Gorham Manufacturing Co. Strasbourg Pattern Sterling Silver Round Platter/Chop Dish
Hollowware (Platter, Chop Dish, Serving Tray) · Gorham Manufacturing Company (Providence, Rhode Island). Founded in 1831, Gorham rose to become the premier American silversmith, known for producing the White House dining services and pioneering modern manufacturing techniques with high artistic standards.
Pattern: Strasbourg (introduced 1897). While most famous for its flatware, Gorham produced extensive hollowware lines in this pattern. It remains one of the most popular and enduring American silver patterns of all time due to its versatile Rococo revival design.
Type
Hollowware (Platter, Chop Dish, Serving Tray)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company (Providence, Rhode Island). Founded in 1831, Gorham rose to become the premier American silversmith, known for producing the White House dining services and pioneering modern manufacturing techniques with high artistic standards.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is solid sterling throughout, not plated. Estimated weight for this 12-inch size: 600-800 grams (approx. 19-25 troy oz).
Dimensions
Diameter: approximately 12 inches (standard chop dish size). Estimated Weight: 20-25 Troy Ounces. Height: approx. 1 inch deep.
Description
A classic example of American elegance, this Gorham Strasbourg round platter serves as a cornerstone piece for any formal dining set. The highly reflective well is framed by a complex, heavy rim of scrolls and shells that reference 18th-century French design. Its substantial weight and refined proportions make it a highly functional piece of serving art.
Key Features
The signature Strasbourg rim—a rhythmic sequence of scrolls and shell motifs—and the Gorham hallmark of exceptional weight-to-size ratio.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is solid sterling throughout, not plated. Estimated weight for this 12-inch size: 600-800 grams (approx. 19-25 troy oz).
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished well with a circular satin-finished center (likely updated or professionally buffed). The border features the signature Strasbourg scroll and shell motif with a heavy gadrooned edge. Style: Rococo Revival / Neo-Classical.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Reverse (not visible but guaranteed) will bear the Gorham lion-anchor-G marks, 'STERLING', and the pattern code '952'. Older pieces may feature a date letter (e.g., a 'Q' for 1884 or specific symbols for the 1890s-1930s).
Construction Details
Spun from a single flat sheet of sterling silver with a die-struck applied border. The center shows evidence of modern circular brushing, likely used to mask surface knife marks from actual use as a serving platter.
Functional Features
Wide flat well designed for serving meats, poultry, or cakes. The slightly raised border prevents juices from spilling. The heavy gauge of silver provides heat retention.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; designed as a circular platter with a wide reinforced rim for manual lifting.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The border is perfectly symmetrical with no visible seams where the die met the sheet, indicating superior finishing and polishing at the factory level.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic Gorham Strasbourg border scrollwork; consistency in die-strike depth; authentic reflection patterns characteristic of high-purity sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
U.S.A., Providence, Rhode Island. Manufactured in the Gorham factory using precision dies and high-grade silver refining.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (likely 1940-1960). While the pattern was introduced in late Victorian times (1897), the clean well and lack of hand-chased engraving suggest a mid-century production.
Age Estimate
c. 1950. The clarity of the strike on the border and the finish of the well are characteristic of Gorham\'s mid-century output.
Cultural Significance
Represents the peak of American middle-to-upper class formal dining traditions in the 20th century. Ownership of a Gorham hollowware piece in a registry pattern was a primary indicator of social status and home hospitality.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Light surface scratches (swirls) characteristic of silver polishing. A circular brushed finish in the center indicates previous professional refurbishment to remove heavy utensil scratches. No visible deep dents or rim deformities.
Value Estimate
$800 - $1,300 USD. Value is driven primarily by current silver spot price plus a premium for the highly collectible Strasbourg pattern and Gorham brand.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive cream like Wright\'s Silver Cream. Hand dry immediately with a soft cotton cloth to prevent water spots. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent oxidation. Avoid using as a cutting surface to preserve the finish.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. English King Round Platter (more ornate); Reed & Barton Francis I (more floral/fruit heavy); Wallace Grand Baroque (higher relief/more pierced looks).
Interesting Facts
The Strasbourg pattern was so popular that it was once the number-one registered bridal pattern in the United States and was famously gifted to high-ranking diplomats.