19th Century Gorham Sterling Silver Pill Box - 1872 Date Mark

Description

Description
For your consideration is an antique sterling silver Gorham pill box with a repousse decorative lid.
The bottom is marked with the maker’s mark for the Gorham Company along with ‘STERLING’, ‘887’, and the Gorham date mark for 1872, making this sterling pill box 148 years old!
This would make a great addition to the collection of fine Gorham sterling items or pill boxes.
The Gorham Company as it exists today was originally founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, who had already been working as a silversmith since 1813, and Henry L. Webster. The firm’s chief product was silver spoons, although they also made thimbles, combs, jewelry, and other small items.
In 1842, a tariff which effectively blocked the importation of silverware from outside the U.S.
was
passed, which served as an impetus to the American silver industry.
Jabez Gorham did not take full advantage of this opportunity, but in 1847 Jabez retired and his son, John Gorham succeeded him as head of the company.
John Gorham was a man of notable foresight, he introduced mechanized production methods, enlarged the premises in downtown Providence, improved the designs, and expanded the product line.
In 1852, he toured many of Europe’s silver workshops and factories, speaking with individual specialists, including master craftsmen and toolmakers.
He also sought out highly skilled foreign workmen to train his American workers.
George Wilkinson, a premier designer and workshop manager, was hired from England.
During the heyday of American silver manufacturing, approximately 1850-1940, Gorham was highly influential.
The White House has used Gorham silver services during many administrations.
Mary Todd Lincoln purchased an impressive tea and flatware service for use in the White House in 1859.
Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant asked Gorham to commemorate the country’s one-hundredth anniversary in 1875 with a spectacular Century Vase that contained over 2000 ounces of sterling silver.
Among Gorham’s major trophy commissions are the America’s cup for yachting, the Davis Cup for tennis, and the Borg-Warner Trophy for the Indianapolis 500.
The company went through multiple partnerships, and in recent years was owned by Textron (1967-1988), Brown-Forman Corporation (1991-2005), and most recently Lenox/Department 56, who still owns the name today.
Condition
This 148 year old sterling pill box has a few shallow dings to the lid. Please review the photographs to form your opinion as to the condition.
Size
Height:
1.65 inches
Width:
0.89 inch
Weight:
13.9 grams
Terms of Buying
Before offering an item, we try our very best to find out as much information as possible about the item so we can give you accurate descriptions.
Opinions on the condition can vary, depending on the person giving it.
This is why we provide large, clear, and detailed photographs of the items.
We rely on you to take your time to read the description, study the pictures carefully and to ask questions in order to satisfy yourself that the item is up to your expectations before you place a bid.
If you have any questions regarding the item, simply contact us through the ‘ask seller a question’ at the top of the page.
We will do our best to answer your questions in a timely manner.
Payment & Shipping
A postage discount will be given, if possible, for multiple purchases made.
Please submit your payment within 2 days of purchase.
After your payment has been received, we will ship your item within 2 business days.
Return Policy
Most of the items we sell are antiques or vintage and have been used and enjoyed throughout the years.
Most pieces will show signs of wear.
Returns are accepted only in the unlikely event the item has been misrepresented.