| This is a magnificent heavy gauge American silver centerpiece bowl with superb quality decoration by the renowned silversmiths at the Gorham Corporation. It rests upon 4 elegantly scrolling feet, each of which has been handsomely topped by a beautifully crafted face with extraordinarily well observed eyes and a florid scrolling moustache. A Rococo style leafy head dress above each of the faces extends dramatically upwards adding an additional decorative touch to the elaborate design of the base which consists of pretty scrolling motifs interspersed with flowers and fruits. These same Rococo style scrolling forms swirl elegantly around the main body of the bowl where they have been augmented by lovely garlands of repousse roses and exceptionally fine quality lion heads. More lion heads have been effectively repeated around the undulating upper rim together with a selection of exceptionally fine quality garlands comprising fruits and roses and decorated with trailing ribbons. The upper border also incorporates a pair of cartouches which have each been topped with shell motifs. These have not been monogrammed and show no signs of mono removal. The ornate and elaborate work throughout has all been made to the very highest standards and the entire design contains a great deal of visual interest which is extremely pleasing to the eye. The bowl is in excellent condition and has a soft and pleasing patina together with crisply defined details on all the lovely decorative elements. It has been stamped on the upper rim with the symbols of the Gorham Corporation of Providence, R.I. and has been clearly stamped on the underside of the base with the name of the original retialer, Theodore B. Starr, New York. This is a wonderful example of fine quality American sterling silver from the turn of the last century and would make an elegant and sophisticated addition to any dining area. It measures approx. 20” x 15 ¾” x approx. 8” tall and weighs a very substantial 135 troy ounces. Price: $35,000.00 Stock #BD470 |