Gorham Coin Silver Medallion Fried Egg Server

The function of this 9 1/8" long server in Gorham's Medallion is uncertain. It has a large, broad serving end that is 3 1/2" by 2 1/2". While cupped, this is shallow. It also has a pointed tip and flanged shoulders. It is quite similar to the fried oyster server and ice cream spade (see Old Friends item 514b), and may be a fried egg server. In any case, it is an unusual piece in Gorham's Medallion pattern. It is also unusual because it does not carry a standard mark (only lion, anchor, G and "Patent 1864."), and therefore is probably coin silver rather than sterling, and a very early example. While Gorham went to a sterling standard in 1868, their Medallion line was generally produced in sterling because much of it was retailed by Tiffany, which required sterling. So this is something of a rarity on that count as well. There is an Old English "C.R." monogram on the reverse. The piece is in excellent condition. The male warrior figure (Mars?) retains fine detail. The serving end only had some annoying surface scratches that were professionally buffed, but lightly so.