Gorham Mythological Series 'Diana' Sterling Silver Sugar Tongs
Flatware - Serving Piece - Sugar Tongs · Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham was the premier American silversmith of the 19th and 20th centuries, known for innovative design and exceptional quality.
Pattern: Mythological Series, introduced in 1885. This specific piece features the goddess Diana (Artemis) with her bow. The series was designed by Antoine Heller and is out of production.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece - Sugar Tongs
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham was the premier American silversmith of the 19th and 20th centuries, known for innovative design and exceptional quality.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composed of solid sterling silver throughout, including the spring bridge and the taloned grips.
Dimensions
Estimated length of 4 to 5 inches. Weight is approximately 30 to 45 grams (approx. 1.0 to 1.4 troy ounces), consistent with standard Victorian individual sugar tongs.
Description
An exquisite example of Gorham's 'Mythological' series, these sugar tongs represent the pinnacle of late 19th-century American die-work. Featuring the goddess Diana in a classical pose, the handles are a masterclass in miniature sculpture. The transition from the figurative handle to the thin shank, ending in dramatic bird-talon grips, makes this a highly sought-after piece for Victorian flatware collectors.
Key Features
Bas-relief figure of Diana with bow; stylized bird-talon grips; 'COPYRIGHTED' mark; iconic Gorham lion-anchor-G hallmarks; Renaissance Revival scrollwork.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composed of solid sterling silver throughout, including the spring bridge and the taloned grips.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and bright-polished finish to emphasize details. Highly ornamental Renaissance Revival style featuring a bas-relief figure of Diana (the huntress) within a cartouche, scrolling foliage, and bird-like claw/talon grips at the terminal ends.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Gorham's iconic three-mark set: First mark is a Lion Passant (left), followed by an Anchor (middle), and the letter 'G' (right). It also includes the 'STERLING' stamp and the 'COPYRIGHTED' stamp, typical for Heller-designed patterns.
Construction Details
Highly detailed die-struck production using heavy steel dies. The two arms are joined at a U-shaped spring bridge designed to maintain tension for functional gripping. The detail suggests a multi-step finishing process.
Functional Features
Spring-loaded tension for picking up individual sugar cubes; claw-shaped tips (grips) designed to securely grasp irregular cube shapes. The bridge is flexible yet resilient silver.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handles; the 'grips' are stylized bird talons or claws, a popular Victorian motif for serving tongs. The bridge is arched for ergonomics.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional die-sinking quality; the relief is deep and three-dimensional for a flatware piece. The hand-finishing after striking ensures smooth edges and crisp highlights on the goddess figure.
Authentication Indicators
Deep, crisp Gorham hallmarks; font and spacing of 'STERLING' and 'COPYRIGHTED' stamps are consistent with late 19th-century production; precise die-struck imagery of Diana matches archival catalog designs.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Manufactured at the Gorham factory which was, at the time, the largest and most advanced silver factory in the world.
Era & Period
Late Victorian era (c. 1885-1900). Stylistically aligned with the Classical Revival and Beaux-Arts movements popularized in late 19th-century America.
Age Estimate
Circa 1885 to 1900. The specific 'copyrighted' mark and the clarity of the Heller-designed figure place it firmly in the initial decade of the pattern's release.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Gilded Age obsession with classical mythology and the ritualization of the Victorian tea service, where even the smallest tool was expected to be a work of art.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Detail in the figure remains sharp. Light surface scratches ('patina') commensurate with age. No visible signs of bridge cracking or previous solder repairs.
Value Estimate
$150 - $275 USD. Value varies based on the current silver spot price, the rarity of the specific mythological figure (Diana is popular), and the sharpness of the casting detail.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid silver 'dips' which can strip the intentional oxidation providing contrast to the Diana figure. Store in a tarnish-resistant flannel roll.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Olympian' pattern sugar tongs (which also feature mythological figures but different stylistic execution) or Gorham 'Medallion' pattern tongs.
Interesting Facts
The Mythological series was designed by Antoine Heller, a French-born medalist who Gorham recruited specifically to elevate their design quality to compete with European firms like Christofle.