Gorham Sterling Silver 'Strasbourg' Pattern Entrée Dish with Gadroon Border
Hollowware (Entrée Dish / Covered Vegetable Dish) · Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham rose to become the premier American silversmithing firm, known for high-quality production and presidential commissions.
Pattern: Strasbourg (introduced in 1897). This pattern features heavy gadrooning and shell motifs. The entrée dish is a staple of the hollowware line, which remained in production through much of the 20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Entrée Dish / Covered Vegetable Dish)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham rose to become the premier American silversmithing firm, known for high-quality production and presidential commissions.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout, including the handles and the applied gadroon border. Estimated weight for this type of dish is approximately 25-30 troy ounces.
Dimensions
Length: ~11-12 inches; Width: ~8.5-9 inches; Height (including handles): ~4 inches. Weight: Approximately 800 - 950 grams.
Description
A classic example of American dining elegance, this Gorham Strasbourg entrée dish features a heavy, scalloped gadroon border that catches the light beautifully. The oval form is balanced by sturdy, elegant handles, while the mirror-like surface of the lid serves as a canvas for the sophisticated engraved monogram. It represents the height of early 20th-century American table service.
Key Features
Heavy gadrooned rim, signature Strasbourg scrolling, Gorham hallmark consistency, and high-relief lid handles.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout, including the handles and the applied gadroon border. Estimated weight for this type of dish is approximately 25-30 troy ounces.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-polished mirror finish with oxidized gadroon (rope-style) borders. Features a Classical / Rococo Revival style. A triple-initial script monogram is expertly engraved in a central cartouche on the lid.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically marked on the underside with the Gorham lion-anchor-G trademark, 'STERLING', the pattern number (likely 962 or similar), and often a year symbol (e.g., a clock for 1928, an acorn for 1916).
Construction Details
The body and lid are die-struck and finished by hand. The gadroon borders are applied separately to the rim. The handles are cast and hand-soldered to the lid.
Functional Features
The piece consists of a deep base and a domed lid. The lid is designed to keep food warm during formal dining services. The twin loop handles allow for easy removal of the cover.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver twin loop handles with scroll-style terminals. They are securely soldered to the lid and show no signs of reinforcement or stress fractures.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior machine-assisted hand craftsmanship. The alignment of the gadrooning is perfect, and the thickness of the silver indicates a high-tier production run compared to later, thinner 20th-century examples.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the Gorham 'Lion-Anchor-G' mark is the primary indicator. The weight should feel substantial; the solder joins at the handles are smooth and professional, typical of factory-made luxury silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Manufactured in the Gorham factory which utilized a blend of industrial machinery for consistency and hand-finishing for luxury quality.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Edwardian Revival (c. 1910-1930). While the pattern debuted in 1897, the clean proportions of this dish suggest a production date in the first third of the 20th century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1940. The crispness of the gadrooning and the specific style of the script monogram point to the interwar period.
Cultural Significance
Entrée dishes were essential in the transition from 'Service à la Française' to 'Service à la Russe,' where courses were served sequentially and needed to remain hot upon arrival at the table.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Surface shows fine 'butler's wear' (micro-scratches) consistent with age and polishing. No visible dents or significant dings. Monogram is well-executed and not deep enough to suggest a 'ghost' of a previous removal. Grade: Excellent.
Value Estimate
$800.00 - $1,400.00 USD. Value is driven by the silver weight plus a premium for the Gorham brand and the popularity of the Strasbourg pattern.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid dishwasher use at all costs. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent tarnish and protect the mirror finish from scratches.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Chrysanthemum' entrée dishes (more ornate/expensive) or Wallace 'Grand Baroque' covers. Gorham also made a 'Chantilly' version which lacks the heavy gadrooning of Strasbourg.
Interesting Facts
The Strasbourg pattern was so popular that Gorham produced almost every conceivable dining accessory in the line, from asparagus tongs to massive tureens. It remains one of the most sought-after patterns for brides and collectors today.