A sterling silver Martini pitcher in the form of a bucket, or pail.  This very unusual and early piece was made by one of America's finest silversmiths of the 19th and 20th Century; Gorham Manufacturing Company.  

Gorham was established in  1831 by Jabez Gorham, a master craftsman, in partnership with Henry L. Webster.  The fledgling American silver manufacturing market was boosted in 1842 when Congress enacted a tariff which effectively blocked the importation of silverware from outside the United States.  However, the company stuck to mainly making spoons and assorted silverware until Jabez's son, John, took over the company in 1847. 

Under his direction the company improved production methods, expanded the range and quality of  pieces, and brought in skilled craftsman from throughout Europe.  A notable edition was the English silversmith and designer, George Wilkinson.  He became the workshop  manager.  

The  company went on the make a silver service for many administrations in the White House.  Mary Todd Lincoln's set is now on display in the National Museum of  American History.  Many other trophies, such as the  Indianapolis  500 trophy were produced by Gorham, along with famous statues throughout America, such as the  monument of George Washington in the Capitol's  Rotunda.

This rare and novel piece functions as a cocktail mixing vessel  with built in ice strainer in the pouring spout. Designed as a pail, complete with an articulated hand hammered handle, it has beautiful decorative medieval features chasing the edges and where the handles connect to the bucket, detailed with rivets.  There is also a helpful small handle at the back of the pail for helping tilt the spout forward toward the glass.

It is signed with Gorham's hallmarks which date this piece to 1911. It is also marked with Gorham design reference number: 1214A.  Made in America.