Overview
The hallmarks (lion facing right, anchor, and 'G') definitively identify the maker as Gorham. The 'STERLING' stamp confirms the 925 silver standard.
Identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
The hallmarks (lion facing right, anchor, and 'G') definitively identify the maker as Gorham. The 'STERLING' stamp confirms the 925 silver standard.
Story
Towle Silversmiths introduced the Old Colonial pattern in 1895. It remains one of their most enduring and recognizable antique designs, featuring a distinctive pierced handle and traditional colonial revival motifs that were highly popular at the turn of the 20th century. The market for antique sterling flatware is heavily stratified. Complete, unmonogrammed sets in popular patterns command strong premiums, while mixed-monogram or odd-numbered partial sets (like this 13-piece lot) trade primarily on their intrinsic silver weight.
Maker / Origin
Gorham
Condition & Value
The spoons are in good vintage condition with light tarnish and minor surface scratches consistent with normal use. The primary condition factor impacting value is the mixed monogram state (six 'S', one 'E', and six blank), which prevents the lot from being marketed as a cohesive, uniform service.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The market for antique sterling flatware is heavily stratified. Complete, unmonogrammed sets in popular patterns command strong premiums, while mixed-monogram or odd-numbered partial sets (like this 13-piece lot) trade primarily on their intrinsic silver weight. However, highly recognizable patterns like Towle's Old Colonial maintain steady demand from buyers looking to replace lost pieces or expand their family sets.
▲ Confirmed total weight of 329 grams establishes a strict intrinsic silver melt floor (~$290-$300).
▲ Towle's Old Colonial is a highly recognizable and actively collected 1895 pattern.
▲ Six of the spoons are unmonogrammed, making them highly liquid as single replacements.
▼ Mixed monograms (6 'S', 1 'E', 6 blank) prevent the set from commanding a premium as a cohesive service.
▼ An odd number of spoons (13) is less desirable for buyers seeking standard 8- or 12-piece place settings.
Best Venue
Given the mixed monograms, this set is best marketed to replacement matching services or on platforms like eBay as individual or small-batch replacements. Selling the six unmonogrammed spoons as a distinct lot, and the monogrammed ones individually, will likely yield the highest return. For a faster, single-transaction sale, listing the entire lot of 13 just above the silver melt value ($350) will attract immediate buyer interest.
Upside Potential
If the six unmonogrammed spoons are polished and sold individually to buyers specifically seeking Old Colonial replacements, the combined piecemeal total could reach or slightly exceed the $450 high estimate.