An extraordinary expression of American silver artistry, this Gorham Athenic three-handle loving cup possesses the quiet grandeur and romance of another era. Graceful in proportion and beautifully balanced, its unusual three-handle silhouette transforms a traditional presentation vessel into a sculptural object meant to be admired from every angle.
Crafted in solid sterling silver by the celebrated Gorham Manufacturing Company, the cup is stamped “ATHENIC,” accompanied by Gorham’s iconic lion-anchor-G hallmark, “STERLING,” and the model number A7738. These historic marks remain an intimate connection to the workshops of one of America’s most revered silversmiths.
There is something wonderfully ceremonial about the loving cup itself—a form traditionally associated with celebration, friendship, achievement, and the marking of life’s important occasions. With three sweeping handles surrounding its elegant body, this example feels particularly romantic, inviting the imagination to consider the gatherings, celebrations, and beautifully appointed rooms for which such a piece was created.
Gorham silver has long occupied a special place in the history of American decorative arts, marrying exceptional craftsmanship with sophisticated design. The Athenic line reflects that legacy beautifully, drawing upon the enduring elegance of classical forms while retaining the unmistakable refinement of Gorham.
Today, this magnificent loving cup is as compelling as an object of decoration as it is a piece of important American sterling. Filled with flowers, placed upon a dining table or library console, or displayed simply on its own, it brings the unmistakable warmth and presence of antique silver to an interior.
A rare opportunity to acquire a distinctive piece of Gorham history—romantic, sculptural, and created to endure for generations.
