"Martele" Art Nouveau 950 Silver Centerpiece Vase, 22"H

Large Art Nouveau period silver vase, tests higher than sterling (.950, XRF tested), having a hand hammered ("martele") and repousse surface, undulated everted rim with chased acanthus decoration over a bombe section with blown-out repousse flowers interspersed with oak leaves; supported on a tall tapered shaft having contrasting hammered and polished sections, engraved with crest of a deer in wreath over a script monogram, RMR or BMB. Square base with bombe leafy, lobed decoration and four everted, acanthus overlaid feet. Marked on underside of base with incomplete and probably spurious Gorham Martele mark along with some additional rubbed out marks, and stamped for retailer Shreve, Crump and Low Co. of Boston. 22 1/2" H. 145.83 oz troy (10.0 lbs). Late 19th/ early 20th century. Note: Several American silver companies produced outstanding hand-made pieces of "art silver" during the Art Nouveau period featuring a subtle hammered technique, among them Reed & Barton, (which, like Gorham, called its art silver line "Martele."). But Gorham's Martele line was the most renowned and it was certainly the best-documented; each piece carried a letter assignment code and can be traced to company records on when it was made and how long the production took. This piece does not appear in any of the Gorham Co. records nor does it appear to contain any numerical markings. It does appear to be a well made, high silver content piece of period Art Nouveau Silver.

The estate of a Tennessee doctor.
Condition Report: Very good condition. Some areas of persistent tarnish, primarily to crevices and to top area, which we have been conservative in our efforts to clean.