Gorham '(Egyptian) Ivy" Sterling Silver Sugar Sifter or Ice Spoon

One of Gorham's earliest full line patterns, Ivy aka Egyptian Ivy has a rounded front stem with a flat back, and broad, convex handle end with a crossbar.

The upper portion of the handle is shield-shaped and features an intricately rendered portraiture of raised ivy leaves and berries set against a stippled ground, with a leafy margin along the lower edges.

This example is a 7" long, 2.1 T. oz., sugar sifter with a large, 2 1/2" diameter, 3/4" deep, shell-shaped bowl.

There is some thought that these pierced pieces with larger bowls were actually early ice or pea spoons rather than sugar sifters, although that attribution is unsettled.

However this matter sorts out, this is a particularly fine example of the form, and in outstanding condition, without visible wear or damage and showing a bright finish.

It has never been monogrammed or inscribed, which on this pattern was sometimes done on the crossbar on the front or on the open backside.

Marks are Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem, "Sterling," and "Patent 1868," which was the year Gorham adopted the sterling silver standard vs. coin.