I would like to know if this is worth spending the money to spruce it up. There are a few scratches and what looks to be old wax candle marks. I like it very much and currently use if for knick-knacks and storing photo albums.

in excellent conditon. now has ornament of sugar top broken off. still have broken piece. otherwise in perfect condition.

Gorham - 1855-1860 Compote Coin Silver 7.5" across the top, 3.5" tall, 4.5" wide base...
 
**STAMPING** - Lion facing left, anchor, G - all stamped individually with 90 above and the word "COIN" stamped below
Assuming that "90" means 90% silver, 10% copper...it has two very small wear spots in the dish area @ <---this size (well your text size on your computer is probably larger, so say smaller than the tip of an eraser. 
 
If you click on this link - you can see the only possible dates available are 1855-1860 according to the **STAMPING**. With the lion facing LEFT.... 
 
http://www.925-1000.com/Gorham_Date_Code.html

Family Heirloom
Described by elder family members as being from mid-1700s.
Refinishing and repair work probably performed by my Grandfather in the late 1920's > early 1930's

Many pictures at

http://www.sonic.net/~claudel/Desk/

enormous hand-painted platter, it's been in the china cabinet since at least 1960 but is probably much older than that.

the lounge chair folds up flat and is made out of a light wood. The chair is fairly heavy and has a connected foot rest