Snippets of Information Regarding the Gorham Company

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Former Employe of the Gorham Mfg. Co. Charged with Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses

Providence, R. I., Oct. 26.–Winfield C. Patt, 33 years of age, of 143 Superior St., who formerly held a responsible position as foreman of one of the departments of the Gorham Mfg. Co., was held for action of the grand jury in bonds of $1,000, last Tuesday morning, when he waived examination in the Sixth District Court, before Judge Gorham, on a charge of obtaining $641.39 from that corporation through false names.

Bernard M. Goldowsky, of the Jewelers' Protective Association, who caused Patt's arrest, stated to the court that the prisoner admitted that he had used the name of Gustaf Johnson, a former employe of the Gorham company, in collecting pay for the man, although he did not work there.

According to the private detective, Gustaf Johnson left the employ of the Gorham Mfg. Co. on Dec. 16, 1916. On June 19, 1917, Patt is alleged to have sent the office of the Gorham company a card bearing Johnson's name, with "reinstated" written across the card. Patt is accused of diverting pay by means of this card until Dec 1, 1917, while Mr. Johnson was working for another concern. Patt continued in the employ of the Gorham company until Sept. 10, last, when he obtained a position elsewhere.

Last Monday afternoon, at the instance of Mr. Goldowsky, Patt was requested to call at the office of the Gorham company on a pretext of straightening out a minor matter. Here he was questioned by Mr. Goldowsky, but at first denied all knowledge of the affair, although later he is said to have admitted the charge. He was arrested by Headquarters Sergeant Rattigan and locked up at the Central Station.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 30th October 1918

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WORLD'S FAIR - CHICAGO-1893

Disposition of the Jewelry Exhibits After the Fair

Chicago, Ill., Oct. 28.–The question of what would become of all the grand exhibits collected under the roof of the various great buildings is one that each visitor has many times asked himself during the closing week of the great Fair. Regret is everywhere heard that so marvelous a display of man's and woman's handiwork should pass into a mere matter of history and visionary plans for its perpetuation have crowded fast upon the minds of many. It is a pity to see the glorious spectacle pass from sight and more's the pity that concerted action can not be had looking toward the establishment of a permanent exhibit of the lines of manufacturing jewelers in New York city.

Gorham Mfg. Co.:–The stock goes to Providence for refinishing where necessary, and thence to the New York salesrooms, where it will lie installed in the World's Fair cases on the third floor. The medallions on the walls between the arches will be presented to one of the art museums in Chicago, the decorated arches will be sent to New York and the balance of the beautiful pavilion destroyed.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 1st November 1893

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There has just been finished at the works of the Gorham Manufacturing Company a bronze statue representing a sitting figure of "Rest." The statue has been made for Oliver Ames of New York and is to be erected at North Easton, Mass. In the right hand is held an inverted torch, and in the left, which is resting on one knee, is a bunch of poppies. The Gorham Company has also just completed a bell for the battleship New Orleans. The bell was cast in brass at the McShane Bell Founding Company, in order that it would have the sound required by the government, and was oxidized at the Gorham works. The bell was designed by W.C. Codman of the company.

Source: The Jewelers' Review - 3rd May 1899

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One learns from Washington that the Treasury Department 'has warned collectors of customs to keep a lookout for antique silverware imported from abroad. Under the aw, articles manufactured prior to 1700 are classed as antiquities, and are admitted to this country free of duty. The Gorham Manufacturing Company, of New York, has filed complaint with the Treasury that many articles of silverware manufactured in imitation of old silverware are now being imported into this country as antique silver, and the public is being thus imposed upon and the Government robbed of its just revenue. The Treasury, for the protection of the revenue, has therefore directed that the closest inspection of imported silverware be made at all the principal eastern ports. The silverware, it is said, manufactured in imitation is sold in the markets at figures much higher than silverware of recent manufacture, and, as it comes in free of duty, those engaged in the fraudulent business are reaping a harvest from the ignorant and unsuspicious. As the Treasury Department must have some facts to work on, - it ought to make public the names of the specific swindlers to whom it calls attention so pointedly.

Source: The Art Collector - July 1895

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A REMARKABLE RECORD

William H. Whipp Retires From Service With Gorham Mfg. Co. After Over Fifty Years Association





Providence, R.I., Nov. 1 :- More than half-a century's continuous service with one concern is a record that can be claimed by comparatively few men, yet it is the proud boast of William H. Whipp, who retired Saturday noon after 52 years' continuous service with Gorham Mfg. Co. In recognition of his long service, more than 150 of his associates with that corporation tendered him a reception and banquet at the rooms of the Turk's Head Club in the Turk's Head building, this city, this evening.

The tables were appropriately decorated and at each plate was a unique souvenir program and menu which was designed and printed at the Gorham printing department. The covers were in grass green bearing a natural ivy leaf in variegated autumnal colors that had been taken from the vines that cover the building at the Gorham plant in Elmwood. Inside was a fine photo of Mr. Whipp, while poetic quotations gave "pep" to the occasion. After a beefsteak supper had been discussed, C. W. Clissold assumed charge as toastmaster and introduced the post-prandial exercises, which consisted of selections by the Gorham Orchestra, Wallace Bush, accompanist; solo by William J. McKenna, 'cello solo by J. Bowering. solo by William Robinson, reading by Charles Rees, solo by John L. Goodwin.

In opening the exercises Toastmaster Clissold spoke of Mr. Whipp's long record with the company. Mr. Whipp was born in Lancashire, England, Nov. 1. 1844. so that the celebration was in the nature of a birthday event as well as a complimentary reception. He came to this country with his parents in 1849. settling in Fall River, Mass., where he attended public schools until August, 1863, when he came to Providence and entered the employ of the Gorham Mfg. Co., remaining until August, 1865. For the next three years he worked in North Attleboro and Boston, and attended a commercial school in this city. He returned to the Gorham Mfg. Co. in 1868, was appointed foreman of one of the departments in 1881 and was appointed assistant superintendent in 1887, a position which he continued to occupy until his retirement from active service last Saturday noon.

During the evening Mr. Whipp was the recipient of a sum of money in gold, neatly arranged in a handsome velvet case made at the factory.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 10th November 1920

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Silversmiths and Watch Importers Among New England Concerns That Were Awarded a Certificate of Merit

Boston, Mass., March 12.–Nearly 300 concerns of New England today received certificates of merit recently awarded by the War Department. Among the recipients are the Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, the Waltham Watch Co., and R. Wallace & Sons Mfg. Co., Wallingford, Conn. Presentation was made by major general Clarence H. Edwards.

Each certificate was accompanied by a brief citation noting the service rendered in furnishing supplies for the successful prosecution of the World War. The presentation was witnessed by the entire staff of the department, preceded by a short congratulatory address by General Edwards.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 17th March 1920

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With business brisk among the silverware manufacturers throughout the country, the past year was one of the best in the history of the industry. With the other concerns of the country the Gorham Manufacturing Company enjoyed a very satisfactory year, although not quite up to that of its banner year, 1910. The early months of 1912 showed a decided increase in the total volume of business done, but the later months showed a lagging tendency in trade, which to a considerable extent offset the possibility of a record-breaking year. In speaking of the outlook for the year 1913, Vice-President John S. Holbrook said recently that he considered the indications as fair. In the bronze department of the Gorham Manufacturing Company the volume of business has exceeded all previous years, and there are orders on the books sufficient to keep the foundry going to its full capacity for more than a year. During 1912 the facilities of this department were more than doubled, yet this large increase has not been sufficient to keep pace with the influx of orders.

Source: The Metal Industry - January 1913

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A three days' convention of the managers and salesmen of the Gorham Manufacturing Company was held the latter part of the month at the concern's factory in this city (Providence, R.I.), when about 50 men representing all departments and offices covering the entire country east of Chicago assembled and discussed matters pertaining to the conditions of business, the season's outlook and new patterns. Business sessions were held with luncheons at the company's casino and a sail to Newport with a lobster bake. John S. Holbrook, vice-president of the corporation, presided at the meetings.

Source: The Metal Industry - August 1913

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John F. P. Lawton Dead

Secretary of the Gorham Mfg. Co., and Veteran of Silver Trade, Passes Away at Attleboro in His 82d Year



Providence, R. I., Sept. 20.–John F. P. Lawton, secretary of the Gorham Mfg. Co. since its organization under acts of incorporation on Jan. 1, 1865, died at 9 o'clock last night in Attleboro, Mass. He was to have observed his 82d birthday next Friday. Mr. Lawton had been in poor health for about five year, but it had been only since the beginning of the Summer that he had failed to a degree that became alarming.

Deceased had been connected with the Gorham Mfg. Co. in various capacities for more than 60 years, having entered its employ as confidential clerk and bookkeeper in August, 1859. In addition to his duties as secretary, Mr. Lawton had been, since Jan. 24, 1894, assistant treasurer of the corporation and a director since March 13, 1895.

With the death of Mr. Lawton and that of Edward Holbrook, for 27 years president of the concern, on May 19, 1919, two of the principal individual factors in the great growth and prestige of the Gorham Mfg. Co. have passed to their reward, leaving as a fitting memorial the great plant and business so favorably and familiarly known throughout the industrial world. While President Holbrook was the great financial director. Mr. Lawton represented the ideal in art and craft.

Actively interested in welfare work among the employes of the concern, Mr. Lawton accomplished much toward the betterment of health, comfort and happiness of the works with the result that the Gorham Co. was always among the leaders in the introduction of innovations for the benefit of the persons in its employ. So consistent were Mr. Lawton's efforts along these lines that they attracted the attention of welfare workers throughout the world, and in 1906 he was awarded a medal from the Milan Exposition in recognition thereof.

Mr. Lawton always represented the highest ideals as to standards in the industry, and was always foremost in any movement calculated to improve or elevate any of the methods or the character of silverware production. As early as 1863 the Gorham Mfg. Co. officially adopted the "sterling" standard of marking and stabilizing its products, thus changing from the bullion coin stand of 900/1000 to the "sterling" standard of 925/1000 fine. The conscientious adherrence to this standard of "sterling" has been synonymous with the corporation and has carried it steadily forward on the wave crests of prosperity and success. Mr. Lawton was always a staunch and determined advocate and defender of the establishment and maintenance of the "sterling" stamp or mark and led a very vigorous and persistent stamping act campaign to secure the legal interpretation of the word "sterling" as being 925/1000 fine in the early '90s.

About five years ago Mr. Lawton suffered from a severe attack of rheumatism and went to the Attleboro Sanitarium for scientific treatment. Since that time he has been a permanent resident in that institution, although his illness did not keep him from his work, and he journeyed to and from the office of the company at Elmwood practically every day. Last March Mr. Lawton and President Holbrook both were injured by falling, and were unable to attend business after that. Mr. Lawton has the proud and unusual distinction of having as secretary had the privilege of calling to order every stockholders' meeting of the corporation ever held previous to that of March 12, 1919, when his health prevented his attendance.

In addition to his positions with the Gorham Mfg. Co., upon the organization of the Silversmiths' Co. in 1907, a corporation controlling the stock of several of the largest silverware concerns in this country, Mr. Lawton was elected to the offices of secretary, assistant treasurer and director, the same as held by him in the Gorham company.

Mr. Lawton was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 26, 1837, the son of the late Joseph and Grace Lawton, but removed to Pawtucket, R.I., with his parents in 1842. What schooling he obtained was at the Grove St. school in that city. He left school at the age of 18 years in 1855 to take a position as clerk and bookkeeper in what was then the principal dry goods store in Pawtucket. Three years later, in 1858, he came to Providence as a bookkeeper in George H. Whitney's book store, taking the place of Samuel W. Brown, who then became city clerk of Providence, a position which he held for many years. Whitney's book store was then the leading book store in this city. It was located at No. 1 Westminster St. There Mr. Lawton met the principal business, professional and literary men and other of the most cultured citizens of the city and vicinity and doubtless there obtained the inspiration which made his life so successful.

In August, 1859, he entered the employ of the Gorham Mfg. Co., then doing business under the firm style of Gorham & Co., whose plant occupied buildings on N. Main, Steeple and Canal Sts., with offices on Steeple St. Six years later (Jan. 1, 1865), when the concern organized under the charter granted under the laws of Rhode Island in May, 1863, and its named changed to the Gorham Mfg. Co., upon the suggestion of Mr. Lawton, in honor of Jabez Gorham, who founded the business in 1831, Mr. Lawton was chosen secretary. Mr. Lawton was made assistant treasurer a quarter of a century ago, on Jan. 24, 1894, and a director a year later.

On the 50th anniversary of his service with the Gorham concern, 1,807 employees and associates gathered on Monday, Aug. 9, 1909, to display the esteem in which Mr. Lawton was held. In the evening at a complimentary dinner given in his honor at the Hope Club by President Holbrook and other officials of the company, he was presented a memorial beautifully engrossed upon parchment, designed by William C. Codman and William Codman, and the entire work done at the Gorham factory. The memorial reads:

"We, your associates in the Gorham Mfg. Co., do hereby congratulate you upon the completion of 50 years of service in the interests of this company. During the long period of growth culminating in its present prosperity and commanding position your aid has ever been cheerfully given to honest management and fair dealing. Your singleness of purpose and heartfelt devotion to this company's welfare are virtues worthy of high praise, and your unfailing courtesy toward your associates has imbued us with sincere affection for you. We therefore join in thus expressing to your our appreciation of your services, and we wish you long life, health and happiness that we may still receive your advice and valued assistance."

On each of Mr. Lawton's birthdays it was the custom for many years at the plant to present him a testimonial, and on these occasions his desk and office was redolent with baskets and bouquets of rare flowers, while more substantial gifts were also noticeable. On his 76th birthday, Sept. 26, 1913, a life sized bust cast in the firm's bronze factory was given him on behalf of the employes and officials.

When the company, following the impetus that was given its business by the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia in 1876, and the opening of its branch offices at San Francisco (1879) and at Chicago (1882), found it necessary to plan for more commodious factory quarters than afforded at the old N. Main-Steeple-Canal Sts. site, Mr. Lawton was very active in the details of the expansion. The present location of the plant in Elmwood was finally decided upon, the first section of the property being purchased in 1887, and in July, 1890, the offices of the corporation were removed from 12 Steeple St. to the Elmwood plant.

Mr. Lawton's connection with the construction and equipment of the new plant gave rise to much favorable comment throughout the United States and abroad. Through this he was made a member of the executive committee of the National Civic Federation of New York and also of the advisory board of the Civic Federation of New England. He was one of the founders and the first secretary of the Rhode Island Congregational Club and a long and valued member of the Central Congregational Church of Providence. He was also a member of the Economic Club and of the Rhode Island School of Design and an associate member of the Providence Art Club.

On Jan. 5, 1859, Mr. Lawton married Miss Leafa Eleanor Miller of Pawtucket, and in 1884, four years after his first wife's death, he married Harriet F. A. Miller. Mr. Lawton is survived by his widow, one son, William Gorham Lawton, for many years employed in the chasing department of the Gorham Mfg. Co., and a daughter, Miss Grace R. Lawton.

The funeral will be held at the Central Congregational Church on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 3 o'clock.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 24th September 1919

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So difficult has it become for concerns to hire all the help they require for getting out the work for the Government that drafts of select limited men from the cantonments and camps are being utilized. A detachment of fifty men arrived in this city on November 1 from Camp Upton, who were assigned to the Phillipsdale plant of the Gorham Manufacturing Company, and 200 more were to be sent in details of 50 and 100 to take up the work as rapidly as facilities for them could be arranged.

Source: The Metal Industry - November 1918

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The Gorham Co. was awarded first prize, a silver medal, for the most beautifully decorated table at the annual mid-summer exhibition of the North Shore Horticultural Society, at Manchester-by-the-Sea, August 23. Eight decorated dinner tables competed for medals offered in two classes, commercial houses being excluded from competition in all but one group. The Gorham table was covered with cloth of embroidered linen and filet lace and laid with a sterling silver service. A silver centerpiece nearly two feet in diameter held a graceful arrangement of pink and lavender asters combined with centurias. Attached to the place cards with ribbons in the chosen colors were tiny bags of tulle filled with rice. The candles also carried out the pink and lavender motif. The table was arranged by Miss Marjorie Judy of New York, and attracted marked attention. It was entered in the exhibit at the request of members of the Horticultural Society.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 31st August 1921

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Old Employe of the Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, and Veteran of Civil War, Dies in His 83rd Year

Providence, R. I., Aug. 27.–William R. Henry, for more than half a century employed as a silversmith by the Gorham Mfg. Co., and a veteran of the Civil War, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles E. Munroe, on Dartmouth Ave. His death came late last Sunday night after an illness of several years' duration. He was in his 83rd year.

He was born in Uxbridge, Mass., in 1838, the son of the late Clark and Sarah Henry. He received his education in the public schools of his native town at the conclusion of which he came to Providence as a young man and entered the employ of the Gorham Co. as an apprentice. When President Lincoln sent out his emergency call for 300,000 troops in the Summer of 1862. for the protection of Washington, Mr. Henry enlisted and was mustered into I Company, 11th Regiment Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, Sept. 13, 1862, serving until the regiment was mustered out, July 13, 1863.

Returning to Providence, he resumed his work with the Gorham Co.. then located at Steeple and North Main Sts., and was with that concern when it removed to its present plant at Elmwood. He was a deacon of the Fourth Baptist Church.

He is survived by the daughter with whom he had lived for several years.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 31st August 1921

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An example of a Gorham wrought silver pitcher and base from 1904:



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During the summer of 1912, The University Press, Cambridge, Mass, produced for The Gorham Company, of Providence and New York, a book entitled, “Silver for the Dining Room, Selected Periods," written by John S, Holbrook, vice-president of the company. While simple in design, it was a sumptuous production, the text pages being printed on Normandy Vellum, there were many photogravure illustrations, and the book was bound in boards covered with handmade paper and stamped in silver. It was produced under the direction of William S. Stone, advertising manager of The Gorham Company, and was in every way a notable achievement in book-making by the famous old book-printing establishment of Cambridge. Perhaps as remarkable a feature of the work as any other was the unity of the design, showing plainly that but a single mind controlled it from conception to completion. This result was obtained despite the fact the book was divided into ten sections, each section being given over to a different decorative period, and the illustrations and decorations of each section were in the spirit of that particular period. The illustrations of each section consisted of a carefully executed dining-room interior and three reproductions of Gorham silver, all done in photogravure. The decorative treatment included the half-title, a headband, an initial, and an illustration of a notable piece of silverware typical of the period. All these were in line and were produced under the direction of W. C. Codman, chief of the art and designing forces of The Gorham Company. The book was immediately recognized as an authority on the subject and the demand for copies was so great that it was decided to reissue it in another form. Eight of the periods illustrated and described in the book were printed as sixteen-page pamphlets, the same type face and decorations being used, but half-tone illustrations were substituted for the photogravures and the pamphlets were printed on dull-coated paper. On the mount opposite page 272 of this issue is shown eight pages, taken from two of these pamphlets, which will give readers a good idea of the appearance of the booklets. When the book was first conceived it was difficult to select from any specimen book of an American type foundry a type face which seemed to harmonize and blend with all the nine different decorative themes, so recourse was had to the series of Bodoni types The University Press imported from France several years ago. The interesting and artistic result achieved in the book, as well as in the eight pamphlets, is due to the fact they were produced under unusually favorable conditions. The Gorham Company recognized that it was impossible to produce in haste a work of this character, hence ample time was allowed for its execution. There are many things being manufactured today, such as furniture, wall coverings, ornaments, china, glassware, silverware, as well as the decorative treatments of books and printed advertising, that masquerade as belonging to definite historic periods, but are a potpourri of many different styles Those who are fortunate enough to obtain copies of the complete book mentioned above, or of the various pamphlets, have a definite source of reference whose authority cannot be questioned.

Source: The Printing Art - 1913

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Commemorative War Tablet - Bronze Bas-Relief for New Rochelle, N.Y. By Frank Tolles Chamberlin - 1919

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Clever Swindler Uses Telephone to Get Merchandise in Names of Well-Rated Customers

The clever swindler who uses the telephone in an attempt to get goods in the name of prominent people is again operating in New York, and jewelers in the metropolis and vicinity are warned to be especially careful about delivering goods in response to telephone messages unless they positively know the party into whose hands the merchandise is given. Some time ago 'The Jewelers' Circular' told how Reed & Barton had received orders over the 'phone ostensibly from General Manager Hedley, of the Interborough system, only to find on delivering the goods that Mr. Hedley had never ordered them. The trick was attempted again last week at the downtown office of the Gorham Co., 15 Maiden Lane, and so well were the plans laid that had it not been for the unusual carefulness of Manager Little, the company would have lost between $1,500 and $2,000 worth of jewelry.

The thief laid his plans a number of weeks ago when he called at the store of the Gorham Co. and stated that he wanted to give some diamonds to his wife upon the celebration of some event, and looked over the stock. He picked out certain goods which particularly pleased him, valued at between $1,500 and $2,000, and taking the numbers of the articles said that he would call again or that they would hear from him.
The man called up on the 'phone Friday to find out if the goods were still to be had and was informed that they were. He then stated that his name was Van Wyck and that he was a regular customer of the house, and he would like to know if they would let him have the goods to take home over Sunday in order that the final decision might be made.

The name the man gave, W. P. Van Wyck, is that of a regular customer of the house, well known to the manager, and the man was answered that this might possibly be arranged if he would call for the goods. He said be would come in the following day, Saturday. Saturday the concern received another telephone message from the alleged Mr. Van Wyck, stating that it would be impossible for him to come over himself, but that he would send over a messenger for the goods.

Up to this time there had been nothing at all in the transaction that excited the suspicion of the firm, but when Manager Little heard that a telegraph messenger was there to receive the goods for Mr. Van Wyck he refused to send them without making some investigation. He called in the telegraph messenger and found that he had a regular order on the letterhead of J. F. Newcomb & Co., printers at 441 Pearl St., of which the real Mr. Van Wyck is a member.

Even then Mr. Little was not satisfied, so he interrogated the boy, and asked him where he had seen Mr. Van Wyck. The boy answered that Mr. Van Wyck was at lunch at Stewart's on Chambers St. Mr. Little decided that he would not give the boy the goods, but detained him for a while longer while he continued his investigations.

Evidently annoyed at the boy's delay, the thief called up the Gorham people, got Mr. Little on the wire, stating that he was Mr. Van Wyck and asking if the messenger had got there. Mr. Little apologized for the seeming delay and told him that the boy was there and would start with the goods at once. The last telephone message was apparently so frank that Mr. Little might have been deceived but for the fact that he knew Mr. Van Wyck's voice and that of the speaker at the end of the wire did not sound like him.

However, in order to take no chances he sent one of his own messengers over to Mr. Van Wyck's office with the goods and gave the telegraph messenger boy a note stating that the goods were being forwarded direct to the office. As soon as he had sent the goods, however, Mr. Little got Mr. Van Wyck's office on the wire and notified the bookkeeper in charge that a package was coming over there which was to be delivered to Mr. Van Wyck personally and to nobody else.

It was well this was done, for a few minutes after the bookkeeper in Mr. Van Wyck's office was called upon the telephone (apparently by the swindler), who notified him that it was "the Gorham Co." on the other end and that they had delivered to the office a package by mistake and that they were sending a messenger boy for it to take up to Mr. Van Wyck's home. In a few minutes a messenger boy appeared, but the bookkeeper refused to give him the package.

In the meantime the real Mr. Van Wyck was reached on the telephone at his home, and from him it was learned that he had ordered no goods whatsoever, knew nothing about the case and could not account for the fact that the swindler had obtained a letterhead of his firm, except on the theory that he had called at the office some time during Mr. Van Wyck's absence and stolen it.

Detectives were put on the case immediately, but the swindler had not been apprehended up to the time 'The Jewelers' Circular' went to press. The clever way in which he had laid his plans and his daring in trying to regain the package after he had learned that it had been sent to Mr. Van Wyck's office stamped the man as a crook of unusual ability and nerve. It is, therefore, believed that he has probably laid plans for similar thefts from other jewelers, working in the name of prominent people or those having charge accounts with the firm selected as a victim.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 21st November 1917

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THE GORHAM COMPANY MOVES

The new Gorham Building, at Fifth Avenue and 36th street, was opened September 5, the Gorham Company having moved out of its old building at Broadway and 19th street. This. structure, in the heart of what is to be New York's most luxurious shopping district, is eight stories high. On the opening day it contained $2,500.000 worth of gold and silver articles. Beautiful, massive pieces of tableware were on exhibition on the main ground floor, which is devoted to the retail trade. On the second floor, in hand-carved hardwood cases, were shown loving cups, tea and dinner sets, articles for the toilet, jewelry, and thousands of pieces of hammered silver. Another floor is devoted to the show rooms for the wholesale trade, and another to the ecclesiastical department, where a room is fitted up as a chapel. On the four remaining floors are the stationery department, stock rooms, engraving and stained-glass window departments and offices. Beginning in 1859 in their Maiden Lane building, the Gorham Company has moved gradually uptown, first to Bond street, then to Union Square, then to Nineteenth street and Broadway, and finally to the new building at Fifth Avenue and Thirty-sixth street. The building is one of the first in New York to be entirely constructed of Guastavino arches, a system of domed arches formed by overlapping tiles and supported on iron columns. The cost of the structure was $1,250,000. It has taken over two years to build it. The building, as well as the old one on Broadway at Nineteenth street, which was the home of the Gorham Company for twenty-one years, and also the extensive factory at Providence, R. I., were conceived, planned and carried to successful completion by Edward Holbrook, president of the company.

Source: Printers' Ink - 13th September 1905

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The Gorham Co. now has on exhibition at the Fifth Ave. salesrooms a tablet in bronze to be erected by the Holland Society of New York on a public building in Zwolle, state of Overysel, Holland, on June 6. The tablet commemorates the services of Baron Joan Derek van der Capellen in behalf of the colonies of America in their struggle for independence from the yoke of England. The tablet is an excellent example of its kind.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 13th May 1908

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Silver Service of Battleship "Rhode Island" to Be Placed on Exhibition in the State Library at the Capitol

Providence, R.I., Sept. 16.–The handsome silver service of the battleship Rhode Island, purchased several years ago by popular subscription of the residents of this State and recently presented to the State by the Government, is soon to repose in a solid bronze, gold-plated display case, the gift to the State of the Gorham Mfg. Co. The case and service will then be placed on exhibition in the State Library in the Capitol, according to the decision of the State House Commission, the guardians of the service.

The case is said to have cost more than $3,000, and was originally made by the Gorham Mfg. Co. for displaying its own silverware exhibit at the Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco in 1914, where it was referred to as a remarkable piece of workmanship. It is seven feet in length, four feet deep, and 2½ feet in width with bevel plate glass top and sides. Some polishing and renovating work on the sides will be necessary, as it has been in storage at the Gorham plant since the exposition. The commission has agreed to pay for this work, the expense of which is not to exceed $450.

The display case will rest on a heavy quartered oak base, harmonizing with the finish of the State Library, which is already in place, occupying the centre of the library floor in front of the entrance. It was deemed more suitable to place the display in this location, where it always will be under observation, rather than in an alcove of one of the corridors.

The silver service is at present at the plant of the Gorham Mfg. Co., being polished and repaired. A few of the larger pieces are somewhat the worse for wear and the buffeting about which they received on steel floors of the battleship in heavy seas. Several of the pieces are wired for electricity and can be lighted to make their display effective. It is expected that the case and silver will be on exhibition within a short time.

Col. J. Edward Studley, chairman of the State House Commission, lauded the public spirit of the donors of the case, who were in no way obligated to make the gift. "The State House Commission," he said, "and especially the people of the State, should feel honored and deeply appreciate this rare gift."

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 20th September 1922

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Beautiful Testimonials to Enrico Caruso

Noted Tenor Presented With Medals, Diamond Studded Watch, Loving Cup, Vases and Other Mementoes on the Celebration of His 25th Year on the Operatic Stage


The stage of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York Saturday night bore a strong resemblance to a fine jewelry store crowded with customers, the occasion being the formal presentation to Enrico Caruso, the noted tenor, of a large number of testimonials of esteem and appreciation by his fellow artists and his associates connected with the Metropolitan Opera Co. and the musical world in general.

Besides the big bank of flowers in the background around which were gathered the various members of the Metropolitan Company were two great tables which bore many testimonials in the shape of loving cups, vases, silver wreaths and other works in precious metal, not to speak of an enormus gold medal (illustrated herewith) and the unique and beautiful diamond-studded platinum watch. In addition to all this Caruso was presented by Police Commissioner Enright with a silk flag of New York city on behalf of the Mayor and the administration in honor of the work he had done for the public and the musical development of the city.



The large gold medal, which is one of the largest of its kind ever struck, being over four inches in diameter, was presented to the tenor separately, but the other mementoes, with the exception of the watch, were so many in number that simply a list of them was read by Otto H. Kahn, chairman of the presentation ceremonies. A fair idea of the medal may be obtained from the illustration herewith, which gives the obverse and reverse of the work. It was designed and struck for the occasion by the Gorham Co. of New York, and came from the Metropolitan management. Another gold medal came from the chiefs of the departments on the stage.



The diamond-studded platinum watch illustrated herewith was a gift from the artists of the Metropolitan Opera Company, and is made of platinum set in a case ornamented with three circles of diamonds containing 170 stones in all. These surround a monogram "E. C," made in two circles of 61 calibre cut sapphires. The rim of the watch is composed of another circle of 78 diamonds. These are not seen in the illustration. The watch was supplied by E. M. Cattle & Co., the case being made in New York and the works being specially made by a Geneva concern for this occasion. The watch was presented to the tenor in a silver box on which were engraved the names of all the members of the Metropolitan's staff of singing stars.

Among the other notable and beautiful gifts was an 18-inch silver loving cup from the chorus, an ornate silver vase from the orchestra, a great Italian vase of silver 25 inches high from the opera directors' board, and a silver fruit dish from the directors of the Victor Talking Machine Co.

The Metropolitan Opera and Real Estate Co.'s stockholders presented an illuminated parchment beautifully bound, while an engrossed parchment was also given on behalf of the Philadelphia Opera Co.'s directors.

The presentations were made after the gala performance to celebrate Caruso's 25th anniversary on the operatic stage and his 15th year in New York. Caruso appeared in selections from three great operas, Elisir d'Amore, Le Prophete and Pagliacci, and received an ovation from the greatest audience that the Metropolitan House has ever held.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 26th March 1919

Trev.