Pair Gorham Coin Silver Water Pitchers Circa 1865
Our pair of exceptional coin silver water pitchers in the neoclassical style from Gorham date from 1864-1867. Each 15 by 8 by 6.5 in, 38.1 by 20.3 by 16.5 cm. 2968 g, 104.69 oz,
Each signed with rampart lion, anchor and letter G, number 560 and "S&M" for the retailer, Starr & Marcus of New York City.
They have a helmet-form with applied handles with draped cherub holding wine goblet, frieze showing cherubs holding ribbon banners above a die-rolled border of egg-and-dart molding with the upper part stippled and engraved. The bodies feature engraved griffin figures. One with an imbricated water leaf pattern below the shoulder and the other with an arabesque floral pattern.
Theodore Burr Starr (1837-1907) partnered with Herman Marcus to form Starr & Marcus at 22 John Street in 1864. The firm was the exclusive retail outlet for Gorham in New York City through 1877. Thereafter, Starr maintained exclusivity on Gorham silver until 1884 at his shop, Theodore B. Starr and Co. at 206 Fifth Avenue.
Estimated year of production, 1864-1867, is based on the Starr and Marcus contract with Gorham that started in 1864 and Gorham's adoption of the sterling standard starting in 1868.
Each in good condition. One with a dent to the handle and two noticeable dents to the body. The other has a dent to the handle and small nick to the body, plus pin dents to a small area of the foot.
