MENU
Whiting Manufacturing Company left a lasting mark on American silver design, and its pieces remain sought after for both craftsmanship and historical interest. Because the firm produced a wide range of flatware and hollowware over several decades, identifying Whiting sterling silver requires more than simply checking for a “sterling” stamp. Subtle details—hallmarks, design cues, and construction methods—provide valuable insight into whether a piece is truly Whiting.
Here’s how to recognize the real thing.
Most Whiting sterling can be identified by its hallmark, but the company used more than one version over the years. The hallmark most frequently associated with Whiting shows a lion facing right, a symbol that became widely recognized among American silver makers. Depending on the era, the lion may be paired with letters, pattern numbers, or a simple “sterling” stamp.
On earlier examples, the hallmark might appear lighter or slightly irregular due to hand striking. Later pieces often show cleaner, more consistent impressions. Because Whiting merged with Gorham in 1926, post-merger pieces may incorporate mixed hallmark styles, but pre-merger examples usually feature the firm’s traditional emblems.
Although numerous American manufacturers used the word “sterling,” Whiting’s application tended to be straightforward and proportional to the piece. The stamp typically appears:
The presence of “sterling” alone is not definitive proof of Whiting manufacture, but its style and placement can strengthen identification when considered alongside other factors.
Whiting’s design sensibilities were distinctive. Many pieces incorporate high-relief decorative work, scrolling borders, or naturalistic motifs such as florals, shell forms, or figural imagery. Even simpler patterns often include crisp edges and clean, elegant shaping.
Whiting was known for:
Comparing the design against documented Whiting patterns is often one of the most reliable ways to confirm authenticity, especially for pieces that have partially worn hallmarks.
The firm’s craftsmanship extended beyond surface design. Whiting silver tends to have a solid feel, even in lighter flatware forms. Handles are usually well-balanced, and spoon bowls or tines often show graceful shaping rather than mass-produced uniformity.
Hollowware pieces—bowls, pitchers, trays—may include:
These structural characteristics help distinguish genuine Whiting work from later reproductions or lower-grade pieces.
Authentic Whiting silver carries the visual hallmarks of age, but the type of wear matters. Natural patina, softened high points, and moderate polish loss are typical. However, excessive buffing can distort hallmarks, making identification more difficult.
Older pieces may show slight unevenness in decoration, reflecting hand craftsmanship. Perfect symmetry is less common in Whiting’s 19th-century output, whereas later American silvermakers often favored more uniform factory production.
Not every piece reveals its maker immediately. Hallmarks can fade, decorative elements may resemble those of contemporaries, and some pieces were produced in limited runs. When markings are incomplete, it often helps to examine:
Piecing together these clues often leads to a confident conclusion, even when the hallmark alone is not definitive.
Identifying Whiting sterling silver requires a combination of hallmark recognition, pattern familiarity, and an understanding of the company’s craftsmanship style. While the hallmark is an important starting point, the finer details—decoration, proportion, weight, and construction—often confirm what the stamp suggests. For collectors, sellers, or anyone assessing a piece of antique silver, learning these nuances makes the process far clearer and far more rewarding.
