Vanderslice (SF) "Gargoyle" Coin Silver Fish Slice

Dating from the 1860's, William Vanderslice's "Gargoyle" is one of the few patterns that is truly indigenous to San Francisco, contrary to much San Francisco silver that was retailed there but with origins outside the state. It is a dramatic design, having an overall Gothic Revival sensibility. The piece is dominated by an open mouthed (appropriate to its namesake), lion-like figure set at the end of the handle. This example is a large, 11 1/2" long, heavy, approximately 2.8 T. oz. fish slice or server. It has an especially appealing blade with an up-swooped, scalloped back edge and shoulders, a central vee, and beveled lower edge. The surface has a soft matte finish (while the rest of the piece has a polished finish) and is finely engraved with a scroll and ivy pattern. It is in mint, virtually unused, condition, and is without a monogram or removal. The heel area is cupped to a point that it might seem to be crimped, but this appears to be original. Marks are "Vanderslice & Co. S F" and "Pat. Mar. 69."