Gorham Manufacturing Co. Puritan Pattern Sterling Silver Plate #5750
Hollowware (Small Plate/Bread and Butter Plate) · Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, it became the largest and most influential silver manufacturer in the United States, known for high-quality craftsmanship and historic White House commissions.
Pattern: Puritan pattern (Line #5750). This was a staple mid-century modern and minimalist line known for its clean, unadorned aesthetic and functional versatility.
Type
Hollowware (Small Plate/Bread and Butter Plate)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, it became the largest and most influential silver manufacturer in the United States, known for high-quality craftsmanship and historic White House commissions.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver throughout with no base metals or mixed materials.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 6 inches (standard bread and butter plate size). Approximate weight is 80 to 110 grams (approx. 2.5 to 3.5 troy ounces).
Description
A classic example of American Mid-Century Modern silver, this Gorham Puritan plate exhibits the 'less is more' philosophy. It features a bright, reflective surface and a concentric stepped rim that provides structural rigidity and a subtle visual accent. Its utilitarian elegance makes it a versatile piece for both formal dining and modern minimalist displays.
Key Features
Signature Gorham three-part trademark (Lion, Anchor, G), pattern number 5750, and the absence of decorative chasing, which identifies it specifically as part of the Puritan line.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver throughout with no base metals or mixed materials.
Finish & Decoration
Satin or high-polish mirror finish with a simple stepped rim. Minimalist decoration in the Puritan style, emphasizing silhouette and material over surface ornamentation. No engraving or monograms present.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'GORHAM' in serif capitals. Includes the Gorham trademark: a lion passant (left), an anchor (center), and a Gothic 'G' (right). Below this is the 'STERLING' fineness mark and the design/catalog number '5750'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun from sterling silver sheet. The rim is finished with a clean, rolled or stepped edge. The uniform thickness suggests modern factory-precision manufacturing rather than hand-raising.
Functional Features
Wide flat rim for easy handling; shallow well designed for bread, butter, appetisers, or as a small coaster/saucer. Stackable design.
Handle & Grip Details
None; simple plate form.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The stamp is crisp and perfectly horizontal, and the symmetry of the plate's circumference indicates excellent tool-and-die quality typical of Gorham's peak production years.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency is excellent; the stamps show appropriate wear and correct font for the mid-20th century. The '5750' number corresponds with known Gorham catalog entries for this form.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Providence, Rhode Island. Manufactured at the main Gorham factory using precision industrial silversmithing techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1940s–1960s). This period focused on 'Puritan' simplicity and functionalism, moving away from the ornate Victorian and Art Deco styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950–1960. The lack of a specific date code (often used by Gorham earlier in the century) and the typeface of the stamps indicate a mid-20th-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII shift in American silver production toward accessible luxury and the simplification of the domestic table, reflecting a broader cultural move toward informal but high-quality living.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good vintage condition. Broad surface scratches and 'scuffs' are visible in the central well (swirl marks from cleaning or stacking). Tarnish is visible in the stamp crevices. No major dents or rim deformities are apparent. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $125.00 USD. Value is primarily based on the silver melt weight plus a small premium for the Gorham brand name and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's or Hagerty. Avoid abrasive pads which will worsen the existing scratches. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag or chest to prevent sulfur-induced tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Windham' or 'Salem' patterns (similar minimalist rims), and Towle 'Craftsman'. The primary difference is the specific profile of the stepped rim and the distinct maker's marks.
Interesting Facts
The Puritan line was famously marketed as the 'everyday' silver for the modern American home, stressing durability and timeless design that would never go out of style regardless of changing home decor trends.