Now I am not too hot at photographing silver, but just the same I wanted to share some photos of the vintage silver basket I found at an antique mall over the weekend. I'd been wanting one of these for a while now, and I can see this used for serving everything from tea sandwiches, scones and tea bread to cookies and candies.
Here's what it looked like when I first got it home: in desperate need of some silver polish.
But after a night under a nice layer of Wright's Silver Polish, there appeared a pretty etched design, which included acorns. I don't have that many "pretty" serving pieces that are appropriate to fall, so that's one reason I was glad to find this basket.
It has acorns on the handle, too. (The blue and green are from me and the trees, in that order.)
I was also pleased the handle on this piece is in good working condition and stands up without flopping over, because I'm planning to use it to serve cornbread at Thanksgiving, made in the leaf-shaped muffin pan. The basket is marked Derby Silver Co. A quick search online revealed the company was located in Derby, Connecticut and manufactured silverplated pieces from 1872-1898, at which time it merged with International Silver Co. They obviously made their pieces well, and I'm grateful!
beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI really do adore that awesome basket and WOW did you put some elbow grease into making it shine up perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThis is a real treasured find, Angela!
I've seen this type of basket at the antique market before and wondered about the use. You sure brought this one back to a gleaming state Angela.
ReplyDeleteI may have missed it in a post, but I'd love to see your leaf muffin pan - excellent idea for cornbread.
Judith
That is beautiful, and I especially like the little acorn on the top of the handle. Great find!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great treasure you found. It's beautiful and will be such fun also for some chocolate truffles -- always nice to have with tea, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteI love the acorns, too!
ReplyDeleteLovely...especially with the applied acorns. They are certainly (silver cake or card baskets) out of favor, but if you do tea they are wonderful! Great clean up job!
ReplyDeleteRuth
WOW !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty and perfect for Fall and Thanksgiving~
ReplyDeleteRejoicing with you in your great find! It's lovely! Is that what they call a "Bride's Basket?" If not, it's very similar. It will be elegant on your Thanksgiving table!
ReplyDeleteJudith, here's a blog post with a photo of the pan. I love mine!
ReplyDeletehttp://teawithfriends.blogspot.com/2011/10/maple-chai-tea-muffins.html
That is a lovely piece and I too like the acorn motif.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find. I would have never guessed it was that old. Love the acorns!
ReplyDeleteHell Angela, I love this basket too, especially the acorns on the handle. You continue to find the neatest items, Joanie
ReplyDelete