Bread or Cake Basket
Date1808-1813
Maker
Liberty Browne
Maker
William Seal
Retailed by
Thomas McConnell
1768-1825
Retailed by
Hugh McConnell
MediumSilver
DimensionsOH (handle raised): 9 ¾”; OH (handle down): 4 ¾”; OH (of body): 4 1/16”; OW: 12 1/8”; OD (across handle junctures): 8 ½”
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2020-133
DescriptionSilver Bread or Cake Basket: Low, rounded rectangular stepped foot with reeded edge supports rounded rectangular body with gadroon-bordered flaring rim with projecting square tabs at short ends. At center of long sides of basket, a conforming swing handle with applied gadroon band and with applied oval plaque at top.Label TextAlthough produced in large quantities in both English sterling silver and fused silver plate, American-made bread or cake baskets are rather rare and mostly hail from early nineteenth century New York or Philadelphia. This example is the work of Liberty Browne and William Seale of the latter city, whose partnership lasted only five years. It was retailed by either Hugh McConnell of Philadelphia or his brother Thomas, who established himself first in Wilmington, Delaware, and later in Richmond, Virginia.Inscription(s)Engraved on oval plaque “EM” in sprigged script; engraved on rim at one end “R·GRACE to E·MAY” in threaded block letters (“to” in semi script)Mark(s)Marked in twice in relief on bottom of foot “B & S” and marked once in relief on reeded edge of short side of foot “M:CONNELL” (mark is rubbed). Note that colon in latter mark when crisply stamped sometimes reads as a superscript "c" over a pelletProvenanceJonathan Trace
1780-1800
