Gorham Eglantine Solid Sterling Ice Cream Cleaver

This solid sterling silver ice cream cleaver (or slice or knife) in Gorham's Eglantine (1870) is massively scaled. The overall length is 10 1/4", while the blade is approximately 5" x 2 1/2". The piece weighs a remarkable 4.5 T. oz. Eglantine is a high relief, cast design that features the rose for which the pattern is named. The surface is absolutely intriguing. It is textured, intricate, and organic. In this instance, the blade mirrors the fullness of the design, as it is engraved with clusters of flowers and leaves, and has stylized branches that contour to the edges of the surface. The blade has a slightly uplifted back and shows just a trace of what was an original gold wash where it joins the handle. The backside of the handle has a disk suitable for a monogram, but this is plain in this case. The piece is in immaculate condition. The form is flawless, with no dings, burrs or bends in the slice. There are numerous surface scratches on the blade, but as these are muted and the finish is so lustrous, it appears this was lightly buffed at some time. To be sure, however, the engraving remains crisp and sharp, and any polishing was tenderly done. Marks are the Gorham lion, anchor, G, and the word Sterling.