Gorham Chantilly Sterling Silver Teaspoon
Flatware (Spoon) · Gorham Manufacturing Company, founded in 1831 in Providence, Rhode Island. Gorham is one of the most prolific and prestigious American silversmiths, known for high-quality sterling and for furnishing silver to the White House.
Pattern: Chantilly, designed by William C. Codman and introduced in 1895. It is the best-selling sterling silver flatware pattern in history, influenced by French Rococo design and still in production today.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company, founded in 1831 in Providence, Rhode Island. Gorham is one of the most prolific and prestigious American silversmiths, known for high-quality sterling and for furnishing silver to the White House.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece consists of solid silver throughout, without base metal or plating.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length of approximately 5.8 to 6 inches (15 cm). Weight is roughly 25-32 grams (0.8-1.0 troy ounces) depending on the production era (heavy vs. regular weight).
Description
The Gorham Chantilly teaspoon is the quintessential example of American sterling flatware. Its delicate scrolls and curved silhouette evoke the elegance of the 18th-century French court of Louis XV. The pattern’s understated grace makes it suitable for both formal celebrations and daily luxury.
Key Features
The 'C' scroll edges, the fleur-de-lis at the tip, and the indented blank cartouche are the definitive diagnostic features of the Chantilly pattern.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece consists of solid silver throughout, without base metal or plating.
Finish & Decoration
Rococo style featuring scrolled edges, a central flute (cartouche), and delicate fleur-de-lis motifs. The finish appears slightly oxidized in the crevices (patina) which highlights the detail against the bright-polished raised surfaces.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stem is stamped with the Gorham hallmark (lion, anchor, and G), followed by 'STERLING'. A specific date code or patent mark might be present but is partially obscured in the image; the word 'STERLING' is clearly visible along the neck.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a single sheet of sterling silver using high-tonnage presses and steel dies to produce the intricate detail on both front and back. Machine-manufactured with hand-finished edges.
Functional Features
Ergonomic scrolled handle for grip; the smooth central cartouche is designed to accommodate a personalized monogram, although this piece appears unmonogrammed.
Handle & Grip Details
Refined fiddle-shell variant shape with a flared terminal. The handle is solid sterling with a double-swell profile for balance in the hand.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-work is evident in the sharp definition of the scrolls. The balance is excellent, a hallmark of Gorham’s engineering-focused manufacturing process.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic Gorham font for the 'STERLING' stamp and the unmistakable curvature of the Chantilly scrollwork. The weight feels substantial rather than the flimsy feel of a silver-plated reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Manufactured in the Gorham factory, which utilized advanced industrial silversmithing techniques to achieve high-volume precision.
Era & Period
Originally Late Victorian / Gilded Age. This specific piece represents the enduring popularity of the Rococo Revival style which transitioned into a classic staple of 20th-century American dining.
Age Estimate
Likely mid-to-late 20th century (c. 1950-1980) based on the crispness of the stamp and the appearance of the metal surface, though the pattern has been made since 1895.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in America, where a middle-class family could own a pattern recognized for its heritage and craft, becoming a multi-generational heirloom.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Shows light surface scratches (swirls/patina) consistent with moderate use and polishing. No evidence of 'heel wear' on the back of the bowl or tines/bowl deformation.
Value Estimate
$35 to $65 USD for a single teaspoon depending on weight and condition. Full place settings and serving pieces command higher premiums.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid dishwasher use, as detergent can pit the silver and heat can cause discoloration. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or Pacific Silvercloth rolls.
Similar Pieces
Towle Old Master (more ornate), Wallace Grand Baroque (heavier repoussé), or Lunt Eloquence. Chantilly is often confused with 'Fairfax' by Gorham, which is much plainer but has a similar silhouette.
Interesting Facts
Chantilly was used by the Kennedys in the White House and remains the most requested pattern for wedding registries since its debut over 125 years ago.