An American silver-gilt and cut-glass punch bowl from the Chicago 1893 Columbian Exposition, Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, RI, the design probably by William Christmas Codman, 1893

an openwork rocaille mount supported by caryatid putti figures, fitted with a fine cut-glass bowl cut with birds and flowers

Gorham Pavilion, 1893 Columbian Exposition, Chicago

two neat repairs to openwork rocaille frame, gilding slightly rubbed at high spots, base of cut-glass bowl with nicks and minor chips to edges, overall 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.

The punch bowl #S1212 required 60 hours of forming the silver (“making”) plus 37 hours for casting the legs, feet, and side pieces.  A further 160 hours were spent initially chasing the piece, plus a further 23 hours of additional chasing.  The elaborately cut and engraved glass was a further cost of $67.50.  The piece was finished May 6, 1893, and had a total factory price of $450; the register notes that the piece was selected for the Exhibition.

Gorham pulled out all of the stops for the display at the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition.  Their joint pavilion with Tiffany & Co. was the entrance to the American section of the Manufactures and Liberal Arts building, and the Providence Journal  reported “the Gorham exhibit at the World’s Fair will be the most elaborate and extensive of its kind ever seen in this country.”  The majority of items, probably including this piece, were designed by William Christmas Codman, Gorham’s chief designer recently hired from England and an exponent (at this date) of exactly this kind of high Beaux Arts design.  Gorham’s display got rave reviews, and the firm won fifty-five different medals for their works.