Gorham Antique Sterling Silver Figural Berry Dish, Providence, RI, 1872

This dish is a stunning example of great design and beauty. The large bowl is an elongated shell with a scalloped edge. The interior has a lovely matte finish covered in its original gilding. The soft texture of the surface makes the gold sparkle.

The handle comes up over the shell like a wave. An exceptionally cast cherub in a semi-kneeling position peers out into the bowl. The partial gilding to the cluster of grapes, the robe and the wings is amazing.

The back of the dish is engraved with a lovely 'ABJC' monogram.

The applied base to the dish is a naturalistic design of a twisting berry vine with leaves. This base is also gilded.

This rare dish is marked underneath with Gorham's trademark and 'STERLING/ 610/ E'. It is also stamped with a star which we have seen before on high quality Gorham pieces from this period but have not been able to document its significance.

The dish measures 10 inches long by 9.75 inches wide by 6 inches high to the top of the cherub. It weighs 22.60 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition with the surface and gilding in spectacular condition.