Gorham Manufacturing Co. Chantilly Pattern Sterling Silver Teaspoon, Rettailed by Tilden-Thurber Co.
Flatware - Teaspoon · Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831, Gorham rose to become one of the world's most influential and largest silversmithing firms, known for outfitting the White House and pioneering high-quality mass production in sterling silver.
Pattern: Chantilly pattern, designed by William C. Codman in 1895. It is arguably the most famous and best-selling sterling silver flatware pattern of all time. It remains in production today through Gorham (now a brand under the Lifetime Brands umbrella).
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831, Gorham rose to become one of the world's most influential and largest silversmithing firms, known for outfitting the White House and pioneering high-quality mass production in sterling silver.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). The piece is solid silver throughout, typical of high-quality American flatware of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size, approximately 5.75 to 6 inches in length. Weight is estimated between 25 and 32 grams, consistent with standard-weight Chantilly teaspoons.
Description
A classic example of American silver excellence, this Gorham Chantilly teaspoon features the graceful flowing lines and French-inspired scrolls that made the pattern a staple of bridal registries for over a century. The inclusion of the Tilden-Thurber jeweler's stamp provides a wonderful piece of Providence, RI history, linking the maker and its most prominent local retailer.
Key Features
Diagnostic fleur-de-lis at the neck and terminal, 'Lion-Anchor-G' hallmarks, 'Tilden-Thurber' retailer stamp, and the 1895 patent date.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). The piece is solid silver throughout, typical of high-quality American flatware of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish on the bowl with high-relief chased-style decoration. The pattern is a masterpiece of Neoclassical and Louis XV Rococo revival, featuring delicate scrolling fleur-de-lis, scalloped edges, and slender foliate motifs. It includes a monogrammed cartouche at the terminal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse of the handle shows the Gorham 'Lion, Anchor, G' trademark, the word 'STERLING', and a 'PAT. 1895' date code. It also bears the retailer's mark 'TILDEN-THURBER CO.', a luxury Providence, RI jeweler, and a small date code 'V' in a circle.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a single piece of sterling silver. The sharp, crisp details of the scrolls and the high-relief definition are characteristic of Gorham’s industry-leading heavy-duty drop-press technology during the Gilded Age.
Functional Features
Ovoid-shaped bowl designed for tea service or dessert use. The slender neck provides flexibility, while the weighted terminal ensures balance in the hand.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling handle integrated into the neck. The ergonomics are characterized by a 'pinched' neck and a flaring, decorative terminal that provides a secure grip for dainty dining movements.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent factory craftsmanship. The die work is high-quality, showing no 'mushing' of the fine lines. The hand-engraved monogram shows a level of personalization common in high-end turn-of-the-century silver.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the official Gorham trademark combined with the 1895 patent date and the specific retailer stamp are definitive proof of authenticity. The depth of the die-striking is consistent with original Gorham production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Manufactured in the massive Gorham factory complex, which was a hub of industrial silver innovation.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Gilded Age. While introduced in 1895, the design reflects the refined Rococo Revival aesthetic that dominated high-society American dining rooms during the turn of the century.
Age Estimate
The 'V' date mark suggests a production year of 1889, but since the pattern and patent mark are 1895, this specific piece likely dates to the early 20th century, circa 1900-1920, given the retailer's association.
Cultural Significance
Chantilly represents the democratization of luxury in America, where a massive middle class could own the same patterns as the Vanderbilts and Astors due to Gorham's efficient but high-quality manufacturing.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. There is light surface scratching consistent with age and polishing. The hallmarks remain crisp. Tarnish is minimal. The monogram is original to the piece.
Value Estimate
$30.00 - $55.00 USD. Retailer marks like Tilden-Thurber can slightly increase value for local Rhode Island collectors, though Chantilly is common on the secondary market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid automatic dishwashers, which can pit the silver. Store in a Pacific silver cloth roll to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Wallace Grand Baroque (more ornate/heavy), Tiffany English King (more formal), or Gorham Strasbourg (similar scrolls but more angular).
Interesting Facts
The Chantilly pattern was chosen by many First Ladies for use in the White House and on the Sequoia presidential yacht. It was originally designed to compete with high-end French imports.