Gorham Pair of Coin Silver Figural Master Salts, Providence, RI, c. 1862

These master salts are quite lovely. They are early examples of coin silver from Gorham and exhibit very high quality and imaginative design. The rims of the oval bowls have applied bands of swirl design. The handles are exquisitely cast birds perched on sprigs with leaves and berries. The feather details are stunning.

Gorham's records indicate these master salts or 'salt stands' were first entered into Gorham's costing records in 1862 and had a factory cost of $12.90 each to produce. This coin model was so desirable that Gorham reintroduced the model in sterling in 1869. (1)

These wonderful salts are marked with Gorham's trademark and 'COIN/ 240.' One is also marked with the retailer 'COX BROTHERS.' They measure 4.75 inches across the bird's tails by just shy of  2 inches wide by 2 inches tall, weigh a combined 5.50 troy ounces, and are in very good antique condition with light wear to the original gilding and bodies.

Endnote:

1. George & Carolyn Tompkins, the Handbook of Gorham Open Salt Dishes,(Archimedes Press, Rockport, ME, 1987), p. 44, ills. 54 & 55.