Antique Silverplate Bride's Cake Basket - Footed Handled Ornate Holloware - Victorian Late 1800s - Meriden Company Shabby Chic Kitchen Decor

Antique Footed Handled Cake Basket that is made of silver plate with etched and raised designs on the sides and center that is from the late 1800s.

The handle has a wonderful cluster of three flowers and a leaf design on the top grip. There are some little flourishes where the two places were it attaches to the rim. The top edge has a vertical raised pattern all around it that includes garland, tassels, curls and swirls. In the very center is a raised round medallion shape where the pedestal attaches to it. The center main section has 4 sparrows or birds, dragonflies, flower blossoms, leaves, berries and branches on it that are etched all around the top. The handle features an oval shape with a bit of lovely floral openwork typical of the period that this vintage serving piece was made.

The handle is loose and falls to one side or the other - it can be coaxed to stay up but is not there securely and falls to one side or the other - it would need to be tightened.

This silverplate piece is circa late 1800s or early 1900s. Silver companies created these more affordable pieces in quadruple plate (silver plate) which was more affordable than silver. As this piece is, many were decorated with etchings for engravings of flowers, birds, leaves and vines and given as gifts to a bride for her wedding.

The bottom has the hallmark that says B MERIDEN Company with the pictograph of a set of scales. On the bottom below the hallmark it has the numbers 1633 etched into it.

This hallmark is for the Meriden Silver Company. (This hallmark dates the antique cake basket to the late 1800s.)

Measures approx. 7" high to edge of the rim. Measures 13" with the handle extended upwards. Top has an 9 1/2" diameter. Base has a 4 1/2" diameter.

In fair to nice antique condition with lots of patina all over with pitting and loss of the silver plate finish, especially on the top - a perfect shabby or cottage chic decor item!

I didn't polish this piece as some folks like patina. The handle is loose and falls to one side or the other - it can be coaxed to stay up but is not there securely and falls to one side or the other. One side of the top of the basket decorative rim is very slightly bent and not symmetrical - see photos for detail. The Item's price reflects these conditions.

This cake basket or bride's basket would certainly be beautiful for serving fruit, cake, or any other dessert. A paper lace doily can be placed on the top to add to the lovely display of whatever treat is served.

Hallmarked on the bottom B. MERIDEN COMPANY 1633 with their pictorial stamp.



P