Martele Hand Wrought Gorham Sterling 9" Bowl

Description

Martele Hand Wrought Gorham Sterling 9" Bowl.
Description
Good condition with light scratches. Weight: 14.1ozt
Martelé was produced at the end of the 19th/beginning 20th century in Gorham's Providence's plant (Rhode Island) by masters silversmiths under the direction of William C. Codman. Each artisan handcrafted an entire piece as ancient silversmiths once did. Production included bowls, tankards, vases, chambersticks, claret sets, letter openers, candlesticks, porringers, mugs, cigar lighters, inkwells, centerpieces, tea and coffee sets. Martelé is entirely hand raised, chased and engraved. In authentic Martelé the feet, foot, base of each item that does not lay flat are a part of the object. The hammer marks are visible, hand work is evident even with polished finishes. On the interior of a Martelé item is evident that the exterior decoration is punched or hammered out from the interior. On Martelé objects undulating "rolled lips" led outward by hand or edges, rims. Martelé production was separated by Gorham's commercial line and its pieces were one-of-a-kind and expensive objects for selected customers. The trade name Martelé derives from the French verb "marteler" (to hammer), denoting the distintive hand-hammered surface of the silverware. Please see photos for details.