Figural Gorham Paris Sterling Long Salad Serving Fork

Gorham's (Old) Paris is an expressive figural design evocative of Versailles, but less self-conscious. It is multi motif, incorporating putti and other classically inspired figures. In this instance, that includes a seated female figure playing a lute. The piece is a 10 1/2" long, heavy, 4.3 T. oz., solid stering silver, salad serving fork. It has a feathered "JBL" monogram and a gold washed tine area. The condition of this is remarkable in terms of the clarity of the strike and detail of the design. This pattern is inclined to soften quickly on the high spots as a result of polishing, and this shows none of that sort of wear. The area of the monogram does appear slightly flattened, and this may be a sign that this was remonogrammed. The effect is subtle and unobtrusive, and therefore an assumption. Marks are the Gorham lion, anchor, G, and the words Sterling and Pat. 1901.