The Rare Utensil Set Worth Thousands That Collectors Dream Of Finding Secondhand

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Sterling flatware has been historically collectible, but not every brand and style has held its value over the years. True silverware was once considered a valuable investment and a sentimental heirloom, often given as wedding presents or generational gifts. Today, most of its resale value is tied to the value of the silver itself. However, that doesn't hold true for every flatware line. One notable exception is Gorham. This Rhode Island manufacturer has been crafting sterling silver flatware since 1831, and full sets are extremely valuable. In particular, the 1876 Lady Washington collection is highly coveted. Even an incomplete serving set from the Lady Washington line may be offered for over $800, with 10 or more pieces easily offered for over $1,000. A complete set is priced at a whopping $19,500.00 on Etsy. 

It's easy to see why collectors dream of finding these vintage utensil sets, since they are now worth a pretty penny. The date of Lady Washington's release is significant, as it was the Centennial of the US Declaration of Independence. The name came from the wife of America's first president, Martha Washington. The pattern on each Lady Washington utensil features floral scrollwork and shell motifs.  If you're lucky enough to have inherited any items from the Gorham Lady Washington line, there are a few ways to tell how much your family silver is actually worth.

When it comes to how to spot valuable, high-end items at thrift store, there are a few things to look for when identifying a Gorham piece. Every Gorham sterling silver utensil is 92.5% pure silver and is typically marked "Sterling" or "925," making those markings one of the first things to check when you're sorting through a secondhand silverware collection. In addition to memorizing the ornate Lady Washington design, Gorham's unique date-marking system can help you to identify when a piece was made. The company used symbols such as a crescent moon, shield, or letters to indicate the year. 

Certain details can make an already valuable Lady Washington piece even more desirable to collectors. For example, an original storage or presentation case can also increase a set's appeal and value. Don't be put off by tarnish or an imperfect appearance, either. Because the Lady Washington set was released in the late 1800s, these pre-1900s pieces can remain highly valuable even when they show their age. If you can't find pieces from the Lady Washington collection, don't immediately overlook Gorham sets from the 20th-century. Popular patterns such as Chantilly from the early 1900s and Lansdowne from the 1920s can also boast hefty price tags.