Sugar sifter

The Gothic Revival style was used mainly for church silver, and examples of secular, domestic forms are rare survivals. In 1847 Gale patented the pattern for these pieces and the ornament on the handles, reflecting medieval architecture. Henry B. Stanwood, a Boston retailer also marked these pieces.   

Known by the 1750s, sugar sifters were produced in many flatware patterns by the 1850s. As in this example, they were about the size of sauce ladles, although the latter often had rounded bottoms, whereas sifters were flat bottomed. This sugar sifter and sauce ladle are in the Gothic pattern that was first patented in 1848 by William Gale and partner Nathaniel Hayden. The mark of Gale & Son on the ladle indicates that Gale retained the patent in his next partnership with his son. Although made in New York, these objects were retailed by Henry B. Stanwood in Boston (see also cat. nos. 210, 231).

Taking its vocabulary from architectural details, the Gothic-revival style was used to design nonecclesiastical wares for secular, domestic use during its surge of popularity in the 1840s and 1850s. Thereafter, it was largely limited to ecclesiastical objects.

This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.