Magnificent Paul Storr 15" Silver Basket, 1836

This is an outstanding quality William IV period silver basket made by the greatest English silversmith of the 19th century - Paul Storr.

The basket just oozes the very highest quality; it has been made from a thick gauge of silver hence the hefty weight and the calibre of the chased decoration is exceptional. The scrolling mount around the top rim is interspersed with shells, with two particularly large shells mounted with acanthus leaves and acting as side handles. The bowl stands on a raised, circular foot and has two armorial shields surmounted by helmetted knight heads at opposite points to the handles.

This is a large basket with a top diameter of almost 15" making it useful for displaying fruit or for presenting breads and pastries. The condition is superb with crisp decoration and clear hallmarks.

Paul Storr is considered to be the most important English silversmith of the Regency and late Georgian period with much of his work residing in royal, aristocratic and civic collections.