GORHAM STERLING SILVER & MIXED METAL PUNCH BOWL WITH LADLE, 1881, H 9", W 18" (TO THE HANDLES): A bombe-form sterling silver bowl with spot-hammered surface, flanked by gilt grape vines and handles formed as grape bunches, raised on a flaring base, an engraved inscription at the side, stamped logo at the underside with date letter N (indicating 1881) and number 1750, together with a matching ladle bearing the same marks as the bowl, L.15". Two items total--the punch bowl weighs approximately 126.0 troy oz., and the ladle 10.7 troy oz. Property of Virginia McMillan Lambrecht, Grosse Pointe Shores.

Engraved period inscription on the punch bowl reads "James McMillan from his fellow directors of the Detroit Mackinac & Marquette R. R. Co., January 1st 1882", and the ladle engraved with "JMc" monogram at the underside of the bowl. See additional photos. Condition of both pieces appears to be good with only minor indications of age and use; a small piece of the vine is detached from the rim and the base is misshapen at one side below the handle (a 2 1/2" area, evident in the additional photos). Overall, a stunning presentation set in good condition. Chs