posted 08-04-2003 09:43 PM              

I found a small pitcher. Size is approx. 5 7/8" high. There is a handle on one side and a very narrow spout on the opposite side. Piece is oval in shape. Top lid is hinged on with a tiny hole on the top of the lid by the hinge. Almost looks like an individual teapot and hole would be to let steam out. Entire piece looks like it is hand hammered. Piece is also very heavy.

Underside of lid has the numbers 87 stamped in it. Hinge is crudely hammered with original hinge pin. Bottom of piece is stamped with the following: MAILLARD, NEW YORK, G M CO., there is an anchor symbol in a shield looking outline with the initials E P on either side of the bottom of the shield, 03215, 14 OZS, 105,there is then a very small heart with what looks like a bow tie under the heart.

Any help identifying this would be great.

posted 08-04-2003 11:24 PM            

You have a piece of Gorham electroplate hotel ware. The marks you describe are exactly what you would find on old Gorham electroplate, and hotel ware had to be very heavy to withstand constant use. "Maillard" "New York" would be the hotel or restaurant where the piece was originally used.

The "hammered" appearance is common to hotel plate, and is a result of the process used to keep the silver shiny. Hotels would tumble silver ware in a tub of ball bearings to burnish the surface, and the result was the pebbly finish you describe.

As for its use, it sounds to me like an individual coffee pot.

I hope this helps!

Brent

posted 08-05-2003 09:29 AM              

Is there any way to determine the age of the piece by the number sequence?