Gorham Antique Coin Silver Figural Serving Dish or 'Cake Basket', Providence, RI, c. 1867 - retailed by Tiffany & Co.

This rare and unusual serving dish, which Gorham called a 'cake basket', is a wonderful and early example of their coin silver.

The oval shaped bowl has canted sides and down turned handles. Perched on top of the handles are birds peering into the bowl.

Traveling around the outside rim is an applied plain band to decorate and strengthen the edge. Striking cast masks decorate the edge of the bowl.

The interior of the bowl is lightly engraved around the perimeter of the flat surface.

The exterior of the bowl is engraved with a beautiful 'MJ' monogram. It is accented with branch and leaf design as is the applied masks.

The cast and applied feet are whimsical and rare. They are four turtles standing on flat square platforms with their reflections appearing on the bowl.

This lovely bowl is marked underneath with Gorham's trademark, the model number '350' and 'T&CO' for Tiffany & Company. It measures 11.5 inches long by 7.75 inches wide by 2.5 inches high, weighs 18.70 troy ounces and is in very good antique condition. The nuts underneath which hold the birds may be later replacements.