Very Early Nantucket Lightship Basket, circa 1860

Very Early Nantucket Lightship Basket, circa 1860, an oval open basket with wide splint staves, split wood rim, cane weave, solid birch bottom plate, and shaped swing handle attached by rivet to the heavy ears which are continuous as staves inserted into the bottom plate.

An extremely early basket (the very first Nantucket Lightship baskets are thought to have been made around 1850), that remains in extremely good condition. There are no breaks to the weave, staves or handle. The early bentwood rim has warped over time, and has even cracked a bit at the stress points: all part and parcel to the age and charm of this baskets. There is some very old white stain, perhaps from water, on the interior bottom plate. The basket has a very serious and deep patina.

There are two small brads on the bottom anchoring the handle staves in the bottom plate: these may be original to the construction, or could have been added at some point to secure those staves.

Measures: 7 in H x 10-3/4 in L x 9 in W