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Identifying Silver Flatware Chantilly Pieces

Gorham silver flatware is timelessly beautiful with an interesting history. According to Gorham, Presidents throughout history, including Lincoln and Grant, served White House dinners with Gorham silver. Chantilly has been made by Gorham since 1895.

Maybe you intend to register for the timeless Chantilly pattern. Or perhaps you have a set that you inherited from your grandmother and are interested in purchasing additional items. Make sure that what you are buying is actually silver, made by Gorham and in the Chantilly pattern.

Things You'll Need

List of desired items
Picture of Chantilly pattern
Picture of hallmark used before 1950

Instructions

- 1
  Determine which pieces and in what quantities you will be hunting for in antique stores and online. For example, Gorham at one time made a tomato server, demitasse spoons and even horseradish spoons.
- 2
  Contact a reputable silver dealer. Be sure that online retailers have a history of happy customers and are willing to send you pictures of the item before you make a purchase. If you are shopping for new Chantilly, you can find it in department stores.
- 3
  Check for authenticity of an antique. If a retailer is claiming that the item was made prior to 1950, the back of the piece will have the English hallmark. Refer to a picture of the hallmark to confirm authenticity. A catalog of hallmarks and a picture of the Chantilly pattern are available in the Resources links.
- 4
  Use your breath. Breathing on piece of silver will reveal any electroplating that was done to the item which is used to apply hallmarks or create shine on a piece. An antique piece should have some patina.
- 5
  Compare prices. Reputable dealers will be willing to discuss competitors' prices and potentially to match them.

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