A very fine & unusual George III Bread Basket made in London in 1786 by Thomas Chawner.
A very fine & unusual George III Bread Basket made in London in 1786 by Thomas Chawner.
375068
The Basket stands on a solid oval spreading foot which is decorated with beading. The main body has an unusual navette design, with beaded rim, which is pierced and engraved with diamond motifs and a very unusual, wide, band of linked scrolls decorated with prick dot and linear designs. The sides are also engraved with herring bone bands in addition to wriggle work bands and stylised flower heads, with tassels below. The centre of the bowl is engraved with a contemporary shield shaped Armorial, with Crest above, surrounded by an oval bright cut and wriggle work engraved cartouche. The Armorial has tied ribbons above and beautiful floral garlands below, with oval paterae and herring bone garlands. The arched handle is pierced with diamond motifs, echoing the designs on the main body. This piece is in quite excellent, crisp, condition and the decoration has been executed to the finest standard. The main body is fully marked near the beaded rim and with the sterling mark on the inside of the handle.
This is the first time we have seen this specific design of decoration, which is not surprising as Thomas Chawner was an innovative silversmith. Thomas Chawner was apprentice to the prolific candlestick maker, Ebenezer Coker, and was the start of the Chawner dynasty of silversmiths which was to last for many decades. He had workshops at 9, Ave Maria Lane when this very fine pieces was made. Our heraldic advisor has traced the arms and they are those of the Parnell family impaling those of the Harte family.
Length: 15 inches, 37.5 cm.
Width: 9.75 inches, 24.38 cm.
Height to the rim: 4 inches, 10 cm.
Height to the top of the handle: 11 inches, 27.5 cm.
Weight: 23oz.
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