An elegant decorative brush with a handle made of sterling silver (925 standard), created at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries by the renowned American silver manufacturer Gorham. The item features a refined combination of functional natural bristles and a richly cast silver handle, adorned with rocaille ornamentation of floral scrolls and leaf motifs in the spirit of late Victorian design. Such brushes were intended for delicately removing dust or crumbs from a set table or furniture surface and were often part of ladies or desk sets.
Hallmarks: GORHAM, STERLING, numeric model marking 58, manufacturer’s letter code
Dimensions and Weight: Length: 21 cm; Total weight: 125 g
Condition: Good; light silver patina, no deformations or restorations
Provenance: USA, Gorham workshop, private collection
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Gorham, founded in 1831 in Providence, Rhode Island, held a leading position among American and international silver manufacturers. The company was acclaimed for its high-quality casting, refined decorative detailing, and stylistic range — from Neoclassical to Rococo forms, inspired by 18th-century French design. Especially popular were sterling silver dressing and table accessories, which became highly sought after by the American bourgeoisie.
Brushes with silver handles — like the one presented here — were part of sophisticated household ensembles, where aesthetic and representational function played a vital role. They served not only practical purposes but also reflected the owners social status and taste. The richly ornamented rocaille handle expressed the decorative culture of the era and the refinement of everyday rituals.
Gorhams silver was exported to Europe, commissioned by the White House, and held in private collections on both sides of the Atlantic. Today, such items are prized by collectors and feature in museum collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, representing the excellence of American decorative arts.
Well-preserved condition. Bristles dense and intact. Natural silver patina consistent with age. No damage or repairs.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
