An American Silver Six-piece Tea and Coffee Service, Gorham Mfg. Co., Providencem, RI, Martelé, 1910, 1912

comprising: Teapot, Coffee Pot, Creamer, covered Sugar Bowl, Waste Bowl, and Kettle on Lampstand, each tapered cylindrical with rounded bases, the hammered surfaces chased with roses in full bloom and foliage, the domed lids with blossom finials, creamer and waste bowl with gilt interiors marked on bases and coded W over DL

associated Gorham lamp marked with date letter P probably for 1883, bottom edge of lamp dented, 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.

Gorham's factory records indicate that these pieces were all made by the silversmith James Leckenby, who worked for Gorham from 1897 to 1916.  The silversmithing required 145 for the kettle to 30 hours for the waste bowl.  The pieces were then chased by George W. Sauthof, which took from 105 hours to 25 hours.  The present lot, with the exception of the kettle, which dates to 1912, was completed on 20 December 1910.  The net factory price of the complete set was $1,020.

Considered one of Gorham's most talanted chasers, George W. Sauthof, was born in Germany in 1852 and emigrated to the United States at the age of twelve.  Sauthof received his training while employed at Tiffany, and in May 1884 he was persuaded by Gorham to leave Tiffany and move to Providence.  By 1900 Suathof, also known as chaser #25, was one of the three most highly compensated chasers working on the Martelé line.  He remained at Gorham until July 1927 when he suffered a strock at the factory.  Sauthof died two weeks later at the age of 75.  His Gorham obituary noted: "he was entrusted to execute some of the finest master-pieces in silver repousse.  He was also a master in steel work, cutting dies and rolls for many of the beautiful borders used by the comapny today."