Gorham Engraved Chrysanthemum Sterling Sugar Shell

Gorham, along with many other firms, produced numerous engraved designs in the 1880's especially that do not seem to be as appreciated today as they were in their time. It may be that the craft of these items is some subtle to compete with the more extravagant, and perhaps more obvious, High Victorian pieces that capture the collector's eye today. This 5 3/4" long sugar spoon in Gorham's engraved Chrysanthemum is a piece of compelling design, if quite ordinary in its purpose, and having been accessible to even a consumer of modest means. That this is a perfect example, with no wear whatsoever, aids in advancing its merits. The bright cutting (all done by hand) is set against a satin matte ground. The bowl is a double scallop shape, with rippled edges suggestive of a shell, while a fully articulated shell is incorporated in the heel. The bronze-colored gold wash presents a perfect canvas to offset the diamond edges of the engraving. The backside is a plain antique tipt, with the lion, anchor, G stamp of Gorham, the word Sterling, and another emblem of unknown meaning that appears to be "Cs."