Gorham Manufacturing Company

The task of getting ready for the day often requires an array of devices, including a mirror for surveying the results. This dressing set with ornate silver handles was used to groom hair and clothes, fasten buttons, and file nails in grand style. The finishing touch might be a piece of jewelry, which could be kept safe in a box like this Renaissance Revival example featuring an alfresco feast.

Enameled silver wares were very popular at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where the Gorham Manufacturing Company earned seven awards for their enamel work. The company hired Hungarian artist G. de Festetics to create designs that were executed by a predominately American and female team of enamellers.