GORHAM MFG. CO SILVERSMITHS Providence, RI
THEODORE B. STARR Retailer
Renaissance Revival pitcher 1893
A highly important Gorham sterling pitcher chased with mythological faces, putti and various scrolling foliate patterns, the handle in the form of Pan with four sphinx figures supporting the base, all with elaborate and exquisite hand chasing and repousse throughout. Extremely fine original condition with original gilded interior.
Marks: Lion, Anchor, G (Gorham silver touch marks), EX. (Exhibition), Theodore B. Starr, 6 pint, Sterling, 1805, double circle touch mark (date mark for 1893)
Provenance: Private Collection, New York; Private Collection Florida from 1984 to 2009; directly descended in the family of Thomas H. Macy (founder of Nantucket) prior to 1984
Weight: 74 troy oz.
H: 13″ x W: 10″ x D: 7″
GORHAM MFG. CO SILVERSMITHS Providence, RI
FINN ERICHSEN (Maker)
WILLIAM T. THOMPSON (Chaser)
SPAULDING & CO (Retailer) Chicago, IL
Kettle-on-stand c. 1903
Completely specially handwrought sterling silver in an overall organic form with highly stylized vines and blossom motifs with cutout details on the base. Bone spacers and finial for burner handle. Approx. silver weight is 66 troy ounces.
Marks for kettle: Gorham Martele touchmarks, 950 – 1000
FINE, F R U, SPAULDING & CO., CHICAGO, SE (Script signature)
Marks for burner: Gorham Martele touchmarks, 950 – 1000 FINE, P F, SPAULDING & CO., CHICAGO
H: 14″ x W: 9″ x D: 6 1/2″
Price: $24,500
GORHAM MFG. CO SILVERSMITHS Providence, RI
“Exotic” tea and coffee set in original Gorham presentation chest 1880
Sterling silver 5-piece service with “butler” finish, bright-cut chasing and repoussé surface in the Far Eastern exotic style with elephant trunk spouts and handle forms, tent-like splayed lids, interior gilding, engraved conjoined initials, bone spacers in the original deep teal velvet-covered presentation chest with hot pink silk- satin interior
Marks: Gorham marks, STERLING, 1560, “M” (date mark for 1880)
Lid of case interior stamped in gold: Gorham Mfg. Co., Sterling Silver, Union Square, NY
Coffeepot: H: 5 3/4” handle-to-spout: 9 1/4” (length);
teapot: H: 4”;
sugar w/ lid: H: 4”;
waste bowl: H: 2 1/2”;
cream: H: 2 3/4”;
chest: H: 7” x W: 21” x D: 15”
For related pieces and further information see: Gorham Silver 1831-1981, Charles H. Carpenter, Jr., Chapter 6, “Innovation and Fantasy”, p. 94-121 (New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1982); In Pursuit of Beauty: Americans and the Aesthetic Movement, Chapter 8,“Metalwork: An Eclectic Aesthetic” by David Hanks, p.253-294 (New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Rizzoli, 1987); Silver in America, 1840-1940: A Century of Splendor, Charles L. Venable, Chapter 6, “Consumption and Design” p.123-204, (New York: Dallas Museum of Art, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1995).