George III Antique Silver Basket

Object Description

A handsome antique silver basket of oval form with swing handle and applied oval foot with rope trim. Lovely decorative detail with embossed swags of harebells and classical medallions. Excellent quality hand cut pierced work to the body. Very good size and colour. Hand engraved to the centre is family coat of arms within a finely executed floral cartouche.

Weight 1148 grams, 36.9 troy oz.
Height 28cm (total including handle). Top measures 35.5 x 29.5cm.
London 1771.
Maker William Plummer.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Stamped on the inside of the body with a full set of English silver hallmarks, handle unmarked.

Maker: William Plummer

William Plummer, London silversmith, apprenticed to Edward Aldridge 1746, free 1755. ist mark entered as largeworker 1755. 2nd mark 1774. 3rd mark 1789. His son William apprenticed to Thomas Whipham as goldsmith 1777. Plummer is mainly known for his finely cut baskets and strainers.

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Object Literature

Antique Silver Fruit Baskets are nearly always described as cake baskets but were more commonly used for bread and fruit. Although 17th century versions are known to exist these baskets were not commonly found until about 1735 onwards. Early examples usually have side handles or no handles and tend to be considerably heavier than George III examples and later.

Object Condition

This lovely antique basket is in very good condition with moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. The engravings are still clear and sharp.

Object Details