Irish Sterling Silver Sugar Basket - Antique George III (1791)

This exceptional antique George III Irish sterling silver sugar/bon bon basket has a plain oval rounded form onto an oval swept pedestal foot.

The surface of this antique silver basket is embellished a navette-shaped cartouche to either side, one bearing the contemporary bright cut engraved initials 'GST', and the other bearing the crest of a leopard's head erased and affronté charged with a cross pattée fitchée.

The rim of the body and foot are ornamented with applied reed decorated borders.

This Irish silver basket retains the original hallmarked reed decorated swing handle.

Maker: Matthew West

Date: 1791

This antique Irish silver basket with handle is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the foot and maker's mark to the handle are all very clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this example of Georgian silverware.

Length 17.2cm/6.77"

Width 11.7cm/4.61"

Height to top of handle 20cm/7.87"

Height to rim 12.3cm/4.84"

7.7 troy ounces/239.0g