Antique Sterling Silver Silver European Decorative Pierced Out Basket 285g

A very fine 18th / early 19th century sterling silver bread or fruit basket with an intricate pierced out construction. The basket is designed with alternating straight sections and wavy sections terminating in either a daisy or foliage motif. The strength of the structure in the lower section is provided by an eclipse shaped design with the same pretty daisy motif running around the middle of the base. The swing handles feature a ladies head with braided hair to the front side and daisy motif to the inside. The rest of the handle is pierced out with a vine like design and terminating with a flower head. There is a plain silver lozenge shape at the top of the handle. Although clearly hallmarked the hallmarks could not be identified but are believed to be either French, or possibly Hanau mystery stamps. The underside of the basket and handle are stamped with a diamond shape (often used to identify French sterling silver) and the letter BB plus letter q and b to either side. There is another faded mark that is used to stamp the basket but unfortunately, this stamp is too faded to decipher. The overall condition of the basket is very good, there are just some evident repairs.

Dimensions are as follows:

Length 21 cm x width 15.2 cm x thickness 1.5 mm
Weight 285.01 grams