Vintage Nantucket Purse by Sherwin Boyer (1907 – 1964), circa 1950s

Vintage Sherwin Boyer Nantucket Purse, circa 1950s, an oval covered Nantucket basket with cane weave on oak staves, shaped wooden swing handle  attached to rim with turned whale tooth knobs, turned whale tooth peg, and having a scrimshaw carved whale tooth Right Whale by Charlie Sayle mounted on a rosewood top plate,  signed by double stamp and paper label on the bottom.

The basket has unusual proportions and remains in excellent condition with a very warm patina.

Measures: 6-3/4 in H x 7-1/4 in L x 5-3/4 in W

Sherwin Porter Boyer (1907-1964) was one of the first generation of Nantucket basket makers in the “purse” period, starting in the late 1940s and working up until his death in 1964. A contemporary of Jose Reyes and Stephen Gibbs, he is regarded as one of the best basket makers of the period. Working in a little shop in back of a building on Federal Street across from St. Mary’s Church, his baskets were made with oak staves and carved oak handles attached with brass ears. He signed his work with a cruciform BOYER stamp, and a paper label inscribed I was made on Nantucket Island, am strong and stout, don’t lose or burn me, I’ll never wear out. Made by S.P. Boyer.