A very rare and important early George III antique silver Wirework Bread Basket made in London in 1764 by John Henry Vere & William Lutwyche.

A very rare and important early George III antique silver Wirework Bread Basket made in London in 1764 by John Henry Vere & William Lutwyche.

£5,500
Reference

373805

The Basket has a wide oval form and the shaped rim is decorated with bold raised beading.  The sides consist of a vertical wirework frame to which are attached trailing foliate sprays and flower heads, including beautifully modelled roses.  The base is chased with crossed wheat ears tied with ribbons enclosing an Armorial surrounded by a detailed cartouche of foliate sprays, Rococo shell details and scrolls.  The basket stands on a plain oval foot and the twisted wire work handle is also decorated with finely modelled cast wheat ears.  This piece is fully marked on the foot and with the sterling mark on the handle.  The basket is in excellent condition and is a very rare design.  A silimar wirework example by Richard Mills, and made in London in 1771, is illustrated on plate 32 of "Adam Silver", by Robert Rowe.  Vere and Lutwyche's mark usually appears on this type of basket, as they must have been specialist wireworkers and piercers.  They had workshops in Lombard Street, when this fine piece was made.

Height, to the top of the handle: 10.5 inches, 26.25cm
Length: 14 inches, 35cm.
Width:: 11.5 inches, 28.75 cm.
Weight: 33oz.

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