A SILVER CENTERPIECE

Details

A SILVER CENTERPIECE
MAKER'S MARK OF GORHAM MFG. CO., PROVIDENCE, 1923

Shaped oval, on four massive claw feet headed by acanthus leaves with applied stylized fish and shells between with water leaves above, the sides chased with fruit garlands and ribbons with applied grotesque masks, the everted broad rim with foliate scrolls and winged putto masks at intervals, the two foliate-clad scroll handles headed by winged putto busts, the rim with engraved monogram DVC, with removable plated liner, marked under base
length over handles 26¼in.
(147oz. 10dwt.)

Lot Essay

Gorham's archives describe this centerpiece as "Florentine." The bowl was a special order, requiring 92 hours of fashioning, 160 hours of chasing, 44 hours of modelling (the handles), and 15 hours of casting. It was completed on June 29, 1923, and the factory price was $1,000.