The Gorham Manufacturing Company is one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of flatware in the United States. They specialize in both silver products and products that have been coated in silver. In addition to that, they also have a foundry for bronze sculptures. Their flatware, whether silver or silver-plated, can be found in homes all over the world. Here?s more information about the Gorham Manufacturing Company:

History of the Gorham Manufacturing Company

Jabez Gorham, a master craftsman, founded the Gorham Manufacturing Company in 1831 in Providence, Rhode Island with his partner, Henry L. Webster. At the time, the company was called Gorham Silver and they primarily made spoons and silver coins, but they also made other silver products such as jewelry, thimbles, and combs. During these early years, the company was off to a good start, but didn?t become a household name until after Gorham retired. While Jabez Gorham was active with the company, Congress passed a tariff in 1842 that prevented foreign companies from importing silver products into the United States, which benefited the silver industry in the United States as a whole. However, it wasn?t until Jabez?s son, John, took over the company after Jabez retired that Gorham Silver took full advantage of this. Under John?s leadership, the company began to thrive. John Gorham implemented changes to the manufacturing process, which enabled them to improve their designs and expand their product line. The company has changed hands several times throughout its history. Today, it is owned by the Lenox Corporation and called the Gorham Manufacturing Company.

Gorham Secures Several High Profile Commissions

What sets the Gorham Manufacturing Company apart from other flatware and silver manufacturers is that they have been awarded several high-profile commissions throughout their long history. Mary Todd Lincoln purchased both a tea set and flatware from Gorham and used it while the Lincolns were in office. That set is now housed in the National Museum of American History. Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant commissioned Gorham to create a Century Vase for the 100-year anniversary of the United States. The company has also created a silver service for the USS Rhode Island battleship and George W. Bush and his family chose the Chantilly flatware as the pattern that they used on Air Force One. These commissions all played a part in helping Gorham become a household name. Now, Gorham flatware and silver is available to people all over the world. At Joseph Gann Jewelers, we have a great selection of their products, such as the Column, Melon Bud, and Valcourt patterns. View the product line here. We also carry Gorham sterling products such as the same Chantilly pattern that was found on Air Force One. You can find a full list of the sterling sets we offer here.