Breadbasket

Dateca. 1785

MediumFused silverplate (Sheffield plate)

DimensionsOH: 11 1/8"; H (rim): 4 3/16"; OL: 13 7/8" OW: 10 5/8"

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver F. Ramsey

Object number1971-84

DescriptionArched strap handle enlarged at center top with tapered sides; applied bead molding on edge of handle with engraved lozenge shaped reserve at center top for initials or armorials with band of piercing of alternate circles and diagonals, deriving from conventional wave molding, extending from reserve down center of either side; handle attached with pivots to rim; shallow body of oval plan with everted rim and curved sides and bottom; applied bead molding at edge of rim; body pierced below rim with broad upper band of circles enclosing six pointed stars and broad lower band of alternate panels of twelve vertical slots and circle enclosing six-pointed star and narrower bands alternate circles and diagonals above, between, and below broader bands; pierced bands enriched with engraving; body supported on spool shaped foot of oval plan pierced with similar broad band of slots and circles enclosing stars with narrower band of alternate circles and diagonals above and below, all similarly enriched with engraving; applied bead molding at edge of foot. Unengraved as to owner.
Label TextA plated breadbasket, with similar piercing and a tradition of ownership by George Washington, is in the Lewis collection in the Smithsonian Institution.
InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. Oliver F. Ramsey, Williamburg, VA
Acquired by CWF in 1971