A pair of Gilbert Marks wine goblets signed 1900

Price range: £6,950

Just when you think you have seen it all before along comes a really wonderful surprise. For sale as two pairs are these Gilbert Marks wine goblets. Both pairs are assayed for London 1899. Each is identically signed to the foot “Gilbert Marks” and this pair is dated 1900 (the other 1899). Whilst clearly two identical pairs in terms of overall design, size and gauge, each has a different floral pattern. These two from 1900 appear to be poppies and maybe wild roses.

Gilbert Marks silver is rare in any shape or form but I have never seen wine goblets by him. They are very useable and would befit a traditional or contemporary setting. This is Gilbert Marks at his best. The condition of this pair is excellent and original. Gauge is excellent. They are hard to put down with or without wine in. Provenance of these goblets is to Lord and Lady Swaythling (see Christies sale 27th May, lot 1017).

Gilbert Marks was perhaps the most skilled silversmith of his generation and in his short career produced some magnificent pieces of artistic silver.

Maker: Gilbert Marks

Designer: Gilbert Marks

Date : 1899

Marks: GM, London, date letters “d”, Gilbert Marks signature 1900

Material: Sterling silver

Condition: Excellent

Size: 18.75 cm tall

Weight : 300 grams, 10.5 oz each

SKU: A1108-1

Additional Information

The Magazine Art reviews Marks’ work in January 1897 at an exhibition of his work at 80 Aldersgate Street: “Going direct to nature, he skillfully transfers the blossoms of wild flowers to his graceful cups and other cups. The Art Journal reviews another exhibition of his work in the August of the same year at the the showrooms of Johnson, Walker & Tolhurst, a bowl very similar to the present lot is illustrated. His distinctive style of work received glowing reviews, his work “is exceedingly pleasant to the cultivated eye.”

In the initial period of collaboration with Johnson, Walker and Tolhurst, the objects bore their sponsor’s mark and had Marks’ fascimile signature. Gilbert Marks registered his own maker’s mark of ‘GM’ at Goldsmiths’ Hall in 1896 and he continues the practice of the fascimile. It is interesting that the association with J. W. And T. clearly continues as they are still holding exhibitions of the work. The earliest recorded piece bearing Marks’ signature dates from 1895/6 and the latest from 1902.

Literature:
F. Miller, ‘Some Gold, Silver, and Coppersmiths,’ Art Journal, November 1896, p.347ff.

‘The Craft of the Silversmith’, The Artist, July 1898, p. 133ff.
‘Gilbert Marks: An Artist in Silver,’ The Magazine of Art, January 1897, p.158ff.
‘The Arts and Indutries of Today,’ Art Journal, August 1897, p251ff.
Obituary, The Burlington Magazine, Vol 7, no 27, June 1905, p.243ff.

Period	Arts and crafts