1850-52 Rare Gorham & Thurber Solid Coin Silver Crumber “Prince Albert” Pattern (173g)

$850.00
A superb and exceptionally rare survival of early American silver, this solid coin silver crumber represents the artistry of Gorham & Thurber, crafted during the firm’s formative years, ca. 1850-52, well before the rise of Gorham as the powerhouse of American silver it would become in the later 19th century. This example presents the precursor to what Gorham would later formalize as the “Prince Albert” pattern—here in its earliest, handmade incarnation. Every surface reflects the refined handwork characteristic of the firm’s pre-industrial period: elegant proportions, restrained Regency-inspired lines, and a sculptural balance that speaks to the silver shop rather than the factory. The broad crumber blade, a full 13.25 inches in length and a weighty 173 grams, is richly decorated with superbly executed hand engraving that frames the period MHS monogram. These flourished scrolls and sprays are not merely decorative—they mark the exacting craft sensibility that placed Gorham & Thurber among the most accomplished silversmiths of the early 19th century. The blade features a serrated backstop, a wonderfully practical detail of the period that also adds visual interest and texture. The handle rises gracefully in the early Prince Albert form, crisp in outline and beautifully preserved. Pieces from the Gorham & Thurber partnership (1850–1852) are scarce; serving tools of this size, weight, and decoration are exceptionally so, as the firm produced silver in far smaller quantities before the company’s later expansion. This crumber therefore represents not only a useful and handsome table implement, but a document of the earliest phase of America’s most influential silver manufacturer. A museum-worthy example for the sophisticated collector of early American silver, Gorham rarities, or documented pre-Gorham partnership work. Details: • Maker: Gorham & Thurber • Working dates: 1850-52 • Material: Solid coin silver • Weight: 173 grams • Length: 13.25 inches • Pattern: Early form later known as Prince Albert • Decoration: Elaborate hand-engraved blade with MHS monogram • Features: Serrated backstop • Condition: Excellent antique condition with crisp engraving and original monogram Check out some of my other sterling silver flatware here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?section_id=7399760 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP
A superb and exceptionally rare survival of early American silver, this solid coin silver crumber represents the artistry of Gorham & Thurber, crafted during the firm’s formative years, ca. 1850-52, well before the rise of Gorham as the powerhouse of American silver it would become in the later 19th century. This example presents the precursor to what Gorham would later formalize as the “Prince Albert” pattern—here in its earliest, handmade incarnation. Every surface reflects the refined handwork characteristic of the firm’s pre-industrial period: elegant proportions, restrained Regency-inspired lines, and a sculptural balance that speaks to the silver shop rather than the factory. The broad crumber blade, a full 13.25 inches in length and a weighty 173 grams, is richly decorated with superbly executed hand engraving that frames the period MHS monogram. These flourished scrolls and sprays are not merely decorative—they mark the exacting craft sensibility that placed Gorham & Thurber among the most accomplished silversmiths of the early 19th century. The blade features a serrated backstop, a wonderfully practical detail of the period that also adds visual interest and texture. The handle rises gracefully in the early Prince Albert form, crisp in outline and beautifully preserved. Pieces from the Gorham & Thurber partnership (1850–1852) are scarce; serving tools of this size, weight, and decoration are exceptionally so, as the firm produced silver in far smaller quantities before the company’s later expansion. This crumber therefore represents not only a useful and handsome table implement, but a document of the earliest phase of America’s most influential silver manufacturer. A museum-worthy example for the sophisticated collector of early American silver, Gorham rarities, or documented pre-Gorham partnership work. Details: • Maker: Gorham & Thurber • Working dates: 1850-52 • Material: Solid coin silver • Weight: 173 grams • Length: 13.25 inches • Pattern: Early form later known as Prince Albert • Decoration: Elaborate hand-engraved blade with MHS monogram • Features: Serrated backstop • Condition: Excellent antique condition with crisp engraving and original monogram Check out some of my other sterling silver flatware here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?section_id=7399760 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP