Gorham Mfg. Co. 'Strasbourg' Pattern Sterling Silver Individual Salad/Pastry Fork
Flatware (Individual Salad Fork/Pastry Fork) · Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, the company became one of the largest and most prestigious silver manufacturers in the world, known for high-quality sterling and fine craftsmanship.
Pattern: Strasbourg pattern, designed by William C. Codman and introduced in 1897. It is one of Gorham's most enduring and popular Rococo-style patterns, remaining in production for over a century.
Type
Flatware (Individual Salad Fork/Pastry Fork)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, the company became one of the largest and most prestigious silver manufacturers in the world, known for high-quality sterling and fine craftsmanship.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no base metals. Approximate weight for this size is 35-42 grams depending on the specific production era.
Dimensions
Approximately 6.375 to 6.5 inches in length. Standard individual salad fork size, typically weighing between 1.1 and 1.35 troy ounces.
Description
This elegant salad fork in Gorham's Strasbourg pattern is a masterpiece of late 19th-century American design. Characterized by its fluid scrollwork and iconic shell motifs, it captures the romanticism of the Rococo style. The balanced weight and intricate detailing make it a staple for sophisticated table settings.
Key Features
The 'shouldered' fork head with shell transition, the 'Lion-Anchor-G' hallmark signature, and the distinct heavy scolloped edge at the base of the handle.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no base metals. Approximate weight for this size is 35-42 grams depending on the specific production era.
Finish & Decoration
Highly decorative Rococo style featuring a scolloped handle terminal with a prominent shell motif. The handle is embellished with scrolls, acanthus leaves, and a thread border. It features a mirror-polished finish with oxidation in the recessed areas to accentuate the ornate detail.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Reverse of the handle displays the Gorham 'Lion-Anchor-G' trademark, the word 'STERLING', and often a 'PAT.' date or the 'Strasbourg' pattern name stamped. Individual pieces may also feature a retailer's stamp.
Construction Details
Die-struck from heavy-gauge sterling silver. The tines are cut and finished with a slight 'flare' at the shoulders, typical of the salad fork form. Tapered handle thickness provides balance and structural strength.
Functional Features
Four short, sturdy tines designed for cutting through salad greens or pastry. The left tine is often slightly wider than the others to facilitate cutting without a knife.
Handle & Grip Details
Fiddleback-shaped silhouette with a comfortable flared grip. The handle is solid sterling silver, integrated directly with the tines (single-piece construction).
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent die-striking quality showing no ‘bleeding’ of the pattern. The tines are well-spaced and hand-finished at the tips for a smooth mouthfeel.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are deep and crisp; the weight feels substantial rather than 'tinny' as found in silver-plated fakes. The pattern detail is sharp, indicating it was struck from high-quality master dies.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island. This piece showcases American industrial silversmithing at its peak during the Gilded Age.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Belle Époque period. While introduced in 1897, the design reflects the Rococo Revival movement that remained popular through the early 20th century.
Age Estimate
Likely mid-20th century production (c. 1940-1960) based on the crispness of the stampings and the bright surface finish, though the pattern dates back to 1897.
Cultural Significance
Represents the late 19th-century American desire to emulate European aristocratic dining traditions. It symbolizes the rise of the American middle class and their investment in 'heirloom' silver services.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent condition. Minor surface scratches (patina) consistent with light use. Tips of the tines appear straight and sharp. No evidence of monogram removal or silver loss.
Value Estimate
$45 - $75 USD per individual fork. Prices fluctuate based on the current spot price of silver and the demand for secondary market replacement pieces.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; polish with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll to prevent sulfide tarnish. Avoid dishwasher use to prevent 'pitting'.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' (similar scrolls but less ornate), Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (more 3D/pierced), and Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (more fruit-heavy floral design).
Interesting Facts
The Strasbourg pattern was reportedly inspired by French silverware styles seen in the eponymous city. It is one of the top five most collected silver patterns in American history.