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Set, Flatware

978.64.1b-cz

Name
Set, Flatware
History Category
Significant Dates
1888
Provenance
Purchased in 1888-1889 by Robert Dunsmuir to furnish his mansion, Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, B.C. Robert Dunsmuir died in April 1889. Mrs. Dunsmuir and some of her children moved into Craigdarroch in 1890. The silverware set was used by the family until Mrs. Joan Dunsmuir's death in 1908. The silverware and case are listed in the 1908 Craigdarroch auction catalogue. The original catalogue is located in the BC Archives, Victoria. Set was sold at the auction held at Craigdarroch. Possibly purchased by John William Morris, Victoria, B.C. The silverware and oak case passed onto Morris' brother, Mr. A. D. Morris circa 1950.

The Versailles pattern was introduced by the Gorham Company in 1888. The pattern is still available under the made-to-order program (1978). The pattern was designed by F. Antoine Heller, an Alsation whom Gorham employed and brought over from France in 1880. This design embodies the characteristics of the ornate and luxurious and decorative work of the Louis XV period in French history. The name chosen by the Gorham Company recognizes the intimate relation between historical events and the progress of art. Reference: Gorham Textron, Rhode Island.
Quantity
103
Catalogue Number
978.64.1b-cz
Discipline