RARE GORHAM MARTELE Art Nouveau Sterling Silver 950 Dish 1898-1905

Description

Extremely Rare Gorham MARTELE
Art Nouveau Sterling Silver 950 Dish
Hand made , Limited Edition
Catalog Number # 9506 , circa 1898-1905
Only 2 available 5.1 oz ( 144 g ) , 5.4 oz ( 152g )
Description :
This extremely rare and beautiful  Gorham Solid Sterling Silver 950  Nut , Bon Bon , Candy Dish is a great MARTELE line of products during the Art Nouveau period .
The footed dish has beautiful flower decor and Hallmarked with special Gorham Mark with Eagle sitting on the top of Anchor , more expensive 950 Silver Alloy and individual model number 9506.
We have 2 dishes and they look alike , but they slightly differ in weight . 5.1 oz ( 144 g ) , 5.4 oz ( 152 g ). It is normal for handmade products to be slightly different.
The MARTELE products are not only rare and exclusive, they are also a great investment.
Here is below some information about GORHAM MARTELE , please read it ,in order  to understand and appreciate the unique nature of the products and its market value among collectors.
GORHAM MARTELE
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.
A definition of Martelé production from “Silver for the Dining Room, Selected Periods “ by John S. Holbrock printed in 1912 reads:
MARTELE'
Forms variable, frequently classic, often fantastic ;  decoration  subservient to form,   largely natural,  not conventionalized; ornaments always raised but melting away into the background; non-symmetrical, mouldings entirely  lacking  plain surfaces
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 distinctive hand-hammered surface of the silverware.
Early production was made of sterling silver (.925 fine). From 1898 until 1905 a more malleable alloy (.950 fine) and from 1905 a .9584 fine (similar to Britannia silver) alloy was used.
In spite of the success of the Martelé line, American taste began to shift away from the exuberant forms and decorations of the Art Nouveau style after 1906.
Although the line was produced through 1912, orders for it steadily declined and the Company did accept only special orders after that date.
Condition :
Excellent  Estate  condition, no damage of any type. Marks are clearly visible
Almost no  signs of wear  . No monogram.
See pictures for more details.
Date/ Age :
around 1898-1905
Made in :
Rhode Island ,USA
Material :
Sterling Silver , 950
Size inches :
"5 ⅜ long x 3 ½ wide 1 ¾ tall
Weight
:
5.1 oz ( 144 gr ) , 5.4 oz ( 152g )
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Product sold “ AS IS “  . Absolutely no returns for this item . All Arts, Crafts, Collectables, Antiques and Vintage products are non - returnable.
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