Gorham Antique Sterling Silver Figural Nut Serving Spoon, Providence, RI, c. 1870s

This stunning serving spoon is a rare figural example by Gorham. The cast bowl is in the form of a leaf which is gilded and pierced with six holes. The naturalistic handle is in the form of a branch with a 3-dimensional cast squirrel at the top. Vine leaves and wire tendrils are incorporated into the design.  

The branch handle is the same one used for the "bird's nest" pattern, but the squirrel is a rare change. Gorham sometimes used birds on fruit or berry bowls then changed the decoration to squirrels when they wanted the same bowl form to be a nut bowl. It is likely Gorham used this rare adaptation to symbolize the spoon was for nuts.

This exceptional server is marked with Gorham's trademark and 'STERLING.' It measures 9.5 inches long, weighs 2.95 troy ounces, and is in excellent antique condition.