Elegant antique American sterling silver whiskey hip flask with woven motif by Gorham, c. 1907. Featuring intricate sterling silver basket weave overlay. Flask overlaid with dense weave, beautifully hand done, encasing a thick hand blown glass body. Glass bottle is finished with polished pontil at the base. Topped by a hinged lid with twist and lock closure, cork lined interior. Marked Sterling on the collar. Removable drinking cup attached to the base, having a beautiful gilt / gold wash interior. Monogrammed with engraved initials WEB. One pint capacity. Measures 7 5/8" height x 4 1/4" width x 2 1/4" deep. In good condition with general wear from use. No dings or dents. Woven overlay is beautiful! No chips or cracks to the clear glass body, just a few scratches near the base from the frequent removing/reattaching of the drinking cup over the years. Hallmarked with the lion passant, anchor and letter G for Gorham, Sterling and patent marks D697. Bearing a date mark for 1907, in the form of a pair of scissors. Also marked for retailer Spaulding & Co. of Chicago.
Spaulding & Co. was founded in 1888 by Henry A. Spaulding when he acquired the business from Newell Matson & Co. The firm was a well-known manufacturer and retailer of fine jewelry, silverplate and sterling ware. The Gorham Manufacturing Co. was a part owner from the firm's inception. Gorham became full owner of the firm from the 1920's until 1943, and it was during these years that the firm was named Spaulding-Gorham Inc.