George III Old Sheffield plate large fluted basket with sterling aristocratic stag family crest

Magnificent Old Sheffield plate large swing-handled basket dating to the George III period and made by T & J Creswick. Oblong everted body in panelled in a lovely fluted design and raised on a low pedestal foot. The handle is reeded and accented with an applied rose flowerhead bouquet to the centre. The edge of the bowl is trimmed with a large gadrooned border that is decorated with scrolls and shells in typical Regency style.

As befits such an exquisite piece, this basket was commissioned by an aristocratic family. To the centre of the basket is an engraved armorial family crest of a stag (buck deer) in the "rampant" attitude (position), with its chest pierced by an arrow. A faint outline is visible around the deer - crests were included after the piece was made and they were made of sterling silver, hence the faint outline to the oblong panel.

The underside is marked with a sheaf of arrows which was taken from the Sheffield Coat of Arms and used by Thomas & James Creswick as their Sheffield plate mark from 1811 onwards.

Made by Thomas & James Creswick, Sheffield, c. 1810s.

1234 g
7 to 10 cm tall to edge
23 cm tall to handle
32 x 25 cm

Excellent antique condition. Some copper bleeding appropriate to age and use; light soldering and depression to the embossed decoration near one of the hinges.