Gorham 'Strasbourg' Pattern Sterling Silver Teaspoon or Place Spoon
Flatware (Spoon) · Gorham Manufacturing Company (Providence, Rhode Island). Founded in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, the company became the largest silver manufacturer in the world by the late 19th century and was the White House's official silver supplier during the Lincoln administration.
Pattern: 'Strasbourg' - Designed by William C. Codman and introduced in 1897. It is one of the most successful and popular flatware patterns in history, remaining in production for over a century due to its timeless appeal.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company (Providence, Rhode Island). Founded in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, the company became the largest silver manufacturer in the world by the late 19th century and was the White House's official silver supplier during the Lincoln administration.
Material
Sterling Silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper). This piece is solid sterling silver throughout.
Dimensions
Approximately 5.75 to 6.25 inches in length. Standard teaspoon weight for this pattern is typically between 30 and 38 grams.
Description
A quintessential example of American silversmithing excellence, this Gorham Strasbourg spoon captures the elegance of French Rococo design. The handle is bordered by intricate scrolls that flow into a classic shell motif at the tip and shoulder. The central cartouche provides a sense of balance to the ornate foliage, making it a staple of formal American dining tables for generations.
Key Features
Characteristic double-shell motif (at tip and shoulder), scrolled thread-border, and distinct 'fiddle' shape. The crispness of the shell ribs is a hallmark of Gorham's quality dies.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper). This piece is solid sterling silver throughout.
Finish & Decoration
Rococo Revival style featuring a scrolled border, shell motifs at the tip and shoulder, and delicate floral wreaths. The finish is classically polished with natural oxidation in the recessed areas (patina) to highlight the high-relief casting.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks likely located on the reverse of the handle: Gorham's hallmark (Lion passant, Anchor, and G), followed by 'STERLING', and potentially a date code (though post-1950 pieces often omit the date code).
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-finished. The pattern is stamped into the silver using heavy steel dies, a method Gorham perfected to achieve high detail and consistency across thousands of pieces.
Functional Features
Oval bowl for liquid consumption; flared handle for ergonomic grip; reinforced 'drop' or shoulder at the junction of the bowl and handle for structural integrity.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a wide 'fiddle-back' inspired flared tip and a tapered waist. The grip is heavily ornamented on the front with a smoother profile on the reverse for comfort.
Craftsmanship Details
Masterful die-cutting is evident in the symmetry of the scrolls. The 'bolster' where the handle meets the bowl is perfectly integrated, showing high-quality factory finishing and hand-buffing.
Authentication Indicators
Weight and thickness are consistent with Gorham's standard 'Regular' or 'Heavy' weight strike. The hallmark placement and font style match mid-century Gorham production. The pattern detail is crisp and not 'mushy' as seen in silverplate copies.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Providence, Rhode Island). Manufactured at the Gorham factory which utilized state-of-the-art steam power and mechanical presses.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Rococo Revival. Introduced at the end of the Victorian era (1897), it represents the shift toward highly ornate, romanticized historical revivals.
Age Estimate
Likely mid-20th century (c. 1940-1970). The sharpness of the die-striking and the surface color suggest a vintage production rather than a late 19th-century original or a modern 21st-century recast.
Cultural Significance
Represents the peak of American middle-class aspiration in the 20th century, where a complete set of Strasbourg sterling silver was a primary symbol of household status and domestic stability.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. There is heavy tarnish (sulfide buildup) in the bowl and handle crevices which can be removed. Minor surface micro-scratches consistent with use. No visible 'pitting' (corrosion) or disposal damage.
Value Estimate
$45 - $65 USD for a single teaspoon based on current secondary market prices. Factors include silver spot price and the presence of monograms (non-monogrammed pieces usually command a 10% premium).
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; polish with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid 'silver dips' which strip the protective patina from the recessed design. Use a soft horsehair brush to clean the intricate shell details.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' (simpler scroll, no shell), Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (more fruit/flower clusters), Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (full 3D piercing and depth).
Interesting Facts
Strasbourg was the choice of many famous families and was often gifted as wedding silver for over 100 years. It was so popular that Gorham produced it in several weights including extra-heavy 'Tudor' weight for high-end clientele.