Whiting No 1 Sterling, 1885

Whiting No 1 Sterling is an American sterling silver flatware pattern, produced 1885–Present, identified by the mark WDSNO1.

MakerWhiting
PatternWhiting No 1 Sterling
Mark struckWDSNO1
Period1885–Present
RegionAmerican
TypeFlatware pattern
Whiting No 1 Sterling, 1885 hallmark, WDSNO1

What does the “WDSNO1” mark mean?

The Whiting No. 1 Sterling pattern, introduced in 1885 and continued in various reissues, is a classic late–19th-century Whiting design known for its clean, traditional silhouette. The handle features a straight, gently tapering form with a softly rounded tip, framed by a narrow raised border that gives the piece definition without elaborate ornament. This simplicity is characteristic of many early Whiting patterns, which favored well-proportioned shapes and crisp die-struck construction over heavy decoration. The example shown corresponds to internal code WDSNO1, a Whiting/Gorham catalog reference used for later pattern tracking. Pieces in this pattern are crafted in solid sterling silver and often appear without additional engraving, making them versatile for both formal and everyday table settings. Overall, Whiting No. 1 Sterling remains appreciated for its timeless, straightforward design, strong craftsmanship, and its place among Whiting’s earliest numbered patterns.

What is Whiting sterling silver worth?

SebastianCharles Auctions catalogues and sells Whiting sterling silver at auction from our gallery at 5263 Edina Industrial Blvd, Edina, Minnesota. Value depends on the individual piece and its condition, and on the number of place settings in a flatware service. Send photographs of the mark and the piece for a free auction estimate, or call (612) 280-1377. Formal written appraisals are billed hourly from $150, with most reports delivered within two weeks.

Other Whiting marks and patterns