A very rare and unusual early George III Bread Basket made in London

The Basket was made in London in 1763 by John Henry Vere & William Lutwyche, who specialised in baskets of unusual design, very often made in a wirework form. This piece is most unusual as it is modelled to simulate a wicket basket, a design which is extremely rare and seldom seen. The basket is oval in form, with an everted rim, and consists of entwined reeded arch work. The basket stands on a very unusual pierced, reeded, wavy foot. The arched handle also consists of entwined reeded strips and is attached to the main body with unusual double teardrop mouldings. The base displays a crisp set of hallmarks and its original scratch weight, engraved when it was hallmarked. The basket is in excellent condition and is of a very good weight and gauge for a piece of this nature. The ageless design lends itself to all periods of interior and as well as bread, could be used for fruit or flowers, in addition to being a beautiful decorative piece on a table. As we have emphasised, Vere & Lutwyche specialised in unusual wirework designs and had workshops in Lombard Street when this piece was made. This is only the second basket of this design we have seen over all of the years. The basket is also shown with the rare set of four magnum wine coasters modelled in the same design, by the same silversmiths. Length: 12.75 inches, 31.88 cm Width: 10.75 inches, 26.88 cm. Height, to the rim: 4 inches, 10 cm. Height, to the top of the handle: 10 inches, 25 cm. Weight: 33.1 oz.

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