Dating from just after the turn of the 20th century, Gorham's "Poppy" exhibits all the expressiveness of design that characterized the Art Nouveau mode. This 4 5/8" long, .9 T. oz., pair of tongs are large sized sugars. The pattern is carried onto the especially attractive, three-pronged grips with stippled background. The piece is in perfect condition, and without a monogram or removal. Marks are lion, anchor, G, "Sterling," and "Pat. 1902."

Patented in 1868, the first year that Gorham went to a sterling only standard, Rosette is a period design. It has lined borders with a scroll and fan or fleur-de-lis element at the top. A rosette, from which the pattern takes its name, occupies the lower central portion of the handle. The backside repeats the pattern, but with a simpler rosette. This item is an 8 1/2" long fish serving fork. It is solid weight at just under 2.4 T. oz...

Gorham's Rosette is an early line pattern for that company, patented in 1868 as indicated by the stamp on the reverse (other marks are lion, anchor, G and the word Sterling). It is a straightforward design, taking its name from the single rosette set in the lower portion of the handle. It has a lined border and angular end that is tipped with fan, scrolling and stylized acanthus leaf detailing. This item is a 6 3/4" long, 1.3 T. oz. preserve or jelly spoon...

This item is a novel shaving brush and container produced by Gorham with a date c. 1895. It is comprised of three pieces. The first is a 3" by 1" round cylinder with lid. This is fitted with a shaving brush set into a sterling base that slides into the tube when closed up and sets in the end of it when in use. Lastly, there is a lid for the open end. It is model number C1128 as marked on the rim of the largest piece...

Larger than a shot measure and smaller than a julep cup, but similar in design to each of these forms, this small beaker was made by Gorham. It stands 2 5/8" high, has top and bottom diameters of 2 1/4" and 1 3/4" respectively, and weighs just under 1.7 T. oz. In addition to the Gorham hallmark and the word Sterling it is stamped with the date symbol for 1911 and the number 4081 in a rectangle followed by the letter A...

Identified as "scissors" (see image 2) in the 1892 Gorham catalog, this form is also referred to as grape shears. A typical example from the period has hollow handles incorporating a grape design with steel (often German) blades. This pair is quite innovative, abandoning convention. They are solid sterling silver with the exception of an applied steel (to create an effective cutting edge) on one of the blades. The grips are large and round, while the arms have a block pattern...

Dating from the 1880's, this youth knife was made by Gorham, whose lion, anchor, G mark and the word "Sterling" appears on the backside of the blade. It measures 6 13/16" long and weighs just under 1.0 T. oz. It is solid silver, with a flat handle that is engraved in a period bright cut floral design and the word "Henry" in script. The blade is blunt-end. The backside of the piece is plain. It is in very good condition...

Measuring 4 1/8" long and weighing .8 T. oz., this pair of sterling silver tongs were made by Gorham and retailed by "Henry Kohn & Sons" of Hartford, Connecticut, according to the marks on an inside arm. They are an early, original example of "Strasbourg" stamped with the lion, anchor, G emblem. In immaculate condition, the pattern detail remains clear and crisp, the finish is lustrous, and they are free of bends or cracks. There is no monogram or removal.

Dating from 1870, Swiss is an early line pattern in the Gorham stable. Presumably the design, which incorporates an oak (?) leaf on a pedestal with side scrolls and something of a fleur-de-lis top, reflects iconography associated with Switzerland. The leaf motif is carried over to the backside heel of the bowl on this 6 3/4" long, 1.8 T. oz. gravy ladle. The bowl is just off round, about 2 1/2" in diameter, and is quite decorative...

This 6 1/2" long item appears in Gorham's 1888 catalog listed as a butter fork (see image 2 for a facsimile of the page). This form today is more commonly known as a butter pick, but it is interesting to note its original nomenclature. It is an imaginative design, with a wire core enveloped by two additional twisting wires that broaden at the end into a heart shaped design. The piece is in flawless condition. It is stamped with the Gorham lion, anchor, G, Sterling, and the number 14.

Measuring 5" long, this cream ladle is smaller than the typical size in Gorham's Virginiana, which is something less than an inch longer. The oval bowl is 1 1/2" by 1 1/4" and 1/2" deep. It has subtly flanged shoulders, but is otherwise plain. This poppy pattern may be Gorham's most successful full line art nouveau design, and deservedly so. This example is flawless, showing scant signs of use, having a brilliant (hand polished only) finish, and is without a monogram. Marks are lion, anchor...

Not of the scale of the major names in 19th and early 20th century silver manufacturing, Providence, RI's Graff, Washburn & Dunn nonetheless produced high quality and well-regarded items. The company was eventually absorbed into Gorham, early in the 20th century. These solid sterling silver scallop shell form nut or candy dishes are item number "1748S" as indicated by the stamps on the backsides, appearing below the GW&D emblems. Each one measures 2 5/8" by 2 1/2" and weighs approximately .6 ...