Gorham Antique Sterling Silver and Redwood Bowl, Providence, RI, 1915

This exquisite and unique bowl - an uncommon form of applied silver on California redwood - was a special order from Gorham’s Retail Division. Featuring beautifully hammered and pierced applied silver strapwork similar to the 'XIV Century' pattern by Shreve & Co. from California, the turned burled California redwood bowl is a lovely, warm color with beautiful graining.

Although the original costing records at the Gorham Archives have not survived, there is an index to these records. We have found records for about 20 similar unique bowls made with redwood, each at a different net cost.  We presume these bowls are different sizes. Interestingly, they were all made during 1915 - the same year as the San Francisco World’s Fair.  We believe, but cannot document, that they were made for the fair with native California redwood to celebrate the state’s natural beauty.

This unique bowl is marked with Gorham's trademark, 'STERLING/ IWS' and also bears a paper label underneath stating "California Redwood Burl.' It measures 8 inches in diameter by 2.25 inches high and is in excellent antique condition.