Gorham 'Old Medici' Sterling Silver Sardine Fork with Engraved Blade

A rarely found piece in Gorham's Old Medici pattern, this sardine fork measures 5 3/4" long and weighs .8 T. oz.

It has four, relatively broad, pointed tines that are joined to a deep-shouldered, wavy-edged, heel that is engraved with an acanthus leaf design surface.

The tines retain a portion of an original gold wash on the upper sides.

Most references date the pattern to 1880, although Charles Carpenter in his benchmark Gorham Silver places it about 1883. This is an early example marked with the company's "lion, anchor, G" emblem, "Sterling," and "Copyrighted" on the handle backside.

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

This piece features a youthful looking page or attendant carrying a large tray laden with fruit.

Additionally, this shows a flanking pair of squirrels above the main figure, and a gargoyle below it, along with intricate tracery.

The upper end of the handle backside is open with a double lined margin, and in this instance, is engraved with a lined script "HLL" monogram.

In excellent, this retains clear pattern detail and having a soft finish overall. The tines are straight, even, and free of bends or burrs, although as noted above, have lost most of their gold wash.