Object Description
This is an exceptionally fine antique English Edwardian sterling silver fruit basket with hallmarks for Sheffield 1907 and the maker mark of Atkin Brothers.
This magnificent basket has a shaped swing handle on flared shaped oblong basket and features a gadrooned rim and base which is further embellished with pierced decoration and is raised on a shaped oblong pedestal foot.
There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any silver collector.
Condition:
In excellent condition with clear hallmarks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 23 x Width 27 x Depth 23
Weight 0.68 kg
Dimensions in inches:
Height 9 inches x Width 11 inches x Depth 9 inches
Weight 21.75 troy oz
Atkin Brothers business traces his origin to Thomas Law, a silversmith active in Sheffield from c. 1750 to 1775. He was one of the only two firms combining the trades of cutlers and general silversmiths.
The business was continued by his sons John and William, and later by Joseph Law (probably the son of John, as in an 1830 directory he is quoted as “Joseph Law, late John Law & Son”).
In 1824 was entered the mark of Jos. Law, Jn Oxley & Henry Atkin (oddly the mark was “LL”, possibly for Law & Law) and in 1829 Henry Atkin and John Oxley, trading as Atkin, Oxley & Co, succeeded to the original firm. They dissolved their partnership c. 1840.
Henry Atkin continued the trade as Henry Atkin & Co at 32 Howard Street, Sheffield.
He died in 1853, and his sons Harry Wright Atkin, Edward Thomas Atkin and Frank Shaw Atkin continued the trade under the style Atkin Brothers in their Truro Works, Matilda Street, Sheffield.
The firm opened offices in London, managed by Harry Wright Atkin, and in 1925 became a limited liability company as Atkin Brothers (Silversmiths) Ltd.
Atkin Brothers manufactured a wide range of electroplate, Britannia Metal, silver and plated cutlery supplied to Thornhill & Co – London, Barraclough & Sons – Leeds, Ollivant & Botsford – Manchester, James Crichton & Co – Edinburgh, Hall & co – Manchester, Fairfax & Roberts – Sydney and many other firms in the United Kingdom and in the Colonies
Our reference: A2693