Gorham No. 610 'Rampant Lion' Unusual Confection Spoon

Design number "610" produced by Gorham, this 7 1/4" long, 1.5 T. oz., confection (as identified in an 1892 Gorham catalogue) spoon was a special production item.

The tip of the handle features a rampant, i.e. standing, lion, set atop a columnar handle. The lower section of the handle just above the join with the bowl, portrays a stately looking, classical, female figure draped in flowing robes.

The bowl is fig-shaped, and imprinted in the center with an embossed floral cluster. The lower portion of this area terminates with a shell form, bordered by what appear to be the scrolled edges of a manuscript.

The entire piece has an overall gold washed surface; the margins of the bowl have a bright finish, while the interior has a matte surface, .

Much if not all of this is cast rather than die struck. (Casting provides for detail that could not be achieved otherwise, and it adds dimension, as is particularly evident in the standing lion.)

In impeccable condition, this is free of damage or wear. In fact, it appears essentially unused.

Marks are Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem, "Sterling," and "610," all imprinted on the backside.