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A Gorham Pewter Whatzit

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Author	Topic: A Gorham Pewter Whatzit
Brent Posts: 1507 Registered: May 99	posted 04-25-2006 08:35 AM Here is an odd item from Gorham. It is pewter, measures about 9 3/4 inches long, and has a lightly hammered surface, probably from being hand-wrought (The size and shape of the hammer marks varies enough to make me think it is not machine hammered). It is one of the few pieces of pewter I have seen from Gorham, and I have never seen a mark like this. Also, what is it? One common guess is that it is a shoehorn; however, the "bowl" end is a bit too deep, and it tnds to catch on the heel and can't be pulled out. The other guess is that is is some kind of serving scoop, probably true. My best guess at this point is that this is a relatively recent item (i.e. less than 25 years old), and was probably sold as something in particular, perhaps as a "classy" ice cream scoop. Does anyone know for certain? Brent IP: Logged
witzhall Posts: 124 Registered: Mar 2006	posted 04-25-2006 06:17 PM It's hard to tell from the picture whether the handle end is also concave. If it is concave, might the utensil be a "melon baller"? IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 04-25-2006 10:30 PM During the great silver runup of the late 70's, Gorham began producing pewter in quantity. It sold well, but for no clear reason was discontinued. The flatware line featured hollow pewter handles with stainless working parts. This is elegant, and sells well. It also stands up to use. As for the spoon? Bath oil beads server? Baptismal spoon? Candle holder? It looks to be missing something, like a piece of glass. Never saw one before. Thanks, Dale IP: Logged
hello Posts: 200 Registered: Jun 2005	posted 04-25-2006 11:15 PM a really annoying soup spoon. You see, when you scooped the soup it would run up the handle onto your hands... just kidding of course IP: Logged
Brent Posts: 1507 Registered: May 99	posted 04-26-2006 07:32 AM Thanks for the input. It is concave the entire length, so it would be a very annoying soup spoon, if used that way. I don't think it is a melon baller; the big end would make a pretty enormous ball! Thanks to Dale for the info on Gorham pewter. Maybe the late 70's is about right for this, whatever it is! Brent IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 04-26-2006 10:22 AM Information gathered online: Gorham �Octette� pewter flatware pattern. This pewter flatware pattern with a satin finish was first introduced in 1974 and discontinued in 1981. IP: Logged
carlaz Posts: 239 Registered: Jan 2001	posted 04-26-2006 12:18 PM Could it be a pipe holder? I have seen pap spoons by Kirk Pewter also advertised as a pipe holder. Just a guess... IP: Logged
IJP Posts: 326 Registered: Oct 2004	posted 04-26-2006 06:39 PM The American Heritage Dictionary defines pewter thusly: quote: Any of numerous silver-gray alloys of tin with various amounts of antimony, copper, and sometimes lead, used widely for fine kitchen utensils and tableware. Surely, some other pewter alloy must be used in products like these! Lead poisoning, as we all know, may cause nausea, abdominal pain, anemia, seizures, and coma. Antimony poisoning may cause headaches, vomiting, and death. What are the pewter alloys commonly used for kitchen utensils or other items which come in contact with food or drink? IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 04-27-2006 02:29 AM How about a serving spoon rest? That way the serving spoon covered with hot dish to pass will not soil the table cloth. Octette is a truly elegant pattern, that feels wonderful in the hand. Why Gorham dropped this very popular line is really incomprehensible. IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 10-25-2009 01:34 PM creedy62 posted 10-25-2009 01:25 PM in the New Members Forum quote: Hi Everyone! This message is for Brent re: his question to the 2006 message & picture of the "Gorham Pewter Whatzit" spoon. I actually just joined the forum so someone may have already found out what it is & posted the info, but if not I know what it is. It's not a shoe horn, melon baller, salad or serving spoon, ice cream scoop, pipe holder, etc. It's actually a Tasting Spoon for chefs & cooks. That funny shaped handle actually has a purpose. The chef / cook scoops the broth or gravy with the larger end, tilts the spoon slightly so the contents runs to the smaller end and then it can be tasted. I have the same spoon in the original box with leaflet. The leaflet specifies it is a tasting spoon and how it is used but unfortunately there is no date on the spoon, box or leaflet to determine how old the spoon actually is. I'm still working on that and if I do find out I'll let the group know. So there you go... part of the mystery is solved. ------------------ Connie IP: Logged

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