Mid-Century Hammered Sterling Silver Beaker/Tankard by Gorham
Hollowware (Tankard/Beaker) · Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham is one of the most significant American silver manufacturers in history, known for high-quality craftsmanship and aesthetic innovation.
Pattern: Hammered Finish Collection, Pattern Number 1236. These hammered designs were popularized by the Arts & Crafts movement and maintained popularity through the mid-20th century as minimalist modern classics.
Type
Hollowware (Tankard/Beaker)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham is one of the most significant American silver manufacturers in history, known for high-quality craftsmanship and aesthetic innovation.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is solid sterling silver, not plated. The interior finish suggests high-quality polishing to a mirror sheen.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 4.5 to 5.5 inches with a rim diameter of approximately 3 inches. Estimated weight is between 150 to 250 grams (approx. 4.8 to 8 troy ounces) based on standard tankard specifications.
Description
This Gorham sterling silver tankard is a masterclass in texture and form. The exterior is finished with a rhythmic hand-hammered pattern that provides a tactile contrast to the sleek, high-polish interior. Eschewing the ornate floral motifs of the Victorian era, this piece represents the sophisticated industrial design of mid-century America, where the quality of the material and the evidence of the maker's hand serve as the primary ornament.
Key Features
Planished (hammered) surface; Gorham Lion-Anchor-G hallmark; pattern number 1236; heavy-gauge sterling silver construction; clean minimalist handle.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is solid sterling silver, not plated. The interior finish suggests high-quality polishing to a mirror sheen.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered finish with a bright-cut or mirror-polished interior. The decoration is minimalist and textural, relying on the 'planished' surface (visible hammer marks) to catch the light. This style is consistent with the late Arts & Crafts or Modernist movement.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The rim is stamped with the Gorham hallmark (Lion passant facing right, Anchor, and Gothic letter G), followed by 'STERLING', the pattern number '1236', and 'MADE IN U.S.A.' The marks are clean and die-struck.
Construction Details
Spun or raised body with a soldered handle and a reinforced rim. The hammered texture is applied by hand after the initial form is shaped to provide structural strength and aesthetic appeal.
Functional Features
Single handle for drinking, flared rim for ease of pouring or sipping, and a flat, stable base. The interior is smooth to prevent liquid from clinging to the hammered indentations.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated sterling silver handle, likely hollow-form for weight balance, soldered to the main body at two points. The handle appears to have a sleek, flat-sided geometric profile.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior craftsmanship is evident in the uniformity of the hammer marks and the seamless soldering of the handle. Many 'hammered' pieces from lower-tier makers are cast to look hammered; this piece shows genuine planished work.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep Gorham factory stamps; 'Sterling' designation consistent with U.S. hallmarking laws; weight-bearing construction typical of genuine Gorham hollowware; consistent planished texture.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Manufactured in the main Gorham plant, which utilized a blend of specialized hand-work (hammering) and industrial precision.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century Modern (c. 1940-1960). While the hammered style originated earlier, the font of the 'MADE IN U.S.A.' stamp and the clean '1236' numbering are characteristic of Gorham’s mid-century output.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The clarity of the stamps and the specific industrial 'Made in USA' typeface suggest the post-WWII era when Gorham standardized their export and domestic markings.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American shift from European-inspired ornate silver toward a more 'Modernist' aesthetic that emphasized material honesty and simple, functional lines.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition based on the internal view. Light surface tarnish is visible around the stamped rim. No significant dents or deep scratches are apparent. The stamps remain crisp and legible.
Value Estimate
$250.00 – $450.00. Value depends largely on the weight of the silver and the current spot price, with a premium for the Gorham brand and the desirable hammered texture.
Care & Maintenance
Polish by hand using a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid automated dishwashers which can pit the silver. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent tarnish when not in use.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. hammered beakers (usually higher priced), Reed & Barton 'Burgundy' (more ornate), or International Silver Co. 'Royal Danish' hollowware (different handle style).
Interesting Facts
Gorham is famous for creating the 1,000-piece 'White House' silver service for Mary Todd Lincoln and the Borg-Warner Trophy for the Indianapolis 500. Pattern 1236 was a popular gift item for weddings and christenings during the mid-century.