Antique Meriden Silver Plated Basket w/Porcelain Insert

Silver : Silverplate : Silver Plate : Basket : Victorian Silver Plate : Meriden Basket : Silver Plate

 

You are looking at a gorgeous & quite unusual antique Meriden silver plated basket, which features a handle and what I believe is porcelain insert.

As you can see, there is a fancy etched “E” on the front of the basket; the back does not have this. The handle stands up on its own, but can be placed down if desired. The entire body & feet of the basket has a cut-out design.

The bottom of the basket is signed: Made and Guaranteed by, with XL2 incised underneath this. There is a circle with the initial M, and then it reads Meriden, B & Company, the numbers 5142 next to this, then Made in US America.

The solid white porcelain insert fans out at the top and features a diamond design at the top. The bottom of the insert has the numbers 7149, with what may be a tone on tone emblem.

The overall condition is quite good, with the following minor imperfections to note: each side of the white insert has a little chip, where it rubs against the handle; this could not have been avoided. I have shown a photo of one of the chips. Inside, there is a small area along one edge which has some dark “lines”, as seen in one of my photos. This area is smooth to the touch. The insert has a lot of overall crazing, but it can’t be seen once inside the basket. The silver plated basket has an area on one side which isn’t shiny & is darker. The plating must have worn off in this area. This can be seen in the next to the last photo. Despite the minor imperfections, this is an amazing & gorgeous piece.

The measurements are as follows: with the handle up, it’s approx. 11” tall. The insert measures 7 ¼” across X 5”.

This antique Meriden silver plate basket looks gorgeous displayed on its own, but it will no doubt look even more gorgeous with fresh cut flowers inside. You certainly will not be disappointed in this outstanding piece.

Item ID: 162