Object Description
A rare George II sterling silver basket of oval form with swing handle. Excellent weight and colour. The basket has a pierced body with a vine decorated cast silver border and it stands on four cast lions paw feet. At this time baskets were used mainly for bread and fruit. The swing handle features a finely modelled animals head to both sides just above the hinges. The centre has a large hand engraved cartouche enclosing an armorial and above is the motto “Luceat et Crescat”. Weight 1600 grams, 51.4 troy oz. Height 28cm (total including handle), 8 cms (basket only). Top measures 34 x 28.5cm. London 1750. Maker Samuel Herbert & Co.
Biography – Samuel Herbert, London silversmith, apprenticed 1736 to Edward Aldridge I, of the Clothworkers Company, and goldsmith of Gutter Lane. Free 1744. 1st mark as largeworker entered 1747. 2nd mark as Samuel Herbert & Co 1750 (initials SH.HB), this unnamed partnership was very likely to have been with Henry Bailey who was apprenticed to and then journeyman to Edward Aldridge. In 1763 Herbert took Burrage Davenport as apprentice. Herbert’s workshop specialised in pierced platework particularly baskets and some epergnes.
Signed – The motto “Luceat et Crescat” means “Let it shine and grow”.