Gorham Antique Sterling Silver Porringer, Providence, RI, 1874

This is a stunning porringer of exceptional quality, design and craftsmanship. The deep, circular bowl has a stunning applied, die-rolled band. Against a stippled background are repeating scenes of a winged cherub riding sea horses following a mermaid and two dolphins. Ornamental grasses separate the scenes. This rare band was designed by George Wilkinson and used as part of the famous Furber service. (1) 

The elaborate handles consist of two sections. The upper plates are beautifully pierced with classical foliate decoration. The main handle is a stunning display of finely pierced and scrolling foliage. The shaped handle also has an applied flower in bloom at its end.

This rare item is marked with Gorham's trademark and 'STERLING/ 25/ G'. The bowl is just shy of 2.5 inches high with the exterior rim of the bowl measuring 4.75 inches in diameter. The length over the handle is 7.5 inches long. The porringer has never been engraved, weighs an impressive 9.60 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.

Endnote:

1. Charles H. Carpenter in Gorham Silver 1831-1981, (New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1982), pp 68-70. While Carpenter attributes the design of this banding to Thomas Pairpoint, George Wilkinson holds at least two design patents for nearly identical bands so we are giving him credit.