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Cake Basket
Marked by: William Plummer (free 1746, died in 1791)
English (London)
1760–61
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
26.3 x 37.6 x 30.3 cm (10 3/8 x 14 13/16 x 11 15/16 in.) Weight: 1,204.9 gm (38 oz 15 dwt)
Credit Line
Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour
Accession Number66.286
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
DescriptionThe elliptical basket, formed from thin sheet, has flaring sides. It is supported by four cast foliate feet that extend from a ring of openwork foliage and scrolls. The sides of the basket are divided into vertical panels by bands of chased beading and on each panel is a pierced pattern of either geometric, trellis, scroll or curvilinear design. The rim of the basket is strengthened with a cast openwork band of foliage, scrolls and beading. The cast and pierced bail handle is fastened with circular hinges and has beading on its lower sections and an open geometric pattern across the center.
Marks
On side of piercing panel, maker's mark WP (Grimwade 3255); lion passant; leopard's head crowned; date letter E
InscriptionsEngraved on underside: "Madam Lydia Hancock / came in possession of this basket / -1758- / John Hancock 1778 / Mrs. Dorothy Hancock 1793 / Mrs. Nancy Salisbury 1830 / Mrs. Sarah Austin 1865 / Elihu Chauncey 1887 /Natalie Elizabeth Chauncey Pierrepont 1916 / Heathcote M. Woolsey 1953"
ProvenanceAccording to tradition, Thomas Hancock (1703-1764), given in 1758 to his wife, Lydia Henchman Hancock (1714-1777), by descent to a nephew, John Hancock (1737-1793), to his wife, Dorothy Hancock Scott (1747-1830), to her niece Nancy Salisbury, to Mrs. Sarah Austin, to Elihu Chauncy, to Natalie Elizabeth Chauncy Pierrepont, to Heathcote M. Woolsey; purchased through Paul L. Fishman, Boston, May 6, 1966, Theodora Wilbour Fund in Memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour. (Accession Date: May 6, 1966)