Gorham Sterling Silver Bread and Butter Plate, Model 5750
Hollowware/Tableware (Bread and Butter Plate) · Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham is one of the most prolific and prestigious American silver firms, having served several White House administrations.
Pattern: Plain/Chippendale-Style minimalist line. This is a standard production piece (model number 5750) rather than a high-decoration collection like 'Chantilly' or 'Strasbourg'.
Type
Hollowware/Tableware (Bread and Butter Plate)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham is one of the most prolific and prestigious American silver firms, having served several White House administrations.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composed of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper alloy. Solid silver construction throughout.
Dimensions
Standard diameter for a bread and butter plate is approximately 6 inches (15 cm). Typical weight for this model ranges between 75 and 100 grams (approx. 2.4 - 3.2 troy ounces).
Description
A classic example of American utilitarian luxury. This Gorham sterling silver bread and butter plate features a clean, unadorned design that emphasizes the luster of the metal over ornate carving. Its architectural rim provides a subtle shadow line that complements both formal and modern table settings. As a model 5750, it represents the high-quality industrial silver production that made Gorham a household name in the 20th century.
Key Features
Distinctive Gorham punch-mark triptych (Lion-Anchor-G); Model number 5750; Wide flat rim; Deeply recessed well; Absence of monograms.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composed of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper alloy. Solid silver construction throughout.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with a simple recessed well and a stepped rim. Minimalist 'Plain' style typical of mid-century American silver. No floral or repoussé decoration; relies on geometric proportions.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear Gorham hallmarks: Lion (passant left), Anchor (Birmingham-inspired but refers to Providence), and Gothic G. Stamped 'GORHAM', 'STERLING', and the model/inventory number '5750'. There is no visible date symbol, suggesting a mid-20th century production.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck from a flat sheet of sterling silver. The precision of the concentric rings and the uniformity of the rim suggest industrial production rather than hand-raising.
Functional Features
Wide rim for easy handling; recessed center to hold butter and rolls. Designed to be stackable for efficient storage in service sets.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a rimmed plate without handles.
Craftsmanship Details
High industrial standard. Excellent symmetry and finish. While not hand-wrought, the quality of the die-striking ensures a heavy, substantial feel in the hand compared to modern lightweight silver.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are sharply struck and consistent with known Gorham corporate logos. Metal shows appropriate patina and scratches typical of genuine sterling rather than plated surfaces. Weight-to-thickness ratio appears correct.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island, at the Gorham factory which was the world's largest silver facility during its peak.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (post-war era). The design reflects the shift toward functionalism and 'modern' clean lines while retaining a nod to traditional colonial proportions.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The lack of specific year-indicator symbols (like the animals or symbols used by Gorham pre-1940) and the block lettering of 'GORHAM' point to this mid-century window.
Cultural Significance
Bread and butter plates became a standard part of American formal place settings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as etiquette evolved to separate bread from the main starch on the dinner plate.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface scratching ('knife marks') and utensil wear consistent with regular use. Moderate oxidation/tarnish spots visible on the underside. No distinct dents or warping visible in the image. Overall condition grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $125.00 USD. Value is largely driven by the 'melt value' of the silver weight plus a small premium for the Gorham brand name.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap and water. Polish with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cloth to remove oxidation. Avoid dishwasher use as high heat and detergents can pit the surface. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Windham' or 'Salem' plates; Towle 'Old Master' plates (though these often have more decorative borders); Gorham 'Puritan' line pieces.
Interesting Facts
Gorham's model numbering system (like 5750) was so extensive that researchers still use their catalogs to date specific design transitions. This plate is likely part of a 'service' that could have included up to 100 matching pieces.