Gorham 'Strasbourg' Gold-Washed Sterling Silver Cream Ladle
Flatware - Serving Piece (Cream/Sauce Ladle) · Gorham Manufacturing Co. of Providence, Rhode Island; founded in 1831, the company became the largest silver manufacturer in the world by the late 19th century and was a primary supplier to the White House.
Pattern: Strasbourg pattern, introduced in 1897; designed by William C. Codman, it is one of the most successful and enduring scroll-and-shell patterns in American silver history.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (Cream/Sauce Ladle)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Co. of Providence, Rhode Island; founded in 1831, the company became the largest silver manufacturer in the world by the late 19th century and was a primary supplier to the White House.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with a Vermeil (gold wash) interior bowl to protect against acidic fruit or dairy content; solid silver construction.
Dimensions
Approximately 5.5 to 6 inches in length; estimated weight between 25-35 grams (roughly 1 troy ounce); traditional size for cream or small sauce service.
Description
This elegant cream ladle is a quintessential example of American Gilded Age craftsmanship. The 'Strasbourg' pattern's fluid lines and elegant shell-shaped bowl evoke the opulence of 18th-century France. The interior of the bowl retains its soft gold glow, creating a beautiful contrast with the rich, dark oxidation of the silver handle.
Key Features
Deep scalloped shell bowl; distinctive beaded border that flows into scroll motifs; high-contrast vermeil interior; hallmark 'Strasbourg' terminal.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with a Vermeil (gold wash) interior bowl to protect against acidic fruit or dairy content; solid silver construction.
Finish & Decoration
Rococo Revival style with heavy oxidation to highlight the scrollwork; features a scalloped shell-form bowl and a handle bordered by beading and acanthus leaf terminal scrolls.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the reverse with the Gorham hallmark (lion passant, anchor, and 'G'), followed by 'STERLING' and the pattern name or year code; high-resolution image suggests deep, factory-struck marks.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a single piece of sterling silver sheet; the bowl is drop-forged to create the crisp shell fluting and scalloped edge.
Functional Features
Deeply curved bowl for efficient scooping; the gold-wash liner functions as a chemical barrier against sulfur in eggs or acids in sauces, preventing tarnish.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with an ergonomic flared terminal; features deep chasing that provides a non-slip texture for the thumb.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior industrial manufacturing; the die-work shows extraordinary detail in the beads and scrolls, characteristic of Gorham’s peak production period.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic Gorham die-striking depth; authentic pattern flow from bolster to tip; standard wear patterns on the back of the bowl where it rests on a surface.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island, utilizing industrial age die-striking technology combined with hand-finishing.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Gilded Age (introduced 1897); reflects the turn-of-the-century American obsession with French Rococo aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1940 based on the crispness of the pattern and the heavy gold wash, which was more prevalent in earlier production runs.
Cultural Significance
Represents the formal dining etiquette of the late 19th century, where specialized pieces like cream ladles were required for proper social presentation in middle and upper-class homes.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition; showing moderate tarnish consistent with age (sulfide buildup in crevices), intact gold wash, and no visible dents or 'flea bites' on the bowl rim.
Value Estimate
$45 - $85 USD depending on weight and localized silver market prices; pieces with intact gold washing command the higher end of the range.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap; use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's for the handle, but avoid aggressive polishing of the gold-wash interior to prevent wearing through the thin gold layer.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' (often confused but lacks the beaded border); Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (more dimensional and pierced); International 'Fairfax' (simpler and more linear).
Interesting Facts
The Strasbourg pattern was so popular that Gorham offered it in hundreds of different specialized serving pieces, ranging from asparagus tongs to cucumber servers.