Gorham Six Rare Blue & Gold Enamel Sterling Silver Coffee Spoons

These six, matching, 19th century, coffee spoons are a statement in design and technique.

Made by Gorham, whose "lion, anchor, G" emblem and the word "Sterling" are imprinted on the reverses, they are 4 7/8" long, and relatively very heavy at 4.37 the group.

Finished in a satin matte gold on all surfaces, they have blue (it may read black in the above composites, but it is a deep blue), yellow, and white enameled handles, executed in an Arabesque with rosettes design.

They have arced handles, the lower portions of which have beveled edges, thickened wall bowls, and exhibit precise finishing.

Interestingly, the Newark Museum of Art holds a Gorham enameled vase which is similar enough in design and coloration to these pieces (see enlargement 2), to suggest that it and these were part of the same artistic expression.

Former Director Ulysses Dietz who acquired the vase for the Museum in 1984 dates it to 1877 and notes in online commentary that this was "one year before Tiffany unveil[ed] the Mackay enameled silver pieces."

The online entry showing the vase states that it "exhibits a complex gilding and enameling process that was all about art (and the prestige attached to displaying such an objet d’art in your parlor)."

Presumably these spoons would have made the same impression upon a table as the vase did in its location.

In mint condition, these show no evidence of use whatsoever.