Gorham Antique Sterling Silver 'Silence' Egyptian Cream Ladle, Providence, RI, c. 1870

This very rare ladle features two cast seated Egyptian figures near the base of the handle. This design gets referred to as the 'Silence' pattern, but we haven't been able to confirm that in any primary documentation. The inverted helmet-shaped bowl has an applied horizontal band of fine rope design, is engraved underneath the rim, and is also engraved 'Lilly.'

Created using multiple parts, this ladle has a slender handle of solid sterling wire curved at the top. A disk with a rope-decorated edge is placed just under the curve.

Four objects in this design are illustrated and discussed in an excellent article in Silver Magazine. (1)

Provenance: Private Collection.

This striking ladle is marked with Gorham's trademark and 'STERLING.' It measures 8.75 inches long, weighs 2.75 troy ounces, retains its original gilding to the bowl's interior, and is in excellent antique condition.

Endnote:

1. "American Silver Flatware in the Egyptian Revival Style, Part II" by Charles S. Curb, William P. Hood, Jr., John R. Olson, and Dale E. Bennett, in Silver Magazine, July/ August 2003, pp. 20-27.