Gorham "The Master" Sterling Silver Apostle Spoon
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1885
This Gorham sterling silver apostle spoon, known as "The Master" pattern, was designed by Florentin Antoine Heller in 1885. Produced in Providence, Rhode Island, the spoon features highly ornate decorative elements typical of the late 19th-century American silver industry.
The handle is surmounted by a figural finial depicting a religious apostle, beneath which lies a squared shaft area. The mid-section of the stem is rendered as a twisted or braided element, leading down to a decorative junction featuring a small cherub or angelic face at the connection point to the bowl. The bowl itself is smooth and oval in shape. A notable custom feature of this particular specimen is the inclusion of a conjoined "ND" monogram engraved onto the handle.
The spoon measures 7-5/8 inches in length and has a total weight of 2.40 troy ounces. This piece demonstrates the sophisticated metalworking techniques and stylistic revivalism favored by the Gorham Manufacturing Company during this period.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 7-5/8 inches
- Weight
- 2.40 troy ounces
- Material
- sterling silver
Technical characteristics
- Pattern name
- The Master
Design
- Stem
- twisted shaft with cherub accent
- Finial
- apostle figure
- Monogram
- ND conjoined
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Gorham Manufacturing Company
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.