Vintage Nantucket Purse by Sherwin Boyer, early 1950s

Vintage Nantucket Purse by Sherwin Boyer, early 1950s, having cane weave on rattan staves, a carved whale tooth sperm whale by Charlie Sayles on a rosewood top, carve whale tooth clasp and peg, and a shaped swing handle fastened with carved whale tooth knobs; the oak bottom plate is inscribed faintly with his double Boyer in a circle stamp. A beautiful purse by one of the finest early makers.

Measures: 6-3/4 in H x 7-1/2 in L x 6 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.