Gorham Sterling Silver Aesthetic Movement Naturalistic Serving Fork and Spoon Set, 1884

One of the greatest and most unusual designs executed in a serving fork and spoon are exhibited in these stunning servers. The handles, designed as bamboo shafts with wonderful details, curve up along the edges of the bowls. An intertwined 'SM' monogram is on the top front handle of the spoon and on the top back of the fork handle. Both bowls are designed as oyster shells with irregular surfaces and wavy edges. They have a matte finish and are gilded on both sides. Tightly wound wire (along with original silver solder) attach the bowls to the handles.

An almost identical pair of servers were part of the Sam Wagstaff Collection (Christie's, January 20, 1989, lot 188).

The backs of the bowls are stamped with Gorham's trademark along with 'STERLING', the model '330' and with the 1884 date mark 'Q'. The fork and spoon weigh 4.15 and 3.45 troy ounces respectively. They measure 9.75 inches long and are in very good antique condition with light wear to the original gilding.