| This is a magnificent American sterling silver water pitcher with truly exceptional chased work decoration skillfully executed by the silversmiths at the highly prestigious Gorham Corporation. It has a pleasingly bulbous body shape defined at both the shallow pouring lip and at the base by a series of incised horizontal lines and a carrying handle which has been finished with scrolling decoration and acanthus leaves in the Rococco style. The major decoration however has been lavishly applied to the main body which is gloriously covered allover with remarkable acid etched work of the very highest quality. The sides have both been heavily embellished with a lovely and intricate asymmetrical design of swirling, flowing vines, leaves and grape clusters which wind sinuously all across the surface invoking the exuberance of the Art Nouveau style. These act as a spectacular framing device for the depiction of a figural form flanking a large shield-shaped cartouche. The figure shows a seated man with a large moustache happily brandishing a beer stein in one hand and presenting the cartouche with the other. He is dressed in medieval style clothing and has been rendered with exquisite attention to detail. His facial features and hair, his shirt and shoes, and even the design on his beer stein, have all been expertly crafted with meticulous care and great skill by a master silversmith. The cartouche has intricate decoration at both the top and the bottom but has not been monogrammed and shows no signs of mono removal. The pitcher is in excellent condition throughout with a lovely soft patina on the silver and crisp, clear definition on all its fabulous decorative elements. It has been stamped on the base with a pattern number, the marks of the Gorham Corporation (a lion, an anchor and the letter G) and the production symbol in use during the year 1887. This is an unusual and distinctive piece by one of the world’s greatest silver manufacturers and would make a fine addition to any silver collection. It measures approx. 8” tall to the top of the handle and is approx. 3 ¼” in diameter at the base. It weighs 28 troy ounces. Price: $8,500.00 Stock #BC226 |