A Silver Ice Bowl and Ice Spoon, mark of Gorham MFG Co. Providence, 1870

A Silver Ice Bowl and Ice Spoon, mark of Gorham MFG Co. Providence, 1870. Photo Christies Image Ltd 2013

The bowl formed as ice blocks hung with icicles and chased with frost, set on a conforming shaped oval foot, applied at each end with a polar bear; the ice spoon formed as a harpoon entwined with rope, with polar bear finial, the bowl pierced with stylized leaves, marked under base, the spoon marked on handle and bowl. The bowl 11 in. (27.9 cm.) long, the spoon 10½ in (26.7 cm.) long; 32 oz. 10 dwt. (1,013 gr.) (2). Price Realized: $68,750

Notes: The iconography of this ice bowl and spoon relates to the 1867 purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. Also at this time, the Bostonian, Frederic Tudor (1783-1864) developed the technology to harvest, market, and sell ice to an affluent client base. Ice was a luxury in the late 19th century, and these silver bowls reflected its value and prestige. (See Samuel J. Hough, "The Class of 1870: Gorham Sterling Ice Bowls,"Silver Magazine, September-October 1989, pp. 30-33)

An ice bowl and tongs sold in these Rooms 16 January 2003, lots 80 and 81, and 18 January 2002, lot 265. An ice bowl and spoon from the collection of Sam Wagstaff, sold Christie's, New York, January 20 1989, lot 86, is now in the collection of the Dallas Museum of Art.

Christies. SILVER 21 May 2013.New York, Rockefeller Plaza