Gorham Antique Sterling Silver Nautical Olive Server, Providence, RI, c. 1880

Probably the rarest of Gorham's olive servers, which some people attribute to "Narragansett" but Gorham's records refer to as the "273 Olive Spoon and Fork," is a stunning server of nautical inspiration. (It is also very similar to Gorham's "Blue Point" limited pattern.) The length of the piece is formed as an extended branch of coral with a 2-prong end. This naturalistic form has applied shells, seaweed, marsh grasses, and a fish. Each of the items has stunning details. The realistic, detailed representations of shells, cattails and a fish are outstanding. 

This magnificent server is marked with Gorham's trademark and "STERLING/ 273." It measures 11.25 inches long, weighs 1.90 troy ounces, and is in excellent condition, as is the partial gilding.

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