Pierced Oval Basket, 1778
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Sugar Basket - Oval; blue glass liner - London 1778 by Ann Chesterman - 17cm high (with handle up); 11cm high (handle down); 13cm x 10.5cm oval; 184g - KS/3187
Virtually all the silver pierced sugar or sweetmeat baskets dating from the 1760's and 1770's are round in form, but this example is unusual in being oval. It stands on an oval pedestal foot, has a swing handle and is beautifully pierced with trellis-work to show off the Bristol blue glass liner to the interior. It is further embellished with bright-cut engraving and an engraved crest of a lion rampant to the cartouche. This is a truly beautiful silver basket and is highly recommended.
The condition is excellent, although there is a tiny original flaw from manufacturing on the top of the foot ( a slight indentation to the edge). The blue glass liner is a perfect fit and probably original to the piece. The hallmarks are located just below the top rim and the first letter of the maker's mark for this lady silversmith is missing, but the distinctive widow's lozenge and a star above confirm its attribution as the mark shown as Grimwade 21. The handle is also attractively engraved and appropriately part marked with a lion passant.
