Good Pair of Gorham Sterling Silver Renaissance Revival Salt Cellars

Model #440 [#GM33], introduced ca. 1863, this pair with date mark of 1869, with bucket-shaped bowl and molded rim with patera-decorated merlons, the whole raised on three figural feet of rampant lions, their paws resting on a shield, all above a canted and concave molded triangular base.
h. 2-3/4", dia. 3-1/2"; 9.89 total t. oz.

Literature: George and Carolyn Tompkins, The Handbook of Gorham Open Salt Dishes (Rockport, ME: Archimedes Press, 1987), p. 61, pl. 131.

Notes: Tompkins records this impressive pair as model #GM33 according to the Gorham archives, and dating circa 1870. This present lot, however, is marked with Model number 440 and date mark of 1869. The 440 number would fit more closely with the 400 series of 1863, and closely resembles tripodal griffin salt #420 (see Tompkins, p. 47).

**In overall very good condition with no issues noted beyond the expected surface wear commensurate with age. An attractive and rare pair.