The Samuel M. Felton 'Medallion' Coin Silver Water Pitcher with Figural Handle, Gorham & Co., c. 1865

Based on the classical form of an inverted helmet, this stunning pitcher features a boldly cast figural handle and extremely fine chased decoration on the neck and inside the spout. Four cast and applied neoclassical medallions adorn the neck and the foot spreads just below a die rolled band based on classical Vitruvian scrolls.  The strong angular handle completes this ambitious design. 

It is inscribed on the front:

Presented to
Samuel M. Felton
by his friends
of the city of
Philadelphia
and its vicinity
1865.

According to a report by Samuel Hough derived from Gorham's costing records at the Gorham Archives, the wholesale price of this pitcher was $115.79, meaning a retail price of a bit over $200.00 - quite a sum in 1865. See the report and an image from the Gorham Archives here.

This pitcher was made with the same decoration as the accompanying goblet and was meant to be purchased together with a goblet (or many goblets).

It measures 11.5 inches high and weighs 40.9 troy ounces.  It is marked with Gorham's coin silver 'lion, anchor, G' trademark and 'BAILEY & C^O'.

Condition: Very good.  A small drinking vessel is missing above the hand of the female figure. See the image from the Gorham Archives here.

Our Price:  Entire service sold en suite.