Sugar basket

Date1790-1791

Maker John Robins

MediumSilver (Sterling); Gold (Silver-gilt)

DimensionsOH (handle extended): 5 7/8" (14.9 cm); H (rim): 3 7/8" (9.8 cm); OL (bowl): 4 3/4" (12 cm); OW (bowl): 3 5/8" (9.2 cm); OL (base): 3 7/16" (8.7 cm); OW (base): 2 7/16" (5.9 cm); Wt: 6 oz., 1 dwt., 9gr.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1958-457

DescriptionSugar basket. Narrow arched handle with reeded face mounted on pivots on opposite sides of body in center at rim; gilt-lined body of shaped oval plan with applied molding at rim and alternate plain sections and ones chased with vertical fluting; plain body sections engraved below rim with engraved border with running foliate design; body supported on pedestal foot flaring to large base of shaped oval plan with engraved border and sectioning. Crest of the Piggot family engraved on exterior of base.
Label TextFooted vase and boat-shaped sugar bowls, sometimes pierced and glass-lined, predominate during the last three decades of the century. A bail handle is often fitted with pivots at the rim to form a sugar basket, as in this instance. It was acquired with a matching coffeepot of 1790/91, also by John Robins (CWF accession 1958-456), as well as a teapot and cream pot of 1790/91 by different makers (accessions 1958-458 and 1958-459), the latter two engraved with the same decorative borders and the Piggot family crest. An unengraved sugar basket of 1790/91 by Robert Hennell of London is part of the Carter family silver at Shirley Plantation, Charles City County, Virglnia.
InscribedCrest of the Piggot family engraved on exterior of base
MarkingsMaker's mark "I.R" within a rectangle, leopard's head crowned, lion passent, date letter, and sovereign's head on underside of base; lion passant on face of handle.
ProvenanceVendor: Garrard & Co. Ltd., London. Acquired by CWF in 1958.