Lot 108
  • 108

An American silver three-piece "Circa '70" coffee set with matching tray, designed by Donald Colflesh, Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, RI, 1967

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • marked on bases, coffee pot numbered 1461, sugar bowl 1463, creamer 1464, tray 1468
  • silver, ebony, plastic
  • height of coffee pot 11 3/4 in., length of tray 27 in.
  • 29.8 cm, 68.6 cm
comprising a Coffee Pot with ebony handle, Creamer, covered Sugar Bowl and matching two-handled Tray with a black Formica center

Condition

tray with light dent to one side, otherwise in very good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

An example of this coffee set is illustrated in Jewel Stern, Modernism in American Silver, p. 260-61.

This set is part of the contemporary sterling collection that Gorham introduced in 1960 called Circa '70, which featured atomic designs inspired by space travel. Designed by Donald Colflesh, the line shows the influences of studio silversmith Frederick A. Miller, one of his teachers at Cleveland Institute of Art. The tray was designed to match and added to the line in 1963 after Colflesh had left Gorham.