Gorham (attributed) 'Old English' Antique Coin Silver Server, Providence, RI, c. 1860s

This is a beautiful server in its original tooled leather exterior with satin and felt-lined fitted box.

Multiple castings joined together to form this wonderful slice. The hexagonal handle is joined to the blade with a round reinforcement decorated with delicate beading. The top part of the handle has a conical flaring device below a flat disc with a beaded edge. Reminiscent of the seal-top spoons, this unique design is beautifully engraved 'A.B.' on the top of the disc.

This lovely server is entirely unmarked. Items in this pattern are occasionally marked and more commonly unmarked due to changing relationships between makers and retailers. This piece also comes in the original fitted box stamped 'GORHAM Co & BROWN/ SILVERSMITHS/ PROVIDENCE R.I.' 

According to Gorham Silver by Charles Carpenter, "Gorham Co. & Brown, the predecessor to the present Tilden-Thurber, was founded in 1856 by John Gorham and Gorham Thurber with a man named Henry T. Brown. Brown ran the store, which was an outlet for Gorham & Company silver wares, plus other luxury items." (pp. 59-60).

This server measures 9.75 inches long and is gilded on the front of the blade. It weighs 3.10 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition with a couple of scratches to the front of the blade and light wear to the gilding. In addition, the original box has wear to the outside, a stain to the interior satin, and the cover no longer is attached to the base.

Provenance: From the collection of Providence, RI, antiquarian Nino Scotti.