$10,000
Gorham (American (Rhode Island), founded 1831), circa 1889. A late 19th century sterling silver four arm epergne with lift-off ovular center bowl raised on four scrolled legs with heavy repousse decoration, further raised on a shaped rectangular base on four scrolled feet, the base supporting four spiral scrolled arms decorated with acanthus leaves with each terminating in a removable locking square bowl, each of the five bowls with gold wash interior and having flaring rim with molded and repousse floral scrolled edges - the center bowl with further etched floral decoration. Each bowl and the base with impressed marks "EX" over the three cartouche maker's mark over "STERLING / A5150" and with date code for 1898; the base also with hand incised "J1862 / 90437". Approximate height 11", width 20.5", depth 18.75". Total approximate weight 155 troy ounces. Note: According to Charles Carpenter, Jr in "Gorham Silver" 'The EX... may represent Extra or Experimental' (p. 287). The "EX" may also be a designation for exhibition pieces as indicated by Gorham's costing records, or possibly used to indicate a sample work or a special order before the company developed a numbering system for this type of item.
Auctioneer:
Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery
Date:
2016-05-01
