Gorham Antique Sterling Silver Floral Tea or Coffee Set, Providence, RI, 1881

This stunning service consists of a tea or coffee pot, a creamer, and a waste bowl used as a sugar. It is exceedingly heavy and of great quality. All the pieces are designed with stunning repoussé and chasing of intricate, various flora bordered by stems.

The shoulder areas of the pot and creamer have wonderfully chased leaves, and the pot and creamer have attached lobed spouts and handles that resemble bamboo. Continuing this nature-inspired design is a wonderfully engraved cover to the pot with leaves emanating from an artichoke finial.

Contrasting nicely with the intricate decoration are the plain areas, which are engraved with an MF(?) monogram and the name "Foltz."

Provenance:
Private Collection.

This lovely set is marked with Gorham's trademark and "STERLING/ 1600/ N." The pot measures 9.5 inches across the handle, and the spout is 5.5 inches tall. It weighs a total of 51.15 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition, retaining its original gilding to the waste bowl and creamer.