Offered for sale by Caspar’s Place is a sterling silver sugar shell, spoon, or scoop in "Domestic" introduced in 1880 by Gorham.  It is marked with Gorham’s trio of pseudohallmarks, “PAT 81,” and “STERLING.”  The fluted bowl with its beveled edge has a lovely satin finish and is gold washed.

Gorham Silver was highly influential during the heyday of American silver manufacturing, approximately 1850 to1940. The company was founded by Jabez Gorham, a master craftsman working in Providence, Rhode Island. Jabez was born in 1792, and at age 14 he began a seven year apprenticeship to Nehemiah Dodge. Circa1815 he entered into the first of many partnerships as a master silversmith and jeweler. In 1831 he partnered with Henry L. Webster to begin the manufacture of silver spoons, Gorham’s first venture into silver tableware.

When Jabez's son, John, joined the firm in1841, the name was changed to Jabez Gorham & Son. The next year a tariff was passed which effectively blocked the importation of silverware into the United States. This provided impetus to the American silver industry, something of which John Gorham took full advantage. Under his influence Gorham was the first American company to introduce factory methods to augment hand craftsmanship in production of silverware. 

In 1865 a charter was granted by the Rhode Island legislature in the name “Gorham Manufacturing Company.” In1868 Gorham abandoned the coin silver standard (900/1000) prevalent in the U.S. and adopted England’s sterling standard of 925/1000. Also in 1868 Gorham adopted its famous trademark (a lion, an anchor and a capital “G” – “LAG”) for use on all sterling articles. Around 1950 Gorham began instead to use the word “GORHAM” spelled out.

The sugar shell is monogrammed with a lovely cursive “M.”   It is in good estate condition, although with the patina of old tarnish and fine scratches to be expected with age and use.  The piece’s price reflects its condition.   This strikingly handsome piece will make a lovely and useful addition to any silver collection.

The sugar scoop weighs approximately .55 troy ounces.  It is roughly 5.875” long.

At Caspar's Place we pride ourselves on our offerings and represent each item to the best of our ability. Please bear in mind that we do our best to describe and photograph each item, but pre-owned items are often imperfect and show the effects of age and use. Each lot is being sold as is, with any substantial defects described to the best of our ability. Note that the photographs are an integral part of the description.  Items are sold unpolished - polishing is left to the buyer.

WE COMBINE SHIPPING COSTS.  If you are purchasing multiple items within a single calendar day, please request an invoice BEFORE PAYING so we can provide you with the benefit of reduced shipping costs.

Our shipping cost includes insurance on the purchase price of the item purchased.

Sales tax of 7.5% will be charged for all items shipped to a North Carolina address.

Thank you for shopping with Caspar’s Place today!

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