Gorham Coin Silver Bud Vase, retailed by Tiffany & Co., made from silver from the Comstock Lode, 1865-8

Examples of silver stamped with the name of the mine from which the silver originated from are extremely rare.Monogram on Gorham Coin Silver Bud Vase, retailed by Tiffany & Co., made from silver from the Comstock Lode, 1865-8 The style of this vase is neoclassical with its squat body, narrow neck and columnar handles with acanthus Handle detail on Gorham Coin Silver Bud Vase, retailed by Tiffany & Co., made from silver from the Comstock Lode, 1865-8leaf terminals. A block style 'EHM' monogram decorates one side. Simplicity and form make this a very attractive piece.

The underside is stamped with Gorham's coin silver trademark, the item number '720' and with the name of the retailer 'TIFFANY & Co'. It is also stamped 'GOULD & CURRY/ SILVER MINE'. This historic vase measures 7 inches high, weighs 5.55 troy ounces and is in very good antique condition with a couple miniscule dimples to the surface.

Gold was first found in the mountains surrounding what is now Virginia City, Nevada in 1850. However, it was not until 1859 that a significant 'lode' of gold was found in a bluish-grey sludge that was very difficult for the miners to dig through. It was soon discovered this sludge contained massive amounts of silver and the 'Comstock Lode' was born. One of the most significant silver discoveries ever, and the most significant in the U.S. would soon change the course of U.S. history and the development of the western United States.

During boom and bust cycles as various veins of silver were mined, Virginia City became the home to over 30,000 people and the largest city between the Mississippi and San Francisco. More money was made in San Francisco from the silver in Nevada than the gold at Sutter's Creek. Silver from these mines helped the United States pay for the Civil War. In 1870, the United States opened a mint in nearby Carson City, Nevada. When the 'Mother Lode' was discovered in 1872, silver was so abundant that the U.S. started minting 'Morgan' silver dollars to help support the price of silver.

Marks on Gorham Coin Silver Bud Vase, retailed by Tiffany & Co., made from silver from the Comstock Lode, 1865-8The Gould & Curry Company was the most important mining company in Virginia City, at one point employing 225 men. The headquarters of the Gould & Curry Mining Company was built in 1859 by George Hearst (father of William Randolph Hearst) and the mine was purchased by the 'Silver King' John Mackay. Mackay successfully acquired other mining companies in the area and amassed a major fortune; his mansion, the former company offices, still stands in Virginia City and is open to the public as a museum. Mackay commissioned the greatest silver service in U.S. history from Tiffany & Co. in the late 1870's – many of the pieces are in museums today.

Our Price: SOLD

Item code: P6905