Gorham Modern Sterling Silver Presentation Centerpiece Bowl, Providence, RI, 1937

This hand-wrought, oval bowl has a subtle, hammered surface and beautiful sheen. A reeded border along with stunning flowers and flowing leaves with cherries displays a bold and lovely modern design. Underneath each of the flowers is a v-shaped stem that blends into the bowl.

The presentation on the side of the bowl reads:

PRESENTED TO
ILLUSTRIOUS BROTHER ELLWOOD P. MOREY 33°
BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED
SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY IN THE VALLEY
OF WASHINGTON, ORIENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
AS A TESTIMONIAL OF HIS FAITHFUL,
COURTEOUS AND EFFICIENT SERVICE AS OUR DEPUTY
OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL - 1921 TO 1937
DECEMBER 14, 1937

Ellwood P. Morey was a 33° Degree Scottish Rite. He was from Washington, D.C., where he had practiced law since 1899. He passed away in 1940. (1)

Gorham's "E" series silver from the 1930s was a high-end, handmade line of silver. Unfortunately, those records at the Gorham Archives are not accessible, so we cannot confirm if this is a unique piece as the markings indicate.

This wonderful and rare centerpiece is marked with Gorham's trademark and 'GORHAM/ STERLING/ E828/ HAND WROUGHT/ MADE FOR GALT & BRO.' It measures 13.75 inches long by 11.25 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall, weighs 39.05 troy ounces, and is in excellent condition.

Footnote:

1. Otterbein University, Alumni News, 1926-1941, Otterbein Towers, vol. XII, April 1940.