Gorham Snowflake Ornament Value Guide

The Gorham Snowflake Ornament is a hallmark of American holiday tradition, blending the Gorham Manufacturing Company's 19th-century silver expertise with festive design. These silverplate pieces are highly collectible for their intricate cross-snowflake hybrid geometry and their status as annual commemorative releases.

What affects the value of Gorham Snowflake Ornament?

• Condition of the silverplate, specifically the presence of pitting, heavy tarnish, or loss of plating.
• Inclusion of the original Gorham presentation box and any accompanying descriptive inserts.
• The specific year of release, as certain years in the 1980-2000 run may be rarer than others.
• Presence of the original hanging ribbon or cord, which adds to the item's completeness for collectors.

How to Identify Gorham Snowflake Ornament?

• Look for the 'Gorham' brand name stamped clearly on the edge or back of the ornament.
• Verify the silverplate finish, which should have a bright, reflective luster unlike pewter or stainless steel.
• Check for the specific year of production, as these were released as part of an annual series between 1980 and 2000.
• Confirm the design features a symmetrical snowflake pattern integrated with a cross motif.

History of Gorham Snowflake Ornament

Gorham Manufacturing Company, founded in 1831, is renowned for its sterling silver products. While famous for flatware and hollowware, Gorham also produced a cherished line of annual Christmas ornaments, including distinctive snowflake and cross designs. These pieces became popular collectibles, often crafted from sterling silver or silverplate, and were a holiday staple in many American homes.