1996.59, Pitcher, Koehler and Ritter, c. 1870-1875

The Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island sold large amounts of silver in California beginning in the 1860s and greatly influenced silver design there. With its use of neo-greco decoration balanced by expanses of unornamented surface, this pitcher is closely related to contemporary Gorham products designed by George Wilkinson.

Most of the silverwork executed in California was not of the same quality as that made by firms like Gorham and Tiffany.This pitcher by Koehler and Ritter is an exception, however. In every way it is exceptional and ranks as one of the finest pieces of California-made silver known.

Charles L. Venable, DMA unpublished material.

Metropolitan Museum of Art~Read more about Nineteenth-Century American Silver.

Apply to objects where number equals 1996.59