Large Georgian Bread Basket, 1819

Generically called "cake baskets" this large piece would be ideal for presenting bread in the form of slices or rolls. It stands on a sturdy skirt foot and has a well made hinged handle for carrying and passing around the table. Typical for the premier maker, William Bateman, it has a good hefty feel in the hand and just oozes high quality.

The centre of the dish is engraved with a contemporary to manufacture coat-of-arms above the motto "FUIMUS" (translates to "we have been") and surmounted by a lion passant crest. These relate to the Bruce Clan. Discreetly engraved to the underside edge is the following inscription: "From Mr & Mrs Brooke Smith to their niece Ann Bruce a token of affectionate regard 17th June". The basket is in fabulous condition.

William Bateman is widely ackowledged to be the most proficient of the famous Bateman family of silversmiths. His high quality output was of the requisite standard for the Royal Goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge & Rundell for whom he manufactured some magnificent pieces.