Gorham 1881 Classical Revival s/p Sugar & Creamer

There was a time when even prominent large houses like Gorham and Tiffany understood silver plating to be another option to sterling, and not as perceived today, as something lesser. It might have been that plate better served the design process or the metals involved were more easily manipulated than sterling, or myriad other reasons it was employed. Thus there are extant examples of plated wares that are the equal of their sterling counterparts, and that is the case with this sugar and creamer made by Gorham. Both pieces have that company's hallmark for plate, along with the model number "0665" and the date letter "N" for 1881. The bowl stands 3 1/8" to the top of the knob finial on the lid, and has a maximum span of 5 5/8" handle tip to handle tip. The creamer is 2 1/2" high and is 4 5/8" from handle end to spout lip. Both pieces have lined borders near the bases of the cauldron-shaped bodies. The two handles on the sugar, and the one handle and spout of the creamer have a classic acanthus or palmetto leaf design that conveys a Classical cum Egyptian Revival sensibility. Each item is engraved "MBT" (?) in flowing script. The interior of the creamer has a gold wash, while the sugar is silver. The condition is outstanding. There is no visible polishing wear, nor dents or dings, and the finishes are lustrous.