Gorham Manufacturing Co. Sterling Silver Beaded Base Christening Cup
Hollowware (Christening Cup / Child's Mug) · Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham became one of the world's most prominent silversmiths, known for high-quality craftsmanship and innovative production techniques.
Pattern: Classical Beaded Neo-Grec pattern with bright-cut geometric engraving. Catalogue number 224; likely a standard factory design rather than a named flatware-matching collection.
Type
Hollowware (Christening Cup / Child's Mug)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham became one of the world's most prominent silversmiths, known for high-quality craftsmanship and innovative production techniques.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction throughout with no weighted base.
Dimensions
Approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) in diameter. Form-weighted at approximately 3.5 to 4.5 troy ounces.
Description
This charming Victorian christening cup exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of 1870s American silver. Featuring a tapered cylindrical body, it is accented by two delicate beaded bands that frame a central band of intricate bright-cut geometric engraving. The angular handle adds a touch of architectural sophistication to this traditional gift item. Its elegant proportions and lack of a personal monogram make it a highly desirable piece for collectors of Gorham hollowware.
Key Features
1872 date letter 'E', bright-cut geometric 'ribbon' engraving, beaded trim, and the iconic Gorham pseudo-hallmarks on the underside.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction throughout with no weighted base.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish featuring bright-cut hand engraving in a guilloché-style geometric band with foliate accents. The rim and foot are decorated with applied beaded borders. The handle is a stylish angular 'D' shape with a decorative terminal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Base displays the Gorham 'pseudo-hallmarks': Lion Passant (moving left), Anchor (Providence office), and Gothic letter 'G'. Followed by 'STERLING', the pattern number '224', and the date letter 'E'.
Construction Details
Spun sterling silver body with hand-finished bright-cut engraving. The beaded bands and handle are cast separately and hand-soldered to the main body. High-quality seam joinery.
Functional Features
Single handle for stable grip, slightly flared rim for pouring/drinking, and a sturdy flat base. Intended as a ceremonial gift for a child's birth or baptism.
Handle & Grip Details
Hollow-cast sterling silver handle with an angular, geometric profile and a small scrolled lower attachment point. The upper attachment features a circular decorative boss.
Craftsmanship Details
Evident hand-work in the bright-cut engraving where tool pressure varies slightly. The beading is exceptionally uniform, showing Gorham's mastery of die-rolling and applied ornaments.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are deep and crisp, consistent with authentic Gorham striking tools. Wear patterns are consistent with soft sterling silver of 150+ years. The 'STERLING' stamp and pattern number '224' are correct for the period.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Manufactured in the Gorham industrial-scale workshop which utilized both hand-craft and early mechanized assistance.
Era & Period
Victorian Era / Aesthetic Movement Transition. Specifically the 'Pseudo-Antique' style popular in the late 19th-century United States.
Age Estimate
Produced in 1872. The date letter 'E' in the Gorham coding system specifically denotes the year 1872.
Cultural Significance
Christening cups were essential Victorian status symbols, representing a family's hope and financial investment in a child's future. They were meant to be keepsakes that would last a lifetime.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good antique condition. Notable light surface scratches (swirl marks) and moderate tarnish/patina consistent with age. Significant denting is visible on the interior bottom and lower exterior side near the base. Hand engraving remains crisp.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on the venue. Condition issues (dents) place it on the lower end, while the 1872 date and lack of monogram provide a slight premium.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid silver 'dips' which can strip the protective patina. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent sulfide tarnish. Use a soft horsehair brush for the beaded crevices.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Renaissance' cups (more ornate), Whiting Manufacturing Co. child's mugs (often more floral), or later Gorham 'Chantilly' pattern cups (more Rococo).
Interesting Facts
Gorham was the silver of choice for the White House during the Lincoln and Grant administrations. The date letter system used by Gorham ('E' for 1872) is a primary tool for collectors to track the evolution of their machinery and styles.