Gorham Antique Coin Silver Ram's Head Presentation Ewer, Providence, RI, 1863

A rare and early example of Gorham's chasing at its finest decorates this large presentation ewer while a magnificently cast ram's head thumbpiece ornaments the top of the bold handle. Various classical designs decorate the shaped rim and upper and lower sections of the body. The surface is in stunning condition and is a beautiful color.

Chased floral scenes with 3-dimensional displays of flowers and branches against a stippled background are exceptional. They flank a large reserve on the front with the following inscription:

'Presented to
THOMAS BARROWS ESQ.
BY THE OPERATIVES
as a slight token of their respect
for him as a Gentleman
and a Manufacturer
July 4th 1863.' 

Thomas Barrows (August 6, 1795 – May 7, 1880) was born in Middleboro, Massachusetts and 'He rose from a humble childhood to become the wealthiest mill owner in Dedham.' (see Wikipedia)

It appears that this ewer was presented to Barrows upon him selling the company to other owners in 1863. 'The manufacture of woolen goods... incorporated in 1853 under the name of the Maverick Woolens Company, with Thomas Barrows, of Dedham, as agent, and afterwards by the Merchants Woolen Company, incorporated in 1863. During all this period the business has been profitable to the owners. Mr. Barrows was an experienced and prudent manager, and the sale to the Merchants Woolen Company was made at an advantageous price. This company has much enlarged the capacity of the mills and machinery, and the privilege has long since ceased to furnish the necessary power for running the machinery, which is supplied by steam. The water of Charles River is found to be unequaled for the purposes of cleansing wool.' (1)

'Mr. Barrows was one of the many instances of a poor lad acquiring wealth and high social position through a long course of honorable toil.' (2)

This extraordinary ewer is marked with Gorham's trademark and 'Coin/ 220.' It also bears the scratch marks of the weight of 47 ounces, 11 pennyweights (or 47.55 troy ounces). It measures on my digital scale 47.50 troy ounces which shows how pristine its surface and condition are. It measures 13.5 inches high to the top of the handle by 8.5 inches across the handle and spout and is in exceptional antique condition.

Archival image of  the Gorham Coin Silver 220 Pitcher courtesy John Hay Library, Brown University

Endnotes:

1. D. Hamilton Hurd, History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, With Biographical Sketches of Many of its Prominent Men, (Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1884), p. 64.
2. Ibid., p. 63.