Gorham Manufacturing Co. Chantilly Pattern Sterling Silver Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon · Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831, Gorham is one of the world's most prestigious silver manufacturers, known for providing services to the White House and pioneering innovative manufacturing techniques.
Pattern: Chantilly pattern, designed by William C. Codman and introduced in 1895. It is the most popular sterling silver flatware pattern ever produced.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831, Gorham is one of the world's most prestigious silver manufacturers, known for providing services to the White House and pioneering innovative manufacturing techniques.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length approximately 5.75 to 6 inches. Estimated weight is between 25 and 32 grams per piece.
Description
The Gorham Chantilly teaspoon is a masterpiece of American silver design. Inspired by the Rococo style of the French court, it features a fluid, shell-like scrollwork that frames the handle. Its graceful silhouette and balanced weight make it the quintessential example of American fine dining flatware.
Key Features
Distinctive fleur-de-lis motif at the neck where the bowl meets the handle, scrolling border edge, and the characteristic 'STERLING' vertical stamp on the narrowest part of the handle.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout.
Finish & Decoration
Features a French-inspired Louis XV Rococo style with scrolling edges, fleur-de-lis motifs, and a central cartouche. The finish is a classic mirror polish with oxidized recesses to highlight the intricate detail.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse of the handle is stamped with the word STERLING. While the Gorham 'Lion-Anchor-G' logo is not fully visible in this specific photo angle, it would typically be located adjacent to the sterling mark on the upper neck.
Construction Details
Manufactured using high-pressure die-striking from heavy-gauge silver. This process produces a high-relief design with consistent detail across both sides of the handle.
Functional Features
Features an oval-shaped bowl with a slightly tapered tip for ease of use. The handle is solid sterling for durability and balance.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle integrated into the bowl construction. The handle features a flared, scalloped end with an ornate Rococo scroll border.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent die-quality with crisp borders. The transition from the handle to the bowl is seamless, showcasing Gorham's superior industrial finishing standards.
Authentication Indicators
Deeply struck 'STERLING' mark, high-definition die-work in the scroll pattern, and appropriate wear patterns on the back of the bowl tip.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, United States. Manufactured at the Gorham factory, which was known for its high-quality industrial silver production.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Early Edwardian (introduced 1895). The design reflects the mid-late 19th-century fascination with French Rococo Revival styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1950. The clarity of the stamp and the specific patina suggest a mid-20th-century or earlier production date.
Cultural Significance
Chantilly represents the pinnacle of middle-class aspirational silver in the 20th century; it was the 'standard' bridal registry choice for generations of American families.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Shows light surface scratches (swirls) and moderate tarnish commensurate with age. There is a visible monogram in the central cartouche ('M' or 'W'), which is common for this period.
Value Estimate
$35.00 - $65.00 for a single teaspoon, depending on weight and the presence of a monogram.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid chemical dips which can strip the intentional oxidation in the pattern's crevices. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Wallace Grand Baroque (more ornate/heavy), Tiffany & Co. Shell and Thread (more restrained), and Reed & Barton Francis I (fruit/floral clusters).
Interesting Facts
Chantilly has been used on Air Force One and in the White House during multiple administrations. It is estimated that more than 2 million pieces of Chantilly have been sold since its inception.