Gorham "Narragansett" Antique Sterling Silver Bon Bon Dish, Providence, RI, 1886

Exceptionally rare is this magnificent Gorham dish. The construction of multiple pieces of intricately woven and assembled pieces of silver is remarkable. Amongst the nautical scenery of twisting seaweed are various shells - some with barnacles and partially gilt. There are also two crabs and a fish.  Three feet underneath consist of applied shells. The design is based on the sea life of the Narragansett Bay in Gorham's home state of Rhode Island.

This magnificent dish is marked with Gorham's trademark and 'STERLING/ 735' and the date mark for 1886. It measures 6.25 inches in diameter, weighs 5.95 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.

Here is an original photo courtesy of the Gorham Archives at the John Hay Library, Brown University.