Antique Gorham Sterling Silver Child’s Mug, Victorian Christening Cup c.1875

A distinguished antique Gorham sterling silver child’s mug or christening cup, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1875. The mug has a gilt-washed interior, elegant loop handle and finely engraved decorative panels to the exterior.

The front is engraved with a period presentation inscription reading “Charlie Ralph Simmons from his Grandpa, Jan 7th 1876”, giving the piece strong historical and personal character. The base is marked with the Gorham lion, anchor and G mark, “STERLING” and the pattern / model number 1806.

Details

Item: Child’s mug / christening cup
Maker: Gorham Manufacturing Company
Origin: Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Date / Period: Circa 1875, Victorian period
Presentation Inscription: Dated Jan 7th 1876
Material: Sterling silver / 925
Interior: Gilt-washed
Decoration: Engraved exterior panels with presentation inscription
Height: 8 cm
Diameter: 7.5 cm
Weight: 116.2 grams
Marks: Gorham lion-anchor-G mark, STERLING, pattern / model number 1806
Condition: Very good antique condition

Condition

Very good antique condition with surface wear, fine scratches and age-related marks consistent with use and age. The gilt interior remains attractive, with visible wear in keeping with an antique presentation piece. The mug has a period engraved inscription to the front. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island, was one of the most important American silver firms of the 19th century, known for high-quality sterling silver hollowware, flatware and presentation pieces. By the Victorian period, Gorham had become internationally recognised for its craftsmanship and decorative silver production.

Sterling silver child’s mugs and christening cups were traditional presentation gifts, often given by family members to mark a birth, baptism or early childhood milestone. The engraved inscription dated 7 January 1876 adds a clear period connection and gives this example a particularly personal Victorian story.

The gilt-washed interior, engraved exterior decoration and Gorham sterling marks make this mug appealing to collectors of American Victorian silver, Gorham hollowware, christening cups and engraved presentation silver.

A beautiful Victorian Gorham sterling silver child’s mug, rich in period character and ideal for a refined antique silver collection.