About Alvin

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In 1886, William H. Jamouneau set up the Alvin Manufacturing Company in Irvington, New Jersey. His goal was simple but ambitious: to produce sterling silverware that wasn’t just functional but carried the weight of artistry and innovation. Within a few years, Alvin began to stand out in a crowded silver market, not only for the quality of its flatware and hollowware but for its willingness to experiment with new techniques.<br><br> By 1895, the company moved its operations to Sag Harbor, New York. The relocation gave Alvin room to expand, but it also marked a turning point. Around this time, the firm developed and closely guarded a patented electro-deposit process, which allowed pure silver to be layered onto crystal glass. Decanters and perfume bottles, once ordinary household items, became luxurious decorative pieces. That technical leap helped Alvin distinguish itself from competitors and drew the attention of collectors who valued artistry in everyday objects.<br><br> As the new century began, Alvin’s designs leaned heavily into historical motifs, especially Colonial patterns that resonated with buyers seeking a link to the nation’s past. Flatware patterns like "Bridal Rose," "Edward VII," and "William Penn" became well known, and the company’s catalog stretched beyond tableware into dresserware and other finely made items. Each piece carried the same level of care in design and execution.<br><br> In 1919, the company formally changed its name to the Alvin Silver Company, reflecting the reputation it had built. But success didn’t shield it from the larger shifts in the industry. In 1928, Gorham Manufacturing Company acquired Alvin’s assets, including its dies and patterns. Rather than dissolve the brand, Gorham continued to produce under the Alvin name, preserving its identity and ensuring the designs lived on.<br><br> Today, Alvin’s silver pieces are prized by collectors. The enduring appeal comes not only from the beauty of patterns like "Bridal Rose" and "Chateau Rose," but also from the story behind them—a story of innovation, resilience, and craftsmanship that began in a small New Jersey workshop and carried forward under the stewardship of one of the largest silver firms of the era. Each surviving piece is a reminder of Alvin’s place in the history of American silverware.