Gorham Antique Sterling Silver Sugar Sifter, Providence, RI, 1874

This is a stunning sifter with a solid silver shaft handle attached to the round hollow upper section which is beautifully designed with repeating leaves (parcel-gilt) and berries against a stippled background. The bowl is pierced with a flower design using circles and lines. The interior of the bowl is a shiny gilt surface while the exterior, also gilt, has a soft, matte finish. An applied band around the bowls' edge is finely executed with a detailed vine with leaves. 

This rare sifter is marked with Gorham's trademark along with 'STERLING/ G'. The 'G' is the date mark for 1874. There is also a small 'M' on the bowl underneath the handle. This wonderful sifter measures 8 inches long, weighs 1.95 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.