Table service (4) - .925 silver

Exceptional Gorham Sterling Silver Tea Service – Plymouth Line
United States – Provenance: U.S. Navy
Total weight: 1.39 kg – Sterling Silver 925

Rare and highly collectible four-piece sterling silver tea service produced by the renowned Gorham Manufacturing Company, Plymouth line, one of the most respected American silversmiths.

This set originates from official U.S. Navy use, a provenance that significantly enhances its historical and collectible value. Gorham supplied silverware to American naval and governmental institutions, and surviving complete sets are extremely rare.

Composition (4 pieces):
Teapot
Sugar bowl with lid
Creamer (with gilt / vermeil interior)
Waste bowl / service bowl (with gilt / vermeil interior)

Three pieces belong to the same Plymouth design language, while the fourth (waste bowl) is a complementary official service piece, historically associated with naval table services.

The gilt (vermeil) interiors were intentionally applied for both functional and ceremonial purposes, protecting the silver from corrosion and adding prestige to institutional services.

Details:
• Material: Solid Sterling Silver (925/1000)
Total weight: approx. 1.39 kg
• Manufacturer: Gorham Manufacturing Company
Line: Plymouth
• Origin: United States
Good vintage condition, with light signs of age and use consistent with institutional silver; no structural damage.

Rarity & Collectibility
Authentic U.S. Navy provenance
Solid sterling, not plated.
Complete four-piece service
Museum-quality institutional silver
Offered as a unique and non-replicable set.

This is not merely a tea service, but a historical artifact, ideal for collectors of American sterling silver, naval memorabilia, or high-end decorative arts.


Gorham Sterling Silver Four-Piece Tea Service – Plymouth Pattern – USMA Provenance

Exceptional and historically significant four-piece sterling silver tea service by Gorham Manufacturing Company, produced in the Plymouth pattern, one of Gorham’s refined institutional designs.

The set is composed of:
Teapot
Covered sugar bowl
Creamer with vermeil interior
Waste bowl / slop bowl

All pieces are crafted in solid sterling silver (925/1000) and rest on elegant stepped pedestal bases. The creamer and waste bowl feature original gilt interiors, a characteristic detail of high-quality American silver, particularly in official and institutional commissions.

Military & Institutional Provenance

Each major piece bears an applied United States eagle emblem with the inscription “UNITED STATES – USMA”, identifying the service as commissioned for the United States Military Academy (West Point).
This mark firmly associates the set with official use within one of the most prestigious military institutions in the United States, greatly enhancing its historical and collectible value.

In addition, the bodies are engraved with an intertwined monogram, typical of officer or institutional ownership, further confirming its ceremonial or official function.

Details
• Maker: Gorham Manufacturing Company (USA)
Pattern: Plymouth
Material: Sterling silver 925
Total weight: approx. 1.39 kg
Finish: polished silver, partial gilt interiors
Origin: United States
Provenance: United States Military Academy (USMA – West Point)
Condition: Good antique condition with visible signs of age and use consistent with institutional silver; no structural damage.

Rarity

Institutional Gorham services bearing USMA military insignia are rare and highly sought after. Complete four-piece sets from this context are uncommon on the market, making this lot particularly attractive to collectors of:
American sterling silver
Military and naval memorabilia
Institutional and ceremonial silver