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Gorham silver is one of the most recognizable and respected names in American decorative arts. Known for its refined craftsmanship and long history of sterling and silverplated production, Gorham pieces are still found in households, antique shops, and estate collections across the country.
If you’re holding a piece of silver marked “Gorham,” knowing how to interpret the stamps or symbols on the back can help you understand exactly what you have—whether it’s a high-value sterling heirloom or a silverplated decorative item. This guide will walk through how to read those marks and how to tell the difference between types of Gorham silver.
Silver marks, often stamped on the underside or reverse of a piece, serve as vital identifiers for collectors, appraisers, and sellers. For Gorham items, these marks indicate whether a piece is made from solid sterling silver or is silverplated. They may also include date codes, production numbers, and hallmarks that place the piece within a specific timeframe or product line.
The key to identification lies in knowing what the common Gorham stamps look like and what they represent.
The first and most important step in identifying Gorham silver is determining whether the piece is sterling silver or silverplate.
Sterling items will be marked clearly with:
If the item lacks any mention of “sterling,” chances are it’s silverplated. Silverplated Gorham pieces often feature model or pattern numbers and may include a “YC” prefix (common in hollowware) or the word “EP” (electroplated). While still collectible, these items have a different value range than sterling.
One of Gorham’s most distinctive and historical identifiers is its hallmark trio:
This combination was often used on sterling silver flatware, hollowware, and serving pieces. These marks are typically grouped together in a row, followed by the word “STERLING” and, in some cases, a model or pattern number.
Pieces with these hallmarks are typically from the 1860s through the early 20th century and are often more desirable to collectors due to their age and craftsmanship.
In addition to the hallmark trio, Gorham used a variety of symbols and letters to represent production years between the late 1800s and mid-20th century. These can appear as:
While not every piece includes these, when present, they help date the item accurately. Reference charts available in collector guides or silverware databases can help decode these symbols if you're unsure.
Many Gorham pieces also include pattern identifiers or numerical codes. Flatware patterns like Chantilly, Fairfax, and Buttercup are well known and have been produced in both sterling and silverplate forms.
In hollowware, model numbers often begin with a prefix—such as “YC” (used for plated items)—followed by a four-digit code. Sterling items may include only the number or the word “STERLING” paired with it.
These pattern and code markings can help you identify the specific line or era of production, especially when cross-referenced with Gorham catalogs or trusted online pattern directories.
On older or well-used items, it’s not uncommon for silver marks to be worn down or partially obscured. In these cases:
Even if the mark isn’t fully visible, other details like weight, tarnish pattern, and design elements can offer clues about the piece’s origin and composition.
Gorham silver marks offer more than just a maker's stamp—they provide a window into the history, craftsmanship, and quality of each piece. Whether you're identifying an inherited serving spoon, evaluating a decorative bowl, or researching flatware for resale, learning to read these marks is essential.
With a little patience and attention to detail, you can uncover exactly what you’re holding—and potentially discover a piece of American silver history worth far more than you might expect.
