The faux English hallmarks for marks to the base of a lion passant and an anchor plus the gothic letter G were used by Gorham from c.1863 until the 1890s.
Few other examples of this 19in (25cm) vessel formed as two coiling snakes are known, but another is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. It is pictured on the front cover of the 2008 exhibition catalogue Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000.
Rather than cast, the bodies of these pieces were raised with a hammer with the contours formed using the repoussé technique. The scratch marks to the example in the museum indicate that the factory net price for this item was a substantial $160.
Hidden gem revealed
Markings on late 19th century sterling snake jug by Gorham, $16,000 (£12,650) at Akiba Galleries.
The example pictured here came for sale at Akiba Galleries (25% buyer’s premium) of Dania Beach, Florida, in its May 23 Hidden Gems sale.
It was catalogued as 20th century and “after a piece by Gorham” although some 232 prospective bidders were watching this item on LiveAuctioneers when it came for sale. Estimated at $1000-3000, It hammered at $16,000 (£12,650).
