Victorian Era Gorham Anchor Mark Sterling Silver Cup with Chased Decoration
Trophy/Cup (Child's Cup or Christening Mug) · Gorham Manufacturing Co. of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, it became the world's leading manufacturer of sterling silver, noted for its high-quality industrial craftsmanship.
Pattern: Custom or Catalog No. Design; typical of Gorham's chased hollowware from the mid-to-late 19th century. Not part of a standard flatware pattern collection.
Type
Trophy/Cup (Child's Cup or Christening Mug)
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Co. of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, it became the world's leading manufacturer of sterling silver, noted for its high-quality industrial craftsmanship.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction, typical of American silver production during the Gilded Age.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 2.5 to 3 inches at the base; height approximately 3 to 4 inches. Estimated weight 120-180 grams (4-6 troy oz) based on typical Gorham hollowware thickness.
Description
A classic example of American Victorian sterling silver, this Gorham cup showcases the 'Gilded Age' aesthetic. The body is adorned with intricate chasing, featuring floral sprigs and geometric bands that contrast against the smooth, flared rim. Now covered in a deep, dark tarnish, the piece retains the sturdy, high-quality feel characteristic of Gorham's mid-19th-century output.
Key Features
Gorham tripartite hallmark (Lion-Anchor-G), flared footed base, hand-chased floral cartouches, and 'Sterling' purity mark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction, typical of American silver production during the Gilded Age.
Finish & Decoration
Heavy tarnish (sulfide oxidation) with bright-cut and chased floral and scroll motifs. Features a stippled or textured background within cartouches and bands of linear engravings near the rim and base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The base features the Gorham 'Lion-Anchor-G' hallmark. The lion passant faces left, the anchor represents Rhode Island, and the 'G' signifies Gorham. It is also stamped 'STERLING' and likely includes a design number (partially obscured) such as '530' or '855'.
Construction Details
Spun body with a rolled rim. The handle is likely cast and hand-soldered to the body. The decoration is a mix of die-stamping for the general form and hand-chasing for the fine details.
Functional Features
Single handle for gripping; flared rim for ease of drinking. Traditional christening cup form intended as a commemorative gift for a child.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast sterling silver handle with an ergonomic curve, featuring a small thumb rest or scroll at the top. Solder joints show age-appropriate wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior factory-made silver. While the body was likely spun on a lathe for symmetry, the chasing and engraving required a high level of hand-finishing by a skilled artisan.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency with Gorham's late 19th-century stamps; wear patterns on the base rim are consistent with a century of use; construction shows the typical spun-and-soldered technique of the era.
Origin & Manufacturing
Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Manufactured in the Gorham factory which pioneered the use of machinery to assist hand-finishers in the 19th century.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (specifically the High Victorian or Gilded Age, c. 1870-1890). Stylistic indicators include the heavy chasing and ornate cartouches.
Age Estimate
Circa 1870-1885. The specific style of the anchor and lion hallmark, combined with the lack of a date letter (which Gorham introduced in 1868 but didn't always use consistently on all hollowware until later), suggests this range.
Cultural Significance
Christening cups were essential Victorian social gifts, representing a family's status and providing the child with a 'nest egg' of precious metal. They reflect the 19th-century tradition of commemorative silver marking life's milestones.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. The item suffers from heavy tarnish and surface oxidation. There is a visible small dent or 'ping' on the bottom rim near the hallmark. No signs of monogram removal are immediately visible, but the tarnish may be hiding light scratches.
Value Estimate
$150 - $250 USD in its current tarnished state. If professionally polished and found to be in excellent condition without thinning or major dents, value could reach $300-$400 at a retail antique shop.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a thorough cleaning with a high-quality silver paste (e.g., Wright’s Silver Cream) or a professional silver dip to remove the heavy sulfide layer. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. hammered child's cups (more expensive, often more modern styles); Reed & Barton 'Francis I' cups (more ornate, later production); English Georgian mugs (hand-raised rather than spun, different hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
Gorham was the silver maker for the White House during several presidencies, including Mary Todd Lincoln's purchase of a Gorham service. Their 'Lion-Anchor-G' mark is one of the most recognized in the world of silver collecting.