Antique 1883 Gorham Mixed Metal Case in Sterling Silver & Copper

Gorham Aesthetic Movement Sterling Mixed-Metal Box with Lizard and Mice, 1883 Dimensions: 3.5" W × 2.5" D × 1.5" H Materials: Copper with applied silver decoration Marks: Gorham, date letter “P” for 1883 A finely crafted American Aesthetic Movement mixed-metal box by Gorham, executed in copper with sculptural silver appliqué. The domed lid features a dynamic lizard in high relief, accompanied by two playful mice in motion, all arranged above a silvered ground with grasses and textured earth. The decoration is set asymmetrically against the warm copper body, leaving generous areas of polished surface that highlight the contrast between metals. The interior is left plain, showing use consistent with age. The imagery reflects the strong influence of Japanese Meiji-era design on Gorham in the late 19th century. Themes of small animals and naturalistic vignettes were drawn directly from Japanese art, where lizards were regarded as symbols of protection and renewal, and mice were associated with quickness, fertility, and in some contexts, good fortune. Together, they create a whimsical narrative of pursuit, rendered with wit and naturalistic detail. This work exemplifies the Aesthetic Movement credo of “Art for Art’s Sake,” emphasizing beauty, asymmetry, and nature study over traditional allegory. Gorham’s mixed-metal line, developed in the wake of the 1876 Centennial Exposition, sought to rival Tiffany & Co. in innovation and design, producing decorative objects that were both functional and avant-garde. Comparable Gorham copper...

Gorham (Attributed) Mixed Metal Humidor with Silver Overlay in Rococo Revival Style, Dated 1870 United States, circa 1870 9.5" W × 5.75" D × 2.5" H (Interior: 9" W × 5.25" D × 2" H) ...

Antique 19th Century Victorian solid silver visiting card case. A simple design with a hinged lid to secure the cards inside. Compact enough to fit in any pocket, it comes with its o...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver four finger cigar / cheroot case; an addition to the ornamental silverware collection This exceptional antique sterling silver cigar case...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver commemorative card case featuring The Crystal Palace; an addition to our range of collectable silverware...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver Vesta case in the form of a mussel; an addition to our diverse smoking related silverware collection. This exceptional antique sterling silver Vesta case...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian sterling silver and enamel vesta case; an addition to our enamal and silverware collection This exceptional and rare antique Edwardian sterling silver vesta case has a plain rectangular rounded form. The anterior surface is embellished with four desirable and impressive hot enamel panels depicting: a luxurious early-twentieth century car, three playing cards, a champagne bottle and a female portrait. The posterior surface of this antique vesta case is plain and unembellished. This unusual silver and enamel vesta case has a hinged hallmarked cover which incorporates a plain thumbpiece to the anterior edge and bears a ring loop attachment to the hinge. The underside of the case incorporates an integrated serrated panel/match striker. Condition This antique silver vesta...

An early 20th century German sterling cilver cigarette case with hinged lid. Striped relief surface. The front is decorated with polychrome enamel portrait of a woman in Oriental sty...

We don’t get excited too often by sterling silver Judaica but this piece is worth it. A Megillah is the scroll that tells the story of Esther and how she saved her people (Jews) from annihilation. The story is read on Purim and a scroll is used in the synagogue to read aloud. This sterling silver case is used to store the Megillah. Here we have a Megillah case...

A stunning example of late 19th-century craftsmanship, this antique sterling silver calling card case was made in 1895 by the...