Large Gorham & Thurber "Dolphin" Coin Silver Fish Slice

The use of the name "Gorham & Thurber" was short lived, and therefore dates this piece narrowly to the 1850-52 period. It is also stamped "Pure Coin," which is common on New England silver of the period, but little used by Gorham. The item is a large, 11 5/8" long, heavy, 3.4 T. oz., fish slice. The blade itself is 6 1/4" by 3" at the widest. The pattern is sometime referred to as "Queen of the Sea." It is identified as a Francis Bunnelle (NY) pattern, but it frequently shows up, as in this instance, with various Gorham nameplates. That raises the academic question of its attribution, and/or of a potential business relationship between the two firms. In addition to being intricately engraved, the blade of this is cut to reveal a dolphin form. This is both whimsical and artful. There is an Old English "MRW" (?) monogram. The condition is superb. There is no noticeable wear to the design or the engraving. The blade is even and free of bends or burrs. There is a 1/8" line on the upper scalloped edge with slight discoloration (see second image for close-up). This appears to have been an old crack repair.