Gorham Antique Sterling and 'Translucent' Enamel Caddy Spoon, Providence, RI, 1894

Small and extremely rare due to the painstaking process of creating plique-a-jour and its delicate nature, this wonderful jewel-like tea caddy spoon exhibits an array of vibrant colors. Very few items in this line were made, and few survived the test of time. (We know of only three others.)

The frame is formed by shaping sterling wire. The sterling is also gilt. Each area would then be filled with various enamels, likely filled and then fired several times at different temperatures to accommodate the different colors.

This incredible item is marked with Gorham's trademark and 'STERLING/ 769' along with the 1894 date mark. It measures 3.25 inches long and is in very good antique condition. All the enamel is intact, with some craquelure in the white (which may have been in the making).