Gorham 'Medici Old' Choice Solid Sterling Silver Soup Ladle

One of the most expressive of renowned Gorham designer Antoine Heller's patterns, Medici aka Old Medici features figures and imagery drawn from the Italian Renaissance period.

Most references date the pattern to 1880, although Charles Carpenter in his benchmark Gorham Silver places it about 1883.

This piece is a large, 13" long, nearly 7.0 T. oz. (215 grams), all silver soup ladle.

The intricacy of the design shows to full advantage at this essentially massive scale.

The central figure is a festooned, scholarly looking, bearded man holding a book with a hound or other dog at his feet.

Other elements include griffins, birds, flowers, clusters of fruit, a gargoyle, and leafy tracery, all set in perfect proportion and balance, evidence of the skill of a master designer.

The upper end of the handle backside is plain with a double lined margin. This reserve area has never been monogrammed or inscribed.

The bowl is nearly round, 4 1/4" by 3 3/4" by 1 1/4" deep, has an undulating, flanged, edge, and is finished in a bright gold wash on the interior.

In choice estate condition, the piece retains clear pattern detail that is free of polishing wear, and has a warm, even, finish overall. The bowl is without any dents, bends, nicks, or loss of the gold.

Marks are Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem, "Sterling," "Copyrighted," and the number "2."

Note: preserve spoon with engraved bowl also available. Please inquire.