About Michelle Lieberman Expertise My expertise is in the area of American sterling silver and coin silver flatware and holloware, including identifying silversmiths and makers, types and patterns of flatware and their usage. I am unable to answer questions pertaining to silverplate or foreign silver.
Experience With over 25 years experience in selling vintage silver, I now devote much of my time educating others in this field.
Education/Credentials BA California State University Los Angeles
Question I have a pair of salt and pepper shakers stamped on the bottom GORHAM, STERLING, 788, and then in faint scratching, a 'freehand' faint marking that looks like 71-1718. Approximately 3.5" high. I haven't been able to match the pattern or find any information on them?
Answer Hello Karen.
With that info alone, it's impossible for me to give you any further information. The "freehand" markings could have put there by anyone: Gorham, the retailer, the prior owner. The 788 is a Gorham model number, representing the shape, pattern, and size, but no one has much info about such things other than Gorham themselves. Sometimes Gorham used date marks on holloware, but your S&P's don't have this mark.
What I suggest you do is contact replacments.com with a good photo. If it matches a known pattern, they'll be able to ID it for you.
