Gorham Martelé Antique Silver Child's Plate, Providence, RI, 1916

This lovely plate is a stunning example of Gorham's Martelé silver. The surface sparkles with beautiful, irregular hammer marks. The raised border has a wavy surface and edge with oval panels, one of which is beautifully engraved 'AWLM'.

Rising from the circular interior are masterfully executed sprays of lily of-the-valley hanging from stems with leaves.

The Martelé line of silver was the finest art nouveau silver made in America. Individually designed and executed, each piece is a unique work of art. Every piece was handmade - no machines were used in Martelé production. It is even made of higher grade silver than sterling (.925): Britannia silver used in Martelé is .9584 silver and more expensive than sterling.

This rare Martelé child's plate is marked underneath with Gorham's company and Martelé line trademarks along with 'Martelé', the silver standard '.9584' and with the manufacturer code 'A/GV'. It measures 7.25 inches round, weighs 8.90 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.