George III Silver Basket

Object Description

A handsome antique sterling silver basket with swing handle and pedestal foot. Excellent quality and weight. With the ribbed body and gadroon borders typical of the period. The all over hand chased decoration of flowers, leaves and hatching is particularly good.

Weight 1187 grams, 38.1 troy ounces.

Height 285cm. Length 34.3cm. Width 28cm.

Sheffield 1818.

Maker Kirby Waterhouse.

Sterling silver.

KIRBY WATERHOUSE
Kirby Waterhouse, a well known firm of Sheffield silversmiths working in the first part of the 19th century. The partners being James Kirkby, Joseph Waterhouse and John Hodgson. This prestigious firm was a maker of candlesticks, candelabra and fine large presentation silver. A set of 12 candlesticks 1814/1815 by Kirby Waterhouse is in the Royal collection.

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 they 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

The basket is in very good condition. Stamped on the rim of the foot with a full set of English silver hallmarks, the handle is unmarked.

Object Details