Gorham Manufacturing Co. Sterling Silver Wine Coaster
Hollowware (Wine Coaster) · Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, it became the most influential American silver firm, known for high-quality production and outfitting the White House.
Pattern: Classic Georgian Style Plain Rim (Pattern No. 2780/1); Introduction likely late 19th or early 20th century; currently a highly sought-after retired secondary market staple.
Type
Hollowware (Wine Coaster)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, it became the most influential American silver firm, known for high-quality production and outfitting the White House.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) rim and body with a turned wood base (typically mahogany or teak) and a central silver boss/baize underside.
Dimensions
Standard wine coaster size: approximately 5.5 to 6 inches in diameter and 1.5 to 2 inches in height. Silver weight is typically 2-4 troy ounces excluding the wood base.
Description
An elegant and functional piece of Mid-Century American silver, this wine coaster by Gorham exemplifies the marriage of utility and luxury. Its clean lines and absence of heavy ornamentation make it compatible with both antique and modern table settings, while the warm mahogany-toned wood base provides a beautiful contrast to the cool brilliance of the high-purity sterling silver.
Key Features
Signature Gorham 'Lion-Anchor-G' hallmarks; rolled sterling silver rim; turned wood base; versatile minimalist design.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) rim and body with a turned wood base (typically mahogany or teak) and a central silver boss/baize underside.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish finish. Minimalist Neoclassical aesthetic featuring a rolled rim and plain, unornamented sides designed to showcase the metal's luster.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Gorham pictorial marks: The 'Lion' (passant to left), 'Anchor' (symbolizing Rhode Island/Providence), and the Gothic letter 'G' (for Gorham). These are often accompanied by the word 'Sterling' and a pattern number.
Construction Details
Machine-spun silver rim with a rolled top edge. The silver is secured to the turned wood base via a recessed flange or high-quality adhesive/tension fit.
Functional Features
Designed to hold a wine bottle to prevent condensation or drips from damaging a wood table. Features a sturdy wood base for stability and a velvet or baize lining on the bottom to prevent scratching.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Cylindrical coaster form).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The roll of the rim is perfectly uniform, and the hallmark strike is of superior quality, indicating a well-maintained die and high-grade silver stock.
Authentication Indicators
Genuine Gorham hallmarks display proper proportions and depth. The spacing between the Lion, Anchor, and G is consistent with known 20th-century dye-stamps. Wear is consistent with a genuine table object of this age.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, USA; mass-produced using semi-automated spinning and die-striking techniques characteristic of Gorham's mid-century dominance.
Era & Period
Modernist or Late Colonial Revival (Mid-20th Century). Influenced by Georgian designs but produced using 20th-century industrial precision.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The hallmarking style and the crispness of the stamp indicate mid-century production before the brand's later consolidation.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war American 'Cocktail Culture' and formal dining boom, where silver accessories were essential status symbols for the burgeoning middle and upper classes.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The silver shows minor surface 'glitter' or micro-scratches consistent with light use. The hallmarks are exceptionally crisp and well-struck. The wood base appears intact with no signs of warping.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Price varies based on the specific rarity of the pattern number and the current spot price of silver.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash only with mild soap; never submerge the wood base in water. Polish only the metal with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. plain wine coasters (more expensive, often different wall thickness); Reed & Barton silver-plated variants (lighter and lacks hallmarks); English Georgian originals (hand-raised with assay marks).
Interesting Facts
Gorham's 'Lion-Anchor-G' mark was specifically designed to mimic the appearance of British hallmarks to evoke an air of prestige and historical pedigree for the American consumer.