Lot 311, Auction 3/19/2026: 1917 Gorham Cocktail Shaker Shrapnel Shell 18 Pounder

$2,340.00

In stock

United States, ca. 1917 to 1918 CE. A cocktail shaker designed by the Gorham Manufacturing Company in the realistic form of a World War I eighteen-pounder shrapnel shell. Constructed of brass and copper with three removable sections, including a brass strainer cap, a silver-toned shaker vessel, and a hollow copper base designed to store cups (not included). The surface bears an etched presentation inscription reading, “U.S.S. Narwhal Presented to Torpedo Officer W. B. Sampson.” The base is marked, “Fac-Simile Eighteen Pounder Shrapnel Shell / Patent Applied for in America and Foreign Countries.” Considered one of the most striking forms of early twentieth-century barware, this mixer is highly sought after! Size: 3.8″ W x 22″ H (9.7 cm x 55.9 cm)

Condition: Cups not included. Indentations and abrasions. With dark patina and toning. Intact, with wear from age and use, but overall good condition.

Provenance: ex-private collection, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2010 to 2015

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

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