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Is this really Gorham made or has Sotheby's made a mistake?

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Author	Topic: Is this really Gorham made or has Sotheby's made a mistake?
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11573 Registered: Apr 93	posted 10-08-2000 06:22 PM Is this really Gorham made or has Sotheby's made a mistake? Can you date this? What do these marks reveal? The following is from the Sotheby's auction posting: quote: Attractive and hand engraved sterling silver bowl by Gorham. Around the rim of the bowl are hand engraved depictions of the 12 astrological signs (along with the names of the signs in small lettering). Between each of the signs is a lovely flower design. Underneath the sign of Aquarius are four hallmarks: the first has faded and only the beginning letter "G" can be seen. Presumably it once read Gorham. The next three hallmarks are, ".925," a triangle and a "g." On the base of the bowl is marked: "Sterling Silver, A475" A charming piece of silver. Very good. Some age scratches. Number of Items in lot : 1 Date of Object : 20th Century Object Type: Bowl Materials & Techniques: Sterling Silver Inscriptions/Marks: .925, triangle, g, sterling silver, A475 Creator: Gorham Creator Nationality: American 4 3/4" diameter, 2 " height; 7 oz. IP: Logged
wev Moderator Posts: 4132 Registered: Apr 99	posted 10-08-2000 07:18 PM The marks are British import standard marks for Birmingham, 1906. The mark presumed to be "Gorham" (how small did they think those letters were?) is the sponsor's mark. Sotheby's, huh? My how the mighty have fallen... IP: Logged
paskow Posts: 6 Registered: May 2000	posted 10-19-2000 03:02 PM I was hoping that some one would bring up what Gorham put on items for export. I came across an interesting set of Chantilly forks on eBay a while back with the mark shown below (hopefully I linked to it correctly)-- IP: Logged
salmoned Posts: 336 Registered: Jan 2005	posted 03-29-2005 12:47 PM Not to dredge up old material, but I just acquired a tea tongs with precisely these marks. Could you further elaborate what each mark means? Is there a resource for import marks? Is this then the Gorham made for export mark? Thanks Swarter, the opposite arm does have "sterling silver" stamped on it. Off to the Gorham forum to determine the pattern! [This message has been edited by salmoned (edited 03-29-2005).] IP: Logged
swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 Registered: May 2003	posted 03-29-2005 02:06 PM 925 indicates Stirling, the triangle is the Birmingham hallmark for imported silver, and the date letter is for 1908. These marks have been in use since 1904, and would have been applied by the Birmingham assay office after importation. The maker's mark for the Gorham Manufacturing Comppany would have been applied at the factory in Providnece, RI. Since there is no Stirling mark on the pieces, they were probably earmarked for export without it, knowing that there would be hallmarks applied in Birmingham. Gorham operated showrooms in London for imported silver since 1894, and purchased a factory in Birmingham in 1909, which they operated until the First World War. Although not mentioned in Culme's account, there must have been a Birmingham agency as well, and they probably continued to market imported silver along with that which they manufactured in Birmingham. Their maker's marks were entered at London for them by an an agent representing the firm; presumably they were similarly entered at Birmingham as well. You can search thh Gorham forum for more information on the firm. [This message has been edited by swarter (edited 03-29-2005).] IP: Logged

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