Description"Martelé" was a term applied to a line of art silver introduced in 1900 by Gorham. It was considered the finest expression of the Art Nouveau style in America. The ewer and plateau, hand-hammered into undulating forms and decorated in repoussé with swirling waves, plants, and female figures, are particularly successful examples of Martelé silver.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsMarks: marked on underside of Ewer: Martel["e" with accent aigu] / [lion]; [anchor]; [G] [all three surmounted by eagle] / 950-1000 FINE] / SPAULDING & CO / CHICAGO (incuse) marked on underside of plateau: Martel["E" with accent aigu] / [lion]; [anchor]; [G] [all three surmounted by eagle]/ 9500-1000 FINE] / SPAULDING & CO. / CHICAGO (incuse) marked inside footrim of Ewer: NY; [date mark of hourglass for 1901] (incuse) marked on underside of plateau near rim: NZ; [date mark of hourglass for 1901] (incuse)
Inscriptions: Ewer engraved on body in interlaced script: HJG and JMMG Ewer and plateau lightly scratched on underside: 170 plateau lightly scratched near "NZ" mark: 162

ProvenanceHugh J. Grant, New York, until 1974