posted 12-17-2005 01:31 PM            

Here's a nice piece in an unusual pattern -- at least to me. And always nice to have the original fitted box, of course.

I have two pieces in this pattern (the other is a ladle), and I've seen only a few others over the years. Each has been unmarked, except for one that had a clearly later 'STERLING' stamp. All have been serving pieces.

In this case, the piece is identified on an original sticker on the bottom of the box as an Ice Cream Knife Gilt. The letters before that appear to be GE, but I don't know what that might stand for. Nor can I decipher the other markings, which unfortunately are partly obliterated by a small scrape and other writing in red that I can't make out.

The pattern consists of a hexagonal handle, with a beaded bit near the bowl and a flattened disc with knurled edge at the end; the disc has occasionally carried a monogram on examples I've seen. To my eye it looks like a c.1870s design, and the box here seems in keeping with that estimate. I once saw one attributed by a dealer as a Gorham pattern. Does anyone know more about this pattern?

posted 12-17-2005 07:40 PM            

Gorham officially called the pattern "SEAL TOP", and it was made in a limited number of items, including an ice cream set. I can't remember the date offhand, but I think it was introduced in the 1860s.

Hope this helps!

posted 12-19-2005 05:05 PM            

Has anyone seem an actual example?

There was one Gorham patent issued that year. It was for the first silverplate specific trade mark:

The specification text reads in part

quote:

---

Be it known that I, JOHN GORHAM, of the city and county of Providence, and State of Rhode Island, have originated and designed a new Design for a Trade-Mark, of which the following is a full, clear and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings; making part of this specification.

My said design for a trade-mark consists of an anchor on a shield, such as is shown in the said drawings, A being an anchor and S a shield. And my design further consists of the legend or inscription, Gorham Mfg Co., as shown in the said drawings.

This mark I purpose using, arranged one above the other, or otherwise, in connection, to designate and distinguish the genuine manufacture or article of "electro-plated ware," (so called,) of the corporation or company authorized and doing business under the name and style of the "Gorham Manufacturing Company," the said marks being stamped or otherwise fixed on the said manufacture in any well-known and effective manner.

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posted 12-20-2005 10:31 PM            

Since that pattern was introduced in 1867, I wouldn't be surprised if Gorham produced examples in coin and sterling, since they went to sterling in 1868.

I have only seen this pattern made by Gorham.

wev--this is a salt spoon in the 1867 pattern by Bingham. I'm sorry the picture of the marks is so blurry, but the marks are J. B. PATENT 1867

posted 12-22-2005 12:07 PM            

Notice the deformation around the mark. Judging by the weight and balance -- on both pieces -- the handles should be solid, but if so the person who marked this must have really given it a blow. Looking at it now more closely than ever before, I think that's what happened; the whole handle has a slight bend at that spot, and there's a tiny mark on the ferrule from a slight misplacement on the anvil. So I am now convinced it's solid.