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| Author | Topic: Small Plaque |
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wessex96 Posts: 56 |
posted 03-25-2009 01:23 PM
  
[26-1825] I have a small cast bronze plaque showing the (now demolished) Gorham Manufacturing Company factory at Providence. It measures just under three and a half inches by two inches. Two domed feet fixed to the back raise the top of the plaque about a quarter of an inch when placed on a surface. It is marked ‘E. E. Codman Sc.’ in the bottom right hand corner and ‘Gorham Co.’ is stamped on the bottom edge. I find the overall design very interesting but I have a question. Does anybody happen to know, or can suggest, why these plaques were produced? Was it perhaps to advertise the company in some way – or were they made as saleable items? IP: Logged |
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bascall Posts: 1629 |
posted 03-25-2009 01:49 PM
Here'a a couple of very wild guesses, store advertising and business office decoration. Whatever the specific purpose, it is a beautiful plaque. IP: Logged |
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argentum1 Posts: 602 |
posted 03-25-2009 03:17 PM
My guess would be a store advertising item. IP: Logged |
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Kimo Posts: 1627 |
posted 03-25-2009 05:46 PM
Store advertising is a good thought. Another possibility might be an award or presentation item to employees or valued corporate business partners. Gorham used to make small bronzes at the turn of the century (I know of some animal figures, small award type plaques, and small busts, for example). Edwin E. Codman (born 1876) was a prolific in house contract sculptor with Gorham - his specialty was the animals though you also see his work in small bronze award plaques, busts, and figurines. My personal opinion of the artistic quality of his work is that it is quite competent and professional but not masterly. My guess is that this plaque is related to that part of the Gorham business. IP: Logged |
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doc Posts: 728 |
posted 03-25-2009 06:32 PM
Does the back of the plaque have a mark on it for the Gorham Foundry? I recently posted a thread about a Gorham bronze tray that I have-you might find the information of interest. Gorham bronze IP: Logged |
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silverhunter Posts: 704 |
posted 03-25-2009 07:20 PM
Gorham moved out of it's buildings in the early 1920's to 576 fifth avenue, is it possible they made it for the personal who moved to the other address as remembering piece of the old factory? Or is it a possibility the bronze plaque was part of a cover of a box, inside was a product also made by Gorham?. In 1900 there was a world's fair or international exhibition in Paris and I've found out in 1876 in Philadelphia was also one, perhaps there was around 1920 also a world's fair or international exhibition in the U.S.A. where these plaques were given by Gorham as PR article to other factories? There were also more Codman's (family relatifs) working in different periods at Gorham factories. So it's nice to have such a piece with a lot of history and well known names. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-26-2009 12:26 AM
These probably had a number of functions. The local retailer could have one to show that he was a genuine Gorham dealer. These could be sold as souveniers to factory visitors and at World Fairs. It could also be a card stand at Gorham showrooms. Nice piece. IP: Logged |
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wessex96 Posts: 56 |
posted 03-26-2009 11:42 AM
Thanks to all for your comments. Doc, there are no marks at all on the back, only on the edge as shown. (I liked your referenced tray.) IP: Logged |
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Paul Lemieux Posts: 1792 |
posted 03-26-2009 05:15 PM
Am I correct in seeing that the feet are hemispherical, so when placed on a flat surface, the plaque stands at an angle with its upper edge raised and its lower edge resting upon the surface? If so, that would make it seem like a store advertising piece. IP: Logged |
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wessex96 Posts: 56 |
posted 03-27-2009 08:49 AM
Yes, Paul, it is just as you describe. Thanks for your comment. IP: Logged |
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