Gorham Aesthetic Movement Antique Sterling Silver Cake Basket, Providence, RI, 1872

This is a stunning basket with an oval-shaped, classic form. An applied wire is used as a decorative border to the rim of the body while also strengthening the edge. This wire is continued upwards to become the handle. Gilt vines with leaves and berries travel up both sides of the handle and continue on the bowl with chased and textured vine leaves. A matte finish is applied to the interior of the bowl and then gilded to give it a shimmering appearance. A gilt decorative band tops the neck of the pedestal base. There is also a small 'M' engraved in its center. 

Provenance: Private Collection.

This wonderful cake basket is marked underneath with the Gorham trademark, 'STERLING,' the 1872 date mark 'E,' and the model number '646.' It measures 11.5 inches long by 7.25 inches wide and 9.75 inches high to the top of the handle. It weighs 20.90 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition 

Gorham Archives image courtesy of the John Hay Library, Brown University.