Vintage Nantucket Lightship Basket Purse w/ Scrimshaw

Up for auction is a nicely made oval Nantucket basket purse. Just like the antique Nantucket purses of old, this nice basket features a bentwood swing handle with ivory-colored pins, the customary hardwood starts, and a carefully crafted wrapped bentwood rim. Also be sure to notice the leather hinges in back and also the front lock, exactly like the Nantuckets of old. The weaver used narrow splints and ribs, and this basket is symmetrical and nicely woven. The center of the lid has an ivory-colored scrimshaw motif of a sea otter. I don't think I've ever seen a sea otter scrimshaw before, and it's one of the most appealing designs I've ever seen. The underside of the lid has a small oval three-dimensional rose motif. The basket is unsigned, and the rose may be the weaver's "signature." This attractive Nantucket basket purse makes a beautiful piece for display or could still be used for its original purpose.

The basket is a nice medium size, measuring 8½" x 7" across at the rim and 6½" deep - about 12" to the top of the handle when it is raised. Very pleasing proportions! This beautiful basket is in near-perfect condition. The leather hinges and locking mechanism are intact and still work. The only possible issue is the fact that some of the color of the rattan has worn away, most noticably on the lid, although there are no breaks in the rattan weavers or the splints. It's an older Nantucket basket, and is in great shape for its age. See the photos; they give a true picture of the basket's condition. It will make a terrific addition to someone's collection of American folk art baskets or purses.

Additional Notes: I will be happy to provide discounted shipping for multiple purchases. Please don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions, and please take a look at my other auctions to see more old baskets I'm listing today.

Click here to see my other listings.

Click here to read my eBay guide on Indian baskets.

---

On Sep-22-07 at 12:50:46 PDT, seller added the following information:

Use the FREE Counters 1 million sellers do - Vendio!