John Gorham, New Haven, Connecticut, c. 1815 Coin Silver Serving Spoon

The name Gorham immediately evokes Jabez Gorham of Providence, Rhode Island, and the legendary firm he founded.

The same surname, however, appears in the history of 18th and 19th century silversmithing in New Haven, Connecticut.

This minor dynasty included Miles Gorham, his son by the same name, and his nephew John, whose "J. Gorham" mark is imprinted on this lengthy, 8 7/8", 1.5 T. oz. coin silver spoon.

Born in 1789, Flynt & Fales Heritage Foundation Collection of Silver notes that in 1814 he advertised a shop at the corner of Church and Crown Streets in New Haven.

The New Haven Historical Society 1967 An Exhibition of New Haven Silver catalogue volume offers the dates 1813-15 as his beginning working years, and references a ladle in the exhibit made by John Gorham.

These dates correspond with the style of this, which has a plain, slightly arced, fiddle shaped handle with a rounded, chamfered end, and a faint midrib on the backside.

There are narrow, tapered edge, fins off the plain drop bowl, and a feathered script "M" monogram engraved sideways on the handle front.

In good condition overall, this worthy and rather rare piece of early Connecticut silver is without bends, breaks or repairs and offers a warm patina. The bowl, however, shows some wear, namely shallow pebbling in the base and some flattening at the tip.