Gorham Antique Sterling Silver Covered Porringer, Providence, RI, 1874

This is a stunning and large porringer of exceptional quality, design and craftsmanship. It is also very rare to find a covered porringer - especially still with its cover. The removable cover has a dome top with a matte finish and an applied, reeded finial.

The deep, pan-shaped bowl has a stunning applied, die-rolled band. Against a stippled background are repeating scenes of a winged cherub riding sea horses following a mermaid and two dolphins. Ornamental grasses separate the scenes. This rare band was designed by George Wilkinson and used as part of the famous Furber service. (1)

The elaborate handle is very similar to a rare Gorham pattern called 'Angelo'. It is beautifully shaped and terminates at the base with a classical styled applied leaf and floral decoration. It is monogrammed in a gothic style 'C' over 'AL'.

Gorham's records clearly document that this is a porringer. It had a net factory, or wholesale, cost of about $44.002 meaning about $55.00 - $60.00 retail. A very expensive child's gift in 1874.

This extremely rare item is marked with Gorham's trademark and 'STERLING/ 25/ G'. The bowl is just shy of 2.5 inches high with the exterior rim of the bowl measuring 5.5 inches in diameter. The length over the handle is 10 inches. It weighs an impressive 13.05 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.

Endnotes:

1. Charles H. Carpenter, Gorham Silver 1831-1981, (New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1982), pp 68-70. While Carpenter attributes the design to this banding to Thomas Pairpoint, George Wilkinson holds at least two design patents for nearly identical bands so we are giving him credit.
2. Silver Ware Costing Book Volume 6, Page 282, Gorham Silver Company Archives, John Hay Library, Brown University.