Sterling Silver Flatware - Who Makes This Stuff

In the US, there aren't a lot of manufacturers left, and even in Europe their numbers are reducing. Still, all of the American manufacturers are still producing their sterling silverware in the US. There are a few European manufacturers who sell their items in the US, but it is such a small market that I've ignored them here. Most of them don't care to be compared to US companies anyway. To spare you an exhaustive list and histories, I'm keeping the descriptions short. This page is already too long in my opinion.
Gorham Pomona, NJ http://www.Gorham1831.com
Gorham was founded in 1831 by Jabez Gorham who first made "coin silver" spoons. Don't worry, you don't want coin silver unless you're a collector. Gorham is now a division of Lenox Brands, which was recently bought by Department 56, who makes those better quality Christmas village pieces.
International Silver Company East Boston, MA http://www.wallacesilver.com
You'll notice that the website address for the International Silver Company is for Wallace Silver. That's because it was absorbed by Wallace Silversmiths, and along with Towle Silversmiths and Tuttle, make up the Syratech Corporation, which was just purchased by Lifetime Brands. International Silver at one time was THE powerhouse in silver products, but now is limted to a handful of sterling silver patterns, and inexpensive promotional silver home items.
Kirk Stieff Pomona, NJ http://www.lenox.com
Kirk Stieff's history is a little harder to pin down through modern sources. It has also been swallowed up by Lenox Brands, and the brand name is limited to the few popular sterling silver patterns, and some gift items like Jefferson cups. They used to be two separate companies in Baltimore, later merged, and now reduced to a brand name on their most famous creations. There is still at least one descendant of the Stieff family selling flatware, but sadly not the products that bear his name.
Lunt Silversmiths Greenfield, MA http://www.luntsilver.com
By contrast, you can still shake the hand of a Mr. Lunt, who runs Lunt Silversmiths in Massachusetts. Lunt is still privately held, has been around for over 100 years, and focuses on better quality rather than sacrificing for the lowest price. They don't have a huge lineup of patterns, but the ones they do make are very well made.
Reed and Barton Taunton, MA http://www.reedbarton.com
Also privately held, but I don't believe there are any Reeds or Bartons still working there. Reed & Barton has also been around for over 100 years, and also focuses on quality rather than commodity. Their Francis I pattern is a staple of the Southern bride, and has more goofy pieces than a calliope.
Ricci Argentieri New York
Ricci recently was brought back to the US after a brief absence, with a resurgence and emphasis on very high quality. There aren't any watered-down entry level patterns for the sterling silver line, and you'll get the best silver in the world, but you can expect to pay a higher price for it. Most patterns are inspired by traditional Italian designs.
Towle Silversmiths East Boston, MA http://www.towlesilver.com
One of the oldest silver companies, it can trace its roots back to 1690. They weren't making sterling silver flatware back then, of course. One of the Towle descendants also founded the Lunt Silversmiths company, but gave up their interest in the very early 1900's. Today, they are part of the Lifetime Brands entity, which also owns Wallace Silversmiths and the International Silver Company.
Wallace Silversmiths East Boston, MA http://www.wallacesilver.com
Wallace Silversmiths is probably the largest seller of sterling silver flatware in the US, and is helped along by the Grande Baroque pattern, which is the current best-selling pattern.
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