Gorham Narragansett Pattern Sterling Silver Asparagus Tongs
Flatware (Serving Piece - Specialized Tongs) · Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham is one of the most significant American silver manufacturers in history, renowned for high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs like the Narragansett and Martelé lines.
Pattern: Narragansett Pattern, introduced in 1884. This pattern is one of Gorham\'s most famous \'Naturalist\' designs, specifically celebrating marine life. It is highly sought after by collectors and is currently out of production.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece - Specialized Tongs)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham is one of the most significant American silver manufacturers in history, renowned for high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs like the Narragansett and Martelé lines.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). The piece is solid silver throughout with no base metals or mixed materials, characteristic of premium 19th-century American serving pieces.
Dimensions
Estimated at approximately 7.5 to 9 inches in length. Standard weight for these serves ranges from 120g to 180g (approx. 4-6 troy oz), providing a substantial, heavy feel in hand.
Description
An exquisite example of Gorilla\'s Narragansett pattern, these asparagus tongs represent the pinnacle of Victorian dining luxury. The design is a masterpiece of the Aesthetic Movement, featuring a literal sea-to-table motif where the silver appears to be encrusted with oceanic life. The intricate detail of the shells and aquatic plants winding up the handle creates a tactile and visual experience that is rarely matched in modern flatware.
Key Features
High-relief marine-themed decoration; the distinct Gorham hallmarks; the \'Copyrighted\' stamp; and the specialized three-tined tips designed specifically for asparagus stalks.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). The piece is solid silver throughout with no base metals or mixed materials, characteristic of premium 19th-century American serving pieces.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief casting and chasing in the Naturalist/Aesthetic Movement style. The decoration features realistic marine elements including shells, seaweed, and stylized foliate patterns. The finish is a combination of bright-polishing on highlights and oxidation in recessed areas to enhance the three-dimensional detail.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Gorham\'s three-part trademark: a lion passant (facing left), an anchor, and a Gothic letter \'G\'. The word \'STERLING\' is clearly stamped. It also features the stamp \'COPYRIGHTED\', which Gorham applied to their proprietary designs to prevent imitation.
Construction Details
Complex assembly featuring die-struck and cast elements. The distinct terminal (handle) is likely cast to achieve the deep three-dimensional relief, while the spring-loaded bow is forged to provide the necessary tension for functional use.
Functional Features
Single-piece construction with a U-shaped tension bow designed for picking up individual stalks of asparagus. The tines (end grips) are shaped like stylized leaves or seaweed fronds to maximize grip without damaging delicate food.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated solid sterling silver handles decorated with intricate shell and seaweed motifs. The grip is ergonomic but focused on decorative impact, with the repoussé work providing a natural non-slip surface.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional hand-finishing is evident in the chasing of the shells. The transition from the functional tines to the decorative handle is seamless, showing a level of quality control that was the hallmark of Gorham during its peak production years.
Authentication Indicators
Clear and centered Gorham hallmarks (Lion, Anchor, G); authentic \'Copyrighted\' stamp typeface; appropriate age-related wear in high-contact areas; and high-fidelity casting detail consistent with authentic 1880s Gorham production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Manufactured in the main Gorham factory, which at the time utilized some of the most advanced silversmithing techniques in the world, combining industrial efficiency with hand-finished artistry.
Era & Period
Victorian Era / Aesthetic Movement (late 19th Century). The design reflects the period\'s obsession with the natural world and Victorian dining etiquette, which required specialized tools for every food item.
Age Estimate
Circa 1885-1900. The \'Copyrighted\' stamp is a strong indicator of early production shortly after the pattern\'s 1884 introduction.
Cultural Significance
Illustrates the extreme specialization of Victorian social customs, where dining was a performance requiring specific silver implements for every conceivable dish, signifying the owner\'s wealth and etiquette knowledge.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent condition. The hallmarks are crisp, suggesting minimal over-polishing. Slight oxidation in the recesses is intentional to show detail. No visible stress cracks in the spring-bow or bent tines.
Value Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD. Value depends on current market demand for high-end Victorian serving pieces and the specific weight. This pattern remains one of the most profitable for sellers due to its crossover appeal to marine life enthusiasts.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap and warm water only. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright\'s or Hagerty. Avoid silver dips which strip away the intentional oxidation that gives the pattern its depth. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. \'Audubon\' or \'Chrysanthemum\'; Gorham \'Hispano-Moresque\'. While those patterns are also ornate, the Narragansett\'s specific marine focus is unique and generally commands a higher premium among specialized collectors.
Interesting Facts
The Narragansett pattern is considered one of the \'grand\' patterns of the American Gilded Age. Complete sets of Narragansett are rare, as pieces were often purchased individually as high-status gift items.