posted 10-09-2004 04:23 PM            

I have been unable to find any information on the pattern of this Gorham serving piece. I have been told that it's called "Hindu," but I cannot locate any documentation. It has been indicated to me that Gorham historian Samuel Hough made mention of it, but I don't know where.

The prism handle design is vaguely reminiscent of Isis, and the functional end bears elaborately engraved decorations as does that other pattern. The similarities would indicate to me that the designers are the same. Sources credit George Wilkinson with the design of Isis, so that's where I would tend to look.

If anyone knows anything about this piece and especially can point me toward any piece of documentation, please reply.

IJP

posted 10-18-2004 05:09 PM            

Sorry I couldn't be more help - I realize this is just a lot of "I don't' know" but maybe it will help you narrow your search. OTOH, who told you it was pattern Hindu? I'd ask them about that...

And I hate to ask the obvious, but you've checked to be sure it is Gorham? It has Lion/Anchor/G on it?

posted 10-19-2004 11:44 AM            

This piece does indeed have the lion-anchor-G mark at the back of the functional end near the handle join. The "sterling" stamp, right next to the maker's mark, is at the back of the handle base, which is parcel-gilt, as is the front of the functional end.

There is no question that this piece was made by Gorham. Its resemblance to Isis would be further assurance to me.

I am aware of the pattern "Hindostanee," but of course this piece looks nothing like it. My dilemma is that I have a Gorham serving piece and have only the word one individual and no hard documents as to its identity. I would have to assume that perhaps this piece belonged to a pattern that was either not full-line, or was only briefly introduced, or for some other reason dropped out of the radar of most silver historians.

Again, the resemblance to Isis would encourage me to look around 1870 for its introduction, and possibly attribute it to Wilkinson.

I am confident, however, that someone may know something.

posted 10-19-2004 05:20 PM            

I find that most pieces in these non-line "geometric" patterns are serving items such as cake knives, ladles, etc. The olive "spork" was a form used to exhibit such designs well into the 1880s. Most or all of these pieces would have been sold in a presentation case and would have made nice gifts.

Probably Wilkinson was the designer of these items. The geometric non-line patterns are related to both Isis and Angelo patterns, but as far as I know, there is not a pattern name for designs such as that on your server, although some new information may come out to disprove me. These patterns are quite attractive (to my eye) and are instantly recognizable as the work of Gorham; nobody else was producing work quite like this.

posted 08-07-2008 04:00 PM            

The elongated oval shaped handle is divided into four segments with a small button applied to the top and a striated ball between the stem and the bottom of the handle.

Anyone have other pieces with "geometric" handles?