Unusual Near Pair of Gorham and G. Sharp Sterling Silver Salt Cellars

Gorham Model #120, introduced in 1860, together with a near-identical example by George Sharp (1819-1904) of Philadelphia, each in the Renaissance Revival taste with ovoid bowl supported by three acanthus-scroll legs and with applied beaded rim.
h. 2-1/8" and 2-1/4", dia. 2-3/8"; 3.99 total t. oz.

Literature: George and Carolyn Tompkins, The Handbook of Gorham Open Salt Dishes (Rockport, ME: Archimedes Press, 1987), p. 43, pl. 47.

Catherine B. Hollan, Philadelphia Silversmiths and Related Artisans to 1861 (McLean, VA: Hollan Press, 2013), pp. 182-183.

Notes: This "near" pair shows the similarity of design between two different manufacturers: Gorham and George Sharp. The Gorham example is about 1/8" taller than the Sharp, and has twice as many applied "beads" on the rim; there are subtle differences in the decorative detail of the legs as well. The Gorham design can be dated by its model number to 1860, but as Sharp was working both before and after that date, it is impossible to know who copied the design from whom.

**The Gorham example has a shallow "fingerprint" dent, about 1/4" in diameter, on the body, but otherwise both are in good shape with only the expected signs of age and use. Both have traces of gilt on the interior with some scratches from use.