Gorham circa 1870 "Lily of the Valley" Sterling Silver Jelly Spoon

This rendition of "Lily of the Valley" by Gorham is to be distinguished from the die struck pattern of the same circa 1870 date that features this flower and is also known as "No. 88," and certainly it is very far removed from the company's 1950 line called "Lily of the Valley."

An approach to silver flatware construction that was popular in the period, and one which showcases the artfulness of a given manufacturer, such items are assembled from a variety of components.

Made in a limited number of generally serving pieces, this example is a 6 5/8" long, just over .8 T. oz., likely jelly but possibly large sugar, spoon.

The design incorporates a wire stem with an individually formed leaf with a second wire, representing a stem with blossoms attached.

There is a cast scroll and wreath detail below this and a bell shaped collar employed where the handle joins the embossed bowl with flange shoulders.

This has an Old English "R" or "K" monogram inscribed on the backside end of the bowl.

In very good condition, this shows little evidence of use. The matte finish bowl is without dents, bends, or nicks, but retains only a pale measure of its original gold wash. One wire on one of the blossoms (second down from the top) is missing. The silver overall has a gray, satiny, surface.

Marks are Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem, "Sterling," and the name of the retailer, Philadelphia's "J.E. Caldwell & Co."