BD, London, England, 1774-75.

BD, London, England, 1774-75.
Exceptional George III oval cake basket, BD, London, England, 1774-75, with an arching articulated handle, profusely pierced body, gadrooned and pierced foot. The handle is cast and chased, the piercing harmonizes with the basket. Each handle juncture features superbly cast scrolls topped by bare breasted female busts. The top of the handle is crested, a clenched fist brandishing a riding spur, engraved ''FORGET NOT''. The upper basket is delicately pierced in a variety of repeating motifs, festooned with garlands, flowers, and four Phoenix-like birds along the border. The center of the basket is engraved with a Rococo style cartouche enclosing a geometrically quartered crest with a stippled field and cross hatched design. Right of the cartouche an engraved pelican, to the left a split shield signifying the joining of two families. Fully hallmarked. 12''h, 16''w, 11-1/2''d. Total approximate weight 44.1 troy oz. Provenance: Lois Spring, Sheffield, MA, 1967. Note: There can be little doubt that the extraordinary design and crafting of this basket was made for a wedding occasion, the impaled crests would indicate this. The addition of the two bare breasted female busts can certainly be read as a symbol of fecundity. The maker of this basket is listed in Mr. Williams' files as Burrage Davenport. This may be his work, however, his known output includes sugar tongs, a muffineer, mustard pots, and the like. A basket of this sophistication would perhaps be beyond the reach of a silversmith with such a modest oeuvre.