Gorham set of Antique Sterling Apostle (Dessert) Spoons, Providence, RI, c. 1894

It is exceedingly rare to find a complete set of Gorham's Master (Jesus) and 12 apostle spoons. We acquired and sold a set in the early days of our business and haven't seen another since, making us think this may be the same set.

The handles are designed with two coiling serpents terminating above the figure of a cherub. Standing on pedestals are the 12 various apostles and the larger serving spoon depicting Jesus, which Gorham called "The 'Master' Spoon." (1) Engraved on each of the pedestals is the name of the apostle and IHS on the master spoon.

The only other complete set we know of is in the collection of The Rhode Island School of Design Museum: see here, which was a gift from Gorham.

Possible Provenance:
Private Collection, Simsbury, CT
Spencer Marks
Marsh & Ackerman
Private Collection

This fantastic set is marked with Gorham's trademark and 'STERLING.' The spoons and server measure 6.5 and 7.5 inches long respectively, have a combined weight of 23.10 troy ounces and are in very good/ excellent condition.

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

Photo from the Gorham CD Collection, 1885/067

Endnote:

1. Chris A. McGlothlin,  Gorham Spoons, Sterling Souvenir From A Bygone Era, (Rock Springs Press, 2017), pp. 298-299.