Gorham Sterling Silver Flower Frog or Centerpiece Bud Vase
Hollowware (Flower Frog / Bud Vase) · Gorham Manufacturing Company (Providence, RI). Founded in 1831, Gorham was the world's leading silversmith during the 19th and early 20th centuries, known for exceptional engineering and artistic merit.
Pattern: Chased Floral and Scroll Pattern (Generic Late Victorian / Art Nouveau style)
Type
Hollowware (Flower Frog / Bud Vase)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company (Providence, RI). Founded in 1831, Gorham was the world's leading silversmith during the 19th and early 20th centuries, known for exceptional engineering and artistic merit.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is hollow-formed; the screen/grille is solid sterling.
Dimensions
Approximately 5-6 inches in diameter and 3 inches in height. Estimated weight: 150-250 grams (excluding any potential glass liner).
Description
An elegant example of Gorham's hollowware, this flower frog features a distinctive lobed form reminiscent of a pumpkin or melon. The body is enriched with chased scrollwork and pierced vignettes that allow for glimpses into the interior. The piece is designed to hold a bouquet of low-profile flowers, making it a functional and aesthetic addition to a formal dinner setting.
Key Features
Pierced decorative panels on the lobed body; removable perforated center grille; distinct multi-lobed shape.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is hollow-formed; the screen/grille is solid sterling.
Finish & Decoration
Features a lobed, fluted body with repoussé chasing and pierced openwork floral motifs. The decoration is consistent with the late Victorian Rococo Revival style, characterized by scrolls and organic elements. Heavy tarnish (oxidization) currently obscures the finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
While not fully legible in the image, typical Gorham marks would include the Lion, Anchor, and G, followed by 'Sterling' and a date code/pattern number (e.g., A5753).
Construction Details
Spun and die-struck lobed body with hand-finished chasing. The removable circular top (the 'frog') is pierced for flower stems and fits into a recessed shoulder on the main body.
Functional Features
Removable pierced lid (flower frog) designed to support individual stems in a floral arrangement. The interior serves as a water reservoir or holds a glass liner.
Handle & Grip Details
None; the piece is designed as a standalone table-top center ornament.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-spun base with hand-chased accents. The symmetry of the lobes and the precision of the piercing indicate high-quality industrial craftsmanship typical of American 1900s silver.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks on the bottom should show the Gorham 'Lion-Anchor-G' logo. The construction of the piercing is too fine for a modern cast copy. Specific wear patterns on the base rim are consistent with age.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Providence, Rhode Island). Manufactured in the high-volume industrial yet craftsmanship-heavy Gorham factory.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early Art Nouveau (c. 1890-1915). Reflects the period's obsession with elaborate dining table 'landscaping.'
Age Estimate
Circa 1895-1910 based on the lobed floral style and pierced grille design.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Gilded Age etiquette of 'low' floral centerpieces, ensuring guests could see one another across the table during multiple-course meals.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. Highly tarnished with heavy sulfide buildup. There are visible surface scratches and potential small dents on the lobed ridges. Structurally sound with the lid present, which is vital for value.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 in current tarnished condition. If polished and verified as a desirable Gorham pattern, could reach $450+ at a specialized silver auction.
Care & Maintenance
Needs professional hand-polishing with a high-quality paste (e.g., Wright's Silver Cream). Due to the pierced areas, extra care must be taken to remove polish residue from the crevices with a soft brush.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. mesh-top centerpieces; International Silver lobed bud vases. The key difference is the integrated pierced decorative panels on the Gorham version.
Interesting Facts
Gorham was commissioned to create many White House services; their 'Mertis' and 'Martelé' lines from this same era were the pinnacle of American hand-wrought silver.