Gorham silver folding fruitknife

[atkinsa]

Hi,
can any one assist in identifying the maker and confirming the age of this silver fruitknife. I understand it is Gorham Silver and possibly 1873?
Also can anyone suggest a good reference book to cover this type of silver?
thanking you in advance for your help.
Alan[][]
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[Waylander]

Nice photos. I may be wrong, but, as a perusal of American "G" marks on this site seems to indicate, Gorham marks were the anchor, the Gothic G and the Lion. I can only see the Lion on your piece. I'm more an English sterling buff, but I've noticed that a number of silversmiths in various places in northern New York State, USA, use the hammer-in-hand ("by hammer in hand all arts do stand") mark. Perhaps someone with Rainwater can help clear the confusion?

Waylander
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[admin]

Hi All,
Found the mark in McGrew's Manufacturers' Marks on American Coin Silver. He has it attributed to Albert Coles of New York City and cites a fruit knife as one of the mark sources.
By the style of the pattern, I'd date it to about 1860.
Regards, Tom

ps. Waylander, valid point, the arm and hammer symbol is most often seen on work from the Buffalo and Rochester areas of NY.
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