Accession Number

2016.008.002.001a-e

Description

A. kettle: silver plate kettle with plain handle at the top. Body and lid are elaborately decorated with a flower and fern motif. Spout is mostly plane. Two small rests for sitting on the stand are on each side. B. Stand. Ring of floral motif around the base. Arms for holding the kettle branch are mostly plain with C. Elaborately decorated lid with grooved button handle. D. Plain silver well for holding oil. Sits into base. E. Small burner sits in well. Long handle for opening and closing cover.

Narrative

This is part of a six-piece silver-plated tea & coffee service was made by the Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, RI. The design pattern appears to be based on Gorham designer F. Antoine Heller's design called "Cluny", but with the notable absence of the distinctive border typical of "Cluny" pieces.

The set was given to the donor’s late husband Gordon Fields’ grandparents Violetta and William Fields on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary in 1891 when the couple lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The couple and their children eventually moved to Victoria BC. In 1907 they lived at 123 Cambridge Street and later moved to 633 Linden.

In June, 1909 their two sons, Charles and Cass Fields attended the Joan Dunsmuir Estate executor’s auction at Craigdarroch where they purchased numerous auction lots including a rosewood bedstead, a pier mirror, and various Swiss “Black Forest” carvings which are now in Craigdarroch’s collection (see 984.58 deer clock carving; 2003.3. 1 bear hallstand & 2 carved deer plaque; 2003.4 carved deer plaque).

History of Use

 The set was given to the donor’s late husband Gordon Fields’ grandparents Violetta and William Fields on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary in 1891 when the couple lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The couple and their children eventually moved to Victoria BC. In 1907 they lived at 123 Cambridge Street and later moved to 633 Linden. 

Date

1891

Dimensions

29 cm x 25 cm

Material

Metal, silver

Technique

Repoussed; Embossed; Engraved; Plated

Country of Origin

United States of America