Gorham Antique Coin Silver Vase, Providence, RI, 1861-1867

This lovely vase is flanked by two handles with applied, classical female masks. Draped beading hangs from the base of the handles. Contrasting nicely with the plain, conical shaped body is a beautiful border of scrolling classical leaves against a stippled background. The pedestal base continues this design format with an undecorated stem and spreading base ornamented with anthemion around its edge. An 'ESA' script monogram is engraved on one side of the body and the interior is gilt.

This lovely vase is marked with Gorham's trademark and '400'. It measures 9 inches tall, weighs 13.70 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition with light scaling underneath the handles.

According to the records at the Gorham Archive at the John Hay Library at Brown University, the '400' vase was first made in 1861 and had a net factory cost of around $31.69. This was a lot of money in 1861 and the retail price would have been higher.