relief chrysanthemum blooms. These tongs are functional art, intended for the Victorian formal dessert table.
Key Features
Distinctive 'jagged' tine design resembling leaves; the rare 'Copyrighted' stamp; high-relief repoussé handling; and the iconic Durgin 'D' hallmark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction without base metals; weighted slightly in the handle for balance.
Finish & Decoration
Art Nouveau style featuring heavy repoussé and chased floral motifs. The tines appear as stylized jagged leaves or flower petals. The finish is a contrast of oxidized recesses to highlight detail and a mirror-polished surface on the flats.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The back of the handle shows the Durgin 'D' mark (an Old English style 'D' surrounded by a wreath), the word 'STERLING', and the stamp 'COPYRIGHTED', which was standard for Durgin pieces of this era to protect their intricate designs.
Construction Details
Die-struck with hand-finished chased details. The tongs are constructed from a single piece of silver formed into a U-shape to provide natural spring tension.
Functional Features
Bird-claw or leaf-shaped tines designed for gripping slippery items like iced fruit, berries, or ice cubes. The spring tension in the bridge allows for easy one-handed operation.
Handle & Grip Details
Highly ornate handles with deep relief. The grip area is flared to accommodate the thumb and forefinger, transitioning into a slender bridge decorated with floral scrolls.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional die-work. The transition from the heavy handle to the thin, flexible bridge shows expert tempering of the sterling silver to ensure functional longevity without snapping.
Authentication Indicators
Clear Durgin hallmarks; correct 'Copyrighted' text placement; deep, crisp casting of the floral elements; and natural age-related oxidation in the crevices of the pattern.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Concord, New Hampshire, USA. Durgin was renowned for their heavy-gauge silver and superior die-cutting technology.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (Late Victorian), circa 1890-1910. The pattern reflects the late 19th-century obsession with naturalistic floral forms and fluid, organic lines.
Age Estimate
Circa 1893-1905. The specific 'Copyrighted' stamp and Durgin logo indicate production during the height of the pattern's initial popularity before the full integration with Gorham.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gilded Age' of American dining where specialized silver pieces were created for every conceivable food item, symbolizing the host's wealth and social standing.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. There is light surface scratching consistent with age (patina). The spring tension remains strong. No signs of repair or monogram removal are visible in the image.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. The Chrysanthemum pattern is highly collectible; serving pieces like tongs command a premium over standard flatware.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid silver dips which can strip the beautiful oxidation in the pattern's recesses. Store in a tarnish-resistant flannel roll.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Chrysanthemum (more expensive, different floral style); Gorham Strasbourg (less ornate); Wallace Grand Baroque (Rococo rather than Art Nouveau).
Interesting Facts
The Chrysanthemum pattern by Durgin was so popular and high-quality that Tiffany & Co. actually retailed Durgin's work before they developed their own competing floral patterns.