Material: Sterling Silver
Maker: Gorham Manufacturing Co
Hallmark: Box ~ Lion, Anchor, G, Sterling, Horizontal Special Order Code; PAY,
Lid ~ Sterling
Size: Width ~ apx. 3 & 7/8 inches, Height ~ 2 & 7/8 inches
Quantity: 1 lidded powder jar
This antique Gorham sterling silver powder jar is decorated with beautiful floral
garlands and medallions, surrounded by opulent scrolls, feathers and a very detailed
design that has the look of engine turning commonly found beneath enamel work.
As designated by Gorham's horizontal alpha code, this box was a ~ one-of-a-kind ~
special order piece. These items were commonly referred to as Specials and as the
name indictates each piece is absolutely unique, with no identical pieces ever made
and therefore very rare. Per the Special Order and Sample dating infomation available
in Pristo's book, Martele Gorham's Nouveau Art Silver, this powder jar was made/completed
apx. 1908 - 09.
The engraved and chased decoration on the box is very fancy. Intricate design, similar
to engine turning, surrounds a flower garland motif that includes roses and other
flowers. The medallions or cartouches, which feature highly polished centers, are
encircled with elaborate feathers. Ornate scrolls highlight the entire design. Box
interior is covered in a lovely gold wash vermeil.
This lovely vanity ~ boudoir item is in nice antique estate condition. There are
no brakes, cracks, etc., but there are some fairly minor dings, most noteable when
viewed from inside the box, otherwise very hard to detect. Additionally, one tiny
pencil point size ping to a side panel, as well as one similar to base. Base sits
perfectly flat. Lift/pull off lid fits very snugly and securely, to the point where
it is slightly challenging to separate/reattach from/to base. All appears to be
original, so we can only assume that lid was made to fit snugly.
Gold gilt interior
remains quite bright and shiney.
Amazingly, this beautiful antique powder box was
never monogrammed or otherwise personalized.
As reported by independent researcher and notable Gorham archivist, Samuel Hough,
Special Order items were unique, one of a kind pieces. Today, apx. 100 years later,
Specials are quite rare and hard to find. If you collect unique, unusual or rare
American sterling, this fine antique powder box may be of interest.
