Aesthetic Movement Victorian Pairpoint Silver Plate Cake Basket Seashell Design

 

A heavy base metal has been silver plated with a repousse design of seashells, coral, and seaweed. The round basket has a crimped edge with a tiny undulating etched border design. The handle, which is attached by two round insets to the central plate, has a beaded finial with flourishes. The basket is supported by four florid feet. There is an apron above the feet with a repeating arabesque pattern.  

 

There is a stamped mark on the base. It reads PAIRPOINT MFG. CO QUADRUPLE PLATE 1255.

 

9 ¾” (24.8 cm) diameter x 2 ¾” (7.0 cm) tall (10” (24.5 cm) tall with handle extended)  

Weighs 1 lb 10.1 oz (740 g)

 

The basket is in good shape with no dents, cracks, or breaks. The base looks like it was sprayed with a gold finish that was not original to the piece. Luckily you don’t see it from above. If you had the piece re-plated, this would be gone. The upper surface has shined up well and still has some silver. There are wear scratches to the dish but they are small and don’t detract from the glittering, shiny look. The handle will stand up but more often it falls.

 

A shiny work of the Victorian metal workers art that is so fanciful and fun. This cake basket will brighten a dark room. A serving piece from the Belle Epoch Era.