Gorham Chantilly Sterling Silver Scalloped Shell Bonbon Bowl
Hollowware (Bonbon or Nut Bowl) · Gorham Manufacturing Co. of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831, Gorham became the world’s largest silver manufacturer, known for high-quality craftsmanship and being the official supplier to the White House during various periods.
Pattern: Chantilly; introduced in 1895. Designed by William C. Codman, it is the most popular sterling silver pattern in the world and remains in limited production today.
Type
Hollowware (Bonbon or Nut Bowl)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Co. of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831, Gorham became the world’s largest silver manufacturer, known for high-quality craftsmanship and being the official supplier to the White House during various periods.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition without weighted base.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 5 to 6 inches; estimated weight between 100 to 180 grams (3.2 to 5.8 troy ounces) depending on the specific gauge used for this diameter.
Description
An elegant example of Gorham's hollowware, this bonbon dish epitomizes the Chantilly collection's refined curves. The piece features a dramatic shell form with deep radial fluting that catches the light across its polished sterling surface, creating a transition of highlights and shadows.
Key Features
Distinctive Gorham silver marks; deep fluting consistent with the shell-motif aesthetics of the Chantilly line; heavy gauge sterling construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition without weighted base.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with heavy lobed scalloping. The interior features deep radiating flutes that mimic a natural scallop shell. The decoration is Neoclassical/Rococo Revival in style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The image clearly shows the Gorham 'Lion-Anchor-G' logo: a Lion Passant (left), an Anchor (center), and an Old English 'G' (right). The letter 'C' in the center typically denotes a specific size or production series within the Chantilly hollowware line.
Construction Details
Die-struck and pressed from a single heavy sheet of sterling silver, then finished with machine-buffed polishing. The scalloped edges are likely hand-trimmed.
Functional Features
Deep lobed fluting designed to hold small confections, nuts, or mints. The stable base is integrated into the shell undulating form.
Handle & Grip Details
This specific piece is a bowl without handles, relying on the flared rim for lifting.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional die-striking displaying no thinning in the deep grooves; hallmarks are well-positioned and legible, indicating high quality control standards at the Gorham factory.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Gorham hallmarks (Lion-Anchor-G) are crisply struck and consistent with 20th-century tool stamps. The luster and color are characteristic of high-quality .925 sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Manufactured at the Gorham master facility which utilized advanced mechanical presses combined with traditional hand-finishing.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Early 20th Century. While based on an 1895 design, this specific bowl style was a staple of early 1900s American dining service.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900–1940. The crispness of the Gorham marks suggests a production date in the first half of the 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of American middle-class 'Sunday dining' etiquette, where specific dishes like bonbon bowls were required for formal dessert courses.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. Visible light surface 'cleaning' scratches (swirls) typical of silver care. No deep gouges, dents, or edge warping are visible in the photo.
Value Estimate
$150 - $275 USD. Value depends on the current spot price of silver and the specific weight of the item, plus a premium for the desirable Chantilly pattern.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive polish like Hagerty's or Wright's Silver Cream. Hand dry with a soft microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or Pacific Silvercloth wrap.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. fluted nut bowls (more angular fluting) or Reed & Barton Francis I shell dishes (which feature more ornate fruit and floral motifs).
Interesting Facts
The Chantilly pattern was chosen by Mary Todd Lincoln and has been used on Air Force One. It is widely considered the most successful silver pattern ever produced.