Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 18
Gorham
Circa 1888

This monumental American sterling silver flatware service by Gorham epitomizes the stately glamour of turn-of-the-century dining. A total of 764 pieces in the beloved Versailles pattern comprise this extraordinary service. From the multitudinous teaspoons to the servers and dinner knives, the flatware’s intricate Victorian design incorporates both Rococo and neoclassical elements, emulating the timeless luxury of Louis XIV of France's Palace of Versailles.

The Gorham Manufacturing Company, founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 1831, would become one of America's largest producers of sterling silver and silverplate, as well as a foundry for bronze sculpture. Among the most recognized and coveted patterns in the world, the Versailles pattern was created and patented in 1888 by Gorham’s chief designer Antoine Heller, who was highly influenced by neoclassical artist Jean-Léon Gérôme. Hired by Gorham in 1881, he set about sculpting some of the most beautiful and intricate flatware patterns ever created. Heller’s artistry and craftsmanship allow each piece to be celebrated as a small work of art.

The flatware service is housed in its fitted chest.

The flatware service includes:
36 entrée forks
36 luncheon forks
36 fish forks
36 salad forks
36 oyster forks
36 strawberry forks
36 ice cream forks
36 tablespoons
36 bouillon spoons
36 demitasse spoons
36 orange spoons
36 dessert spoons
54 gumbo spoons
72 teaspoons
36 entrée knives
36 luncheon knives
36 fish knives
18 dessert knives
36 butter spreaders
44 assorted servers, including:
Asparagus server
Fish server
Fish fork
Cold meat fork
Cheese fork
Honing steel
Large carving set
Carving set
Pickle fork
Master butter
Butter pick
Sardine fork
Ice cream slice
Cake saw
Salad serving set
Pie server
Olive spoon
3 Master salt spoons
Sugar tongs
Cheese scoop
Mustard spoon

Chest on base: 42 1/4" high x 36 1/2" wide x 25 1/2" deep
Off base: 19 5/8" high