Gorham Sterling Silver and Other Metals Aesthetic Movement Mixed Metals Tobacco Jar or Humidor, c. 1881

This stunning example of American aesthetic movement sterling silver features wonderfully three dimensional floral, foliate decoration along with a whimsical frog finial. Various fauna include birds, a butterfly and the above mentioned frog. One side has a deep flower similar to a daisy cultivar. Another side has a branch and leaves laden with flowers or berries hanging from it. (This looks like a Japanese Andromeda flower to us, but we're not botanists.) This piece displays a three dimensional character rarely seen in mixed metal work. (Or any other silver of this period for that matter.)

Most smoking sets of this period are found made of copper with other metals. This is a very rare example of a tobacco jar or humidor in sterling silver with other metals. It is also in outstanding condition, even the bronze with rokusho patination (often quite worn from polishing) appears in perfect shape.

The jar measures 5 inches high by 4 inches in diameter and weighs 14.3 troy ounces. It is inscribed underneath 'LC/ from/ FHP' in a cursive script. It is marked with Gorham's trademark, 'STERLING', 'E14' (model number - probably a unique sample or special order), 'N' (date mark for 1881), and '& OTHER METALS'. It is in excellent condition with a couple minor abrasions.