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Gorham Shrapnel Shell Cocktail Shaker
- This rare cocktail shaker takes the form of a World War I 18-pound shrapnel shell
- The large silver-plated form is attributed to the Gorham Manufacturing Company
- The base conceals a fitted interior with a vertical stand for four shot glasses
- Gorham's “Shrapnel Cocktail Sets,” introduced around 1915, captured public fascination
- Get complete item description here
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Attributed to the Gorham Manufacturing Company
Circa 1917
A striking fusion of wartime engineering and American cocktail culture, this rare shaker takes the form of a World War I 18-pound shrapnel shell. Attributed to the Gorham Manufacturing Company, it reflects a moment when industrial design inspired domestic luxury objects. Produced after the war, it is finely detailed, even incorporating a decorative time delay fuze mechanism. At almost two feet. . .
Attributed to the Gorham Manufacturing Company
Circa 1917
A striking fusion of wartime engineering and American cocktail culture, this rare shaker takes the form of a World War I 18-pound shrapnel shell. Attributed to the Gorham Manufacturing Company, it reflects a moment when industrial design inspired domestic luxury objects. Produced after the war, it is finely detailed, even incorporating a decorative time delay fuze mechanism. At almost two feet high, it is among the largest cocktail shakers of its era. The base conceals a fitted interior with a vertical stand for four shot glasses, while the upper section functions as a fully operational cocktail shaker with strainer and stopper.
Gorham, one of America’s leading silver manufacturers, became renowned for its inventive silver plate production, particularly during the early 1900s when novelty and craftsmanship merged in the decorative arts. The firm’s “Shrapnel Cocktail Sets,” introduced around 1915, captured public fascination with wartime motifs adapted for the home, transforming industrial design language into objects of luxury.
Underside marked "Fac-Simile Eighteen Pounder Shrapnel Shell / Patent Applied for in America and Foreign Countries"
22 3/4" high x 4" diameter
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | America |
| Type: | Cocktail Shakers |
| Depth: | 4.0 in. (10.16 cm) |
| Width: | 4.0 in. (10.16 cm) |
| Height: | 22.75 in. (57.79 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
