Gorham 'Grecian' Large Coin Silver Soup Ladle Engraved 'H. Luce'

One of Gorham's earliest full line patterns, Grecian was produced to a coin silver standard beginning in 1861 and then continued in sterling from 1868 onward.

This example is marked only "Patent 1861" and with Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem absent a sterling designation, thus indicating it is coin.

It is also the largest iteration of a ladle in this line and is for soup. In keeping with mid 19th century practice for this sort of item, it measures a massive 14" long and weighs 6.1 T. oz.

The helmet shaped bowl has notched shoulders and a flanged rim and reaches 4 1/2" back to front, 3 1/2" across and is 1 1/4" deep.

The pattern itself features a single, large, anthemion set at the end of a tubular shank. The backside has a leafy, scalloped edge, with a plain central reserve which in this instance is engraved in Old English lettering, "H. Luce."

In exceptionally fine condition, this is without polishing wear, bends, or damage to the handle. With its expansive smooth walled interior, the bowl would have been readily subject to dents from use and this is essentially free of that, showing one pinprick dimple, and three faint scored areas. Traces of an original gold wash remain on the bowl interior. The overall finish is warm and even.