Silver Salt And Pepper Shakers Appraisal

Gorham Sterling Silver Salt and Pepper Shakers

This is a pair of Gorham Sterling Silver salt and pepper shakers, exhibiting a classic form with a pronounced patina indicating their age and unpolished state. Each shaker stands on a circular, stepped base that transitions into a fluted or subtly curved stem, supporting a wider, ovoid body. The body tapers towards the top, where a decorative rope-twist band encircles the perimeter just below the removable finial top. The tops are conical with a finial spire and are perforated with multiple holes for dispensing the contents; an uneven distribution and size of these holes can be observed, particularly in the left shaker's top, suggesting either hand-drilling or wear. The material is sterling silver, as identified by the manufacturer 'Gorham' and the intrinsic value of the metal. The surface of both shakers is heavily tarnished with a deep, dark grey and black patina, with areas where the underlying silver luster peeks through, revealing the characteristic shine of sterling. There are visible signs of wear, including minor scratches and scuffs consistent with age and use, but no obvious structural damage or dents are apparent from the provided images. The overall craftsmanship appears to be of high quality, typical of Gorham's reputation, with well-defined details on the rope-twist band and a balanced, elegant silhouette. The style evokes a traditional or possibly Georgian revival aesthetic, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. Markings on the underside of the base, though not visible in the provided images, would confirm the Gorham manufacturer's mark and 'Sterling' designation, allowing for more precise dating and authentication.