Gorham 1876 "Kings I" Solid Sterling Silver Master Butter Knife

The earliest of four Kings (I, II, III, and King George) patterns produced by Gorham, Kings I, introduced in 1876, is the most individualistic and least imitative of the four of the English counterparts from which this popular American design in many manifestations evolved.

The handle features a rounded, upturned end with a stylized shell, and honeysuckle detailing and two rosettes and a palmette set midway, all replicated on the backside save for the absence of a shell.

The pattern bears some similarity to Tiffany's 1870 Saratoga and may have been introduced to compete with that line.

This example is a 7 1/2 long, quite heavy at nearly 1.7 T. oz., all silver master butter knife.

It has a pointed blade with a scalloped upper edge. The front surface is engraved is a design that compliments the main pattern, and also includes wriggle work detailing around the margins.

The handle backside is engraved with an embellished Old English "B" monogram and marked with Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem, "Sterling, and "Pat. 76."

In very good condition, this retains excellent pattern detail, is without bends, breaks, or burrs, and has a bright finish. This are surface scratches indicative of use, and which are particularly evident on the blade.